I have a 1997 F-150 4.2L V-6 It was leaking water between the timing cover and the engine block so i proceeded to replace the gasket. The cover was gaulded on the studs long story short I got a new cover replaced the gasket put everything back together. I started the truck as I was inspecting for leaks I heard a tapping sound I have no oil pressure what did I do wrong I can't figure it out.



Is it possible that the gasket is blocking a porthole for the oil?

 

the 97 and some 98 4.2 v6's had issues if you didnt service them on time. you may need to drop the oil pan and clean up the pickup tube screen or replace the whole pump and the screen.

 

Maybe I'll try that I was thinking of taking the timing cover back off it just seems weird that it was working fine before but now it isn't, like maybe i did something wrong.

 

While you have it apart, you should change the upper and lower intake gaskets too - they were a known issue on the 97 and early 98 4.2's. When they leak, they leak into the cylinders and can cause a hydrolock.

 

ok so there wouldn't be anything i did with the timing cover that would affect oil pressure

 

I was reading up on trying to remove the oil pan is it true you have to remove the engine to take it off

 

no, but on a 4x4, you have to drop the front differential, unbolt the engine mounts, and jack up the engine to gain the clearance to drop the oil pan.

 

ok i think I will remove the oil pan and inspect the pick up screen

 

isn't the oil pump on a 4.2l in the timing cover

 

Yes but I think there is a pick up tube with a screen in the oil pan Am I correct?

 

I just am frustrated at this point the truck was working fine just had a pretty good water leak between the timing cover and the block I changed the timing cover gasket and now I don't have oil pressure It doesnt make sense to me.

 

silly question,did you drain the oil pan after repair as coolant will run into pan when cover removed?

 

Not a silly question but yes I did drain the oil pan

 

have you dropped the pan yet to take a look? that would be the next logical step... it's really not as bad as you're thinking...

 

no I havent that will be my next step hope you are right about it not being too bad