Questions on Isolator Bolt Fix

I am thinking of doing the isolator bolt fix myself. I have the bolts and gaskets already. In looking over the engine compartment, I know that I can get the upper cover off with no problem, but I am not sure that I am comfortable enough to take the lower cover off.

My questions are: can I get away with just replacing the isolator bolts, or do I have to take the lower cover off and replace the gaskets as well?

I figure that if I only do the isolator bolts, then it should take me about an hour.

Thanks in advance.

The isolator bolts are what holds the lower cover on. Once you remove them, your 30 seconds away from getting to the manifold gaskets. Go ahead and change them!!

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http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/1366/38lupperintakeremovednt3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
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Below is the view after the spacer is lifted. The aluminum intake "lower" is now accessable, with the EGR jets that likely need cleaning.
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http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/9760/pict0017yo1.th.jpg (http://img113.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict0017yo1.jpg)

Okay, but now I have some more questions:
- can the upper come off just by removing the 15 or so bolts holding it down, or do I have to remove air filter and throttle cables?
- once the upper is off, what other than the isolator bolts has to be removed to get the intake spacer removed?

Thanks again guys.

ON A '99:

1) The two-piece "upper" is removed with the 14 screws ... nothing else.

2) The easiest way to then remove the "spacer" is to: (A) remove the air filter canister (one elect connector, one 1/4" hose on the rear underneath, one hose clamp at throttle body ... if you do any more, you're doing too much!), (B) Disconnect the two elect connectors to the IAC valve and the TPS, (C) Remove 8 isolator bolts .... and then, (D) lift the spacer, complete with throttle body and cables still attached, over upside-down onto the driver-side fender area. ( I wish I had taken a photo showing the spacer in this position ... just failed to do it.)

Some do this without removing cowling ... not with my Popeye arms!

And there are some more things that are probably in the way (not part of the intake system ... just "in the way") that I'm forgetting ... various harnesses, hoses, plug cables, etc that will be obvious to you.

Thanks!!! This is exactly the information I was looking for. Heading off on vacation next week, but will do the isolator bolts when I get back.

Be sure to use this site for detailed instructions: http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

I suggest taking off the cowl for easier access.

I removed the cowl. I think it added maybe 45 minutes to the job. Made access to everything behind the engine a LOT easier.

Dan D
'99 Windstar

I removed the cowl. I think it added maybe 45 minutes to the job. Made access to everything behind the engine a LOT easier.

Dan D
'99 Windstar
Yes remove the Cowl.. If not careful without the cowl remove you can crack the upper intake baffel when you try to put it back on.. With the cowl off everything
goes a lot easier...