heres my question....does the 2002 windstars have the defect that allows oil into the intake in the valve cover?......IM getting the po 171 and po 174 on my 2002 windstar and in the past I had a 2001 that I did the intake isolator bolt fix and it worked great...but I bought the kit with the valve cover and after pulling the cover off my 2001 windstar I didnt see the tiny hole that they said was in some covers that let oil though...if I remember right they said some 2001 were corrected.....so does that mean the valve cover is ok on the 2002 models or do I need to buy the kit with the valve cover for my 2002? please let me know....thanks

I seem to remember reading that the issue was solved starting in 2001.
This link take you to a really helpful set of instructions and information on the issue http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

Take note of the fact that it is normal for you to STILL get SOME oil in through the PCV system.
It would be best to get a genuine Motorcraft PCV valve when you replace it.....
A PCV valve is more than just a check valve......it has a spring inside that serves to meter the flow under varying vaccum conditions......
Too much flow gives you too much oil drawn out, too little flow does not get the impurities out of the crank case....causing the oil to break down and sludge issues.

Agreed about PCV valve. Besides it is not expensive to buy from Ford and i founf the aftermarket fitting connections did not fit the existing hose etc.

I recall the issue with the cover was resolved so in the end some 2001's have the problem, while others do not. Meaning 2002 should be fine. The old covers were aluminum in colour (I think?) and the new covers are definetly black (my 2001 and my sister's 2002 are black).

The factory original valve covers, both the defective ones and the new style should be black.
The ones that you ordered as replacements were coming in silver....don't know if that is still the case or not.

I also seen you can buy the new grouments that go around the isolator bolts at autozone for 11 dollars think they are any good? or should I buy new bolts as well....was leaning towards buying new bolts....

I also seen you can buy the new grouments that go around the isolator bolts at autozone for 11 dollars think they are any good? or should I buy new bolts as well....was leaning towards buying new bolts....

schadd1971

I guess you could give just buying the grommets a try. The intake isn't that hard to take off if they don't do the trick. How much are the bolts? How much do you value your time? Some things to think about.

Dan