Leaking After 171 Fix

I just took possession of my 1999 Windstar. Among the receipts is one from Carmax dated 11/04 (car had 63K, now has 85K). The valve cover was replaced at that time (hole is not there thru PCV port), so was a vacuum line, and there is an item indicated 999396 OEM Generic Part-Lower Plenum, does this mean that the isolator bolts were replaced? Is this the complete replacement kit from Ford?

Also, there appears to still be some suction of oil up the tube and leaking, I am posting a pic:

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4262/windstarleak4gp.jpg

Shouldn't the fix have eliminated oil being sucked up? I'm considering going ahead and installing the in-line filter, good idea?

Thanks.

Bad idea, in my humble opinion.

I just took possession of my 1999 Windstar. Among the receipts is one from Carmax dated 11/04 (car had 63K, now has 85K). The valve cover was replaced at that time (hole is not there thru PCV port), so was a vacuum line, and there is an item indicated 999396 OEM Generic Part-Lower Plenum, does this mean that the isolator bolts were replaced? Is this the complete replacement kit from Ford?

Also, there appears to still be some suction of oil up the tube and leaking, I am posting a pic:

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4262/windstarleak4gp.jpg

Shouldn't the fix have eliminated oil being sucked up? I'm considering going ahead and installing the in-line filter, good idea?

Thanks.

I don't think you can ever know for sure what was replaced but why worry unless you get the 171/174 codes.

I doubt the new cover will stop oil flow into the PCV system. It might slow it down but even then I doubt it will have much affect. I honestly believe the folks aat Ford have simply came up with a very minor improvement and are just making money on it. As I said before I would never replace the valve cover based on this minor and insignificant (in my opinion) change.

I stopped by the Ford Dealer. The part number was a kit that included the lower manifold, replacement valve cover, and vacuum line. The lower manifold would have come with the new bolts. One would believe that the new baffle's purpose would have been to prevent oil flow up the hose, apparently that is not the case...

Some oils will evaporate more than others......so a different brand of oil might help. I am not sure of what brand to recommed thought.
Instead of installing a inline filter in the PCV line, which might clog and restrict flow......or....have the oil vapor run back down into the crankcase (the idea of the PCV system is to remove the vapors from the crankcase......and not return them)....I would install a "oil catch can".
You can buy one from ebay.......you will need the 9mm size. The catch can does just what the name implies, catches the oil out of the PVC line.....and holds it.
I bought one from AutoDomain for just over $80. You can get them much cheaper. I located mine up front, in between the radiator overflow bottle and the windshield washer fluid filler neck. I needed to buy more 3/8 hose to complete the installation.
It was very easy to install......1 line from the PCV valve to the catch can, and 1 line from the catch can to the plastic connector that the short hose from the PCV line had connected to.
I chose the location for ease of installation, ease of inspecting it.....and emptying the can when needed, and also thought the longer run might help to condense more vapor. The slowing down of the flow within the can gives the oil a good chance to condense and settle out of the air.......in the catch can......instead of in the intake manifold.
You would add the fluid that you drain out of the catch can to the oil that you are taking to the recycling center.
I have only had mine installed for less than 1 month. Did not notice any fluid in it yet....but I also put Redline 5W-20 oil in....which has much less evaporation (but is expensive).
The instructions that came with my catch can stated that the installation of this on a street vehicle is not legal in California.
Catch can installation is common on turbo charged and super charged cars, as they seem to have more problems with PCV vapors.
I would take the vapors in the intake as a good sign that the PCV system is doing it's job.......and removing bad stuff from the crankcase.
There are detailed pictures of the catch can installation in my pictures.

I have the updated valve cover already on the 2001 but you will still get oil through the PCV valve. I would use the motorcraft brand PCV valve..I pull the PCV valve line tube every time I change my oil and use throtle body carb cleaner
to clean the oil out of the line,,that helps a little..

The picture shows 2 years of accumulation. I cleaned everything up and replaced the PCV valve. I'll keep an eye on it...