I am looking to buy an older work truck/hauler. I have read that the old I-6 Ford made in the early 90's was a solid engine, and usually helped make any pickup with it quite a reliable purchase. As I have been researching I have seen several 6 cylinder Fords listed as a 4.9L. Is that the correct/right engine size? Is there any truth to the thought that this is one of the better engines Ford made?

Thanks
Joe

4.9 liter sounds right, 300CID is a common straight six (I-6) engine size, 5.0 liter = 302CID, so again, it sounds right.

Straight six engines have been well known for their reliability and are (in general) very easy to work on, I personally don't know anything about this engine but I wouldn't think you would have any problems with it.

Suzuki has been reintroducing the straight six engine in some of its cars which is saying something about the I-6 engine when they choose to go with it instead of the more popular V-6 design.

I-6 engines are known for being torque-y in regards to hauling things, they take a while to get up to speed but they will get you and your load you where want to go.

Some things to watch out for on I-6 engines, the center cylinders tend to run hotter than the outer cylinders, pull the plugs and check for contamination or sludge on the plugs. Do a compression check and check for head gasket leaks between the cylinders, other than that the valve covers tend to leak after a while if they have cork gaskets on them.

Yes it is reliable.My father's clean up guy who also takes care of the scrap metal that has one close to 300,000 miles on it and it is a 1991 2wd.This one is beat up and it all it does haul scrap metal.

Thing is, isn't the 4.9 only available in the half-ton? half-tons have never been my first choice for hauling.

Some of the older F 250's had the six cylinder,mostly two wheel drive,but I know of one 4x4 manual transmission.

4.9 liter sounds right, 300CID is a common straight six (I-6) engine size, 5.0 liter = 302CID, ------> (true but really a 305 is 5.0 302 = 4.9 but it is easier to just call it 5.0 :eek: ) so again, it sounds right.

Straight six engines have been well known for their reliability and are (in general) very easy to work on, I personally don't know anything about this engine but I wouldn't think you would have any problems with it.

Suzuki has been reintroducing the straight six engine in some of its cars which is saying something about the I-6 engine when they choose to go with it instead of the more popular V-6 design.

I-6 engines are known for being torque-y in regards to hauling things, they take a while to get up to speed but they will get you and your load you where want to go.

Some things to watch out for on I-6 engines, the center cylinders tend to run hotter than the outer cylinders, pull the plugs and check for contamination or sludge on the plugs. Do a compression check and check for head gasket leaks between the cylinders, other than that the valve covers tend to leak after a while if they have cork gaskets on them.

they do tend to get mad sloppy with the valve cover leaks

I have an 88 F250 with the I6 engine, its has a 5 speed manual tranny, and is indeed made for pulling!!!
Great engine.