[cliff tate]

any one out ther with torqe on cylender heads for 97 4.2ltr v6. also has any one re used the head bolts. my engine was taking water threw the intake via the waterport.as gasket failed, is this comen. thanks for any help. cliff at ct1940@shaw.ca

[Kevin Varnes]

Check autozone.com in their repair section for the head torque values and sequence. I'm not as familiar with the 4.2's, but I would assume that they are the same as the 3.8 in their use of torque to yield head bolts. Do not reuse them. A new set of head bolts for a 3.8 is about $30. I can't imagine they are much more if any than that for a 4.2.

[cliff tate]

Originally Posted by Kevin Varnes

Check autozone.com in their repair section for the head torque values and sequence. I'm not as familiar with the 4.2's, but I would assume that they are the same as the 3.8 in their use of torque to yield head bolts. Do not reuse them. A new set of head bolts for a 3.8 is about $30. I can't imagine they are much more if any than that for a 4.2.

THANKS FOR THE HELP got the info4.2 same torq as 3,8. my problem was int manifold leaking at water port and water sucked into intake port indicateing blown head gasket. do apreciat the help cliff

[matt167]

if the thread goe's all the way up to the head, it's probably a TTY bolt, it could still be a standard bolt but TTY's are only made with threads all the way up to the head.

[Kevin Varnes]

I'd have to disagree with that. I've got a bucket full of used Ford 3.8 TTY bolts out in my garage and none of them are fully threaded.

Cliff, if you do indeed have blown headgaskets then I usually like to mill the heads a minimal amount before reinstalling them to ensure they are flat. However, I believe Ford went to MLS head gaskets in '97 on the 3.8 and 4.2. The MLS gaskets require a better sealing surface than the regular composite head gaskets you may be used to. I believe the MLS gaskets need a 60 Ra surface finish or better. Make sure you specify this to the machine shop before they machine them.

[solow3.8]

Originally Posted by cliff tate

THANKS FOR THE HELP got the info4.2 same torq as 3,8. my problem was int manifold leaking at water port and water sucked into intake port indicateing blown head gasket. do apreciat the help cliff

sounds like the same issue as the 3.8 blown head gasket