Ford I-6

[cavasinj]

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

[Torch]

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.

[wafrederick]

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.

[89Firebird2.8]

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

[butch h]

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

[scoopy03]

Originally Posted by Torch

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 ) 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

[ken0001]

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