Ford 4.2 Engine (History, Specs & Peformance)

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Written By Thomas Anderson

If you’re looking for information on the Ford 4.2 engine, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of everything you need to know about this engine, including its specs, performance, its features, and Common problems.

What is Ford 4.2 Engine?

A Ford 4.2L engine is a V6 engine that was used in the Ford F-150 from 1997 to 2008. It is also known as the 4.2L Essex V-6. The 4.2L engine was replaced by the 4.6L Triton V8 in the 2009 Ford F-150.

The 4.2L Essex V-6 was a 90-degree V6 engine that was produced by Ford Motor Company at the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The engine was introduced in the 1997 Ford F-150 and was used in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the E-Series, Expedition, and Mustang. The 4.2L Essex V-6 was discontinued in 2008, when it was replaced by the 4.6L Triton V8.

The 4.2L Essex V-6 was a reliable engine, but it was not as powerful as the V8 engines that were available in the Ford F-150. The 4.2L engine was rated at 202 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 4.6L Triton V8, which replaced the 4.2L Essex V-6 in the 2009 Ford F-150, was rated at 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque.

If you are looking for a used Ford F-150 with a V6 engine, the 4.2L Essex V-6 is a good option. However, if you are looking for a more powerful engine, you may want to consider a used Ford F-150 with a V8 engine.

Ford 4.2L Specifications

The 4.2L Essex V6 engine was a 90-degree V6 engine produced by the Ford Motor Company at the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Introduced in 1996, it was used in the Ford F-150 from 1997 to 2008.

The engine was designed as a replacement for the 4.9L Cologne V6 engine. The 4.2L Essex V6 engine used a cast-iron block and had a bore and stroke of 3.81 in × 3.7 in (96.5 mm × 95.0 mm).

It had a compression ratio of 9.3:1 and used a sequential multi-port fuel injection system. The engine was equipped with hydraulic roller tappets and had an engine oil capacity of 6 quarts with filter.

The 4.2L Essex V6 engine was rated at 202 hp (149 kW) at 4,750 rpm and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm.

When it comes to choosing an engine for your vehicle, there are many factors to consider. One important factor is the displacement, or size, of the engine. The Ford 4.2L v6 Essex engine has a displacement of 256 cid, or 4.2 liters.

This is a relatively small engine, but it is powerful and efficient. Another important factor to consider is the material used for the engine block. The Ford 4.2L v6 Essex engine uses cast iron for the engine block. This is a strong and durable material that will withstand the wear and tear of daily driving.

The Ford 4.2L v6 Essex engine is also naturally aspirated, meaning that it does not require a turbocharger or supercharger to increase its power. This makes the engine more reliable and easier to maintain. The engine oil capacity of the Ford 4.2L v6 Essex engine is 6 quarts with filter.

This is a relatively small oil capacity, so it is important to check the oil level regularly and change the oil when necessary. The compression ratio of the Ford 4.2L v6 Essex engine is 9.3:1. This is a high compression ratio, which means that the engine is powerful and efficient.

The Ford 4.2L v6 Essex engine was used in the Ford F-150 from 1997 to 2008. This is a popular truck that is known for its reliability and durability. If you are looking for an engine for your Ford F-150, the Ford 4.2L v6 Essex is a great option.

Ford Vehicles that use 4.2L Essex Engine

  1.  Ford F150 (1997-2008)
  2. Ford F250 (1998–2001)
  3. Ford Freestar (2004–2007 )
  4. Mercury Monterey (2004–2007 )

Firing Order

The firing order of any engine is the order in which the spark plugs fire. It’s important to have the right firing order so you don’t damage your pistons and cylinders.

The firing order for a Ford 4.2L V6 engine is 1-4-2-5-3-6.

The cylinder numbers are listed from front to rear on each bank of cylinders (the left bank and the right bank). The first cylinder in each bank is located furthest away from you when standing in front of the engine on top of the head.