Intake manifold runner control linkage

:runaround: I'm new at this so sorry if i'm doing this wrong.
I have a 2000 windstar. That the IMRC linkage
fell out and I'm not able to put them back because they
were out when I found them. So I don't know what whole they go in.
It's the electric type. One actuator for the front and back. Is there a manuel
or picture of where the linkage goes it would be a great help thanks.

I don't know if you got any reply to your situation or not. This same thing recently happened to me. The IMRC unit has 2 metal arms. The larger, "S" shaped one attaches to the rear bank (closest to the firewall) while the shorter, straighter one attaches to the front bank. The little plastic washers that allow the round end of the control rod to fit into the square shaped hole are the culprit. They can be bought on line for about 5 bucks each. At my ford dealer here in Canada they are $14.19 each!! If you need a picture of how they attach PM me and I'll get you a picture.

Piper

:runaround: I'm new at this so sorry if i'm doing this wrong.
I have a 2000 windstar. That the IMRC linkage
fell out and I'm not able to put them back because they
were out when I found them. So I don't know what whole they go in.
It's the electric type. One actuator for the front and back. Is there a manuel
or picture of where the linkage goes it would be a great help thanks.

You can buy them online. I got them at teamfordparts.com $4.79 each. You'll need 4 of them. Part # F5RZ9F955AB. What I did was putting the bushings in the square shaped holes first and then inserting the linkages.

Get the bushings at O'reilly Auto Parts:O'Reilly item number 47099. I got 5 of them for about $11 including shipping.

Thanks for all the info here. I got the parts and put them on, Just wanted to let you know that the parts from Orielly are actually products for the "Help!" line and the part Help! part number is: 47099. They are vacuum retainers/bushings. Most part stores carry Help! products so I would assume the local store will either have them or could order them for you. This would save all the shipping costs saving even more money.

I have another issue, I am missing one of the "S" Rods, ford says I have to buy the whole runner control. Not, I have looked in the scrapyards, these are not easy to find. Tried one that was close and tried to custom bend this rod to make the runners work right. However I must have missed the mark. Te rear one hung in there, and I have gotten the plastic bushings, but the one front rod is missing. Anyone find these to buy anywhere?

What year windstar do you have? I am sure that those rods are out there and can be found. We have two yards locally that are not the "you pull it" kind and often they have the later model cars. No way I would buy the whole unit or pay $15 each for plastic clips from Ford.

ok - but does the back rod go to the top or bottom on the IMRC

ok - but does the back rod go to the top or bottom on the IMRC

I just did this over the weekend, but I can't remember. Let me tell you how you can know for sure though.

If you pull the IMRC unit off, the cam should only rotate one direction. The rear intake manifold runner has to be pushed to open. So then just hook it up to the side that pushes

Here's a shot for you

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2978416450103248450sGENLX

picture's worth a 1000 words right??

N. Piper, You rock! - I've been scouring the internet to try and find a pic and it was nowhere to be found... until now!!!! It just didn't seem like the rear could hook to the top but it must. When I get it back off I'll be better able to see. It seemed like my S shaped rod wasn't at an angle like I see in your picture so maybe my got bent more straight. IDK. Like I said I'll see when I get it back off. The other issue I may have is; I heard that if you move the arm you put the IMRC out of whack and well... I did move mine so now even when I hook it up right I'm not sure what I'll get. I'll let you all know what happens.

I have to tell you the exact same thing happened to me (linkage moved independent of one another). I just set the IMRC on and gently moved the arms to align them. There really isn't a wrong way so it's not like you could put it on backwards or upside down which is good. The picture is for sure right and like you, I couldn't find one so I felt it my "windstar forum duty" to take a shot.

I hope it helps. And fwiw, my van has been running well (touch wood) since replacing the IMRC so I know the alignment is fine.

I have to tell you the exact same thing happened to me (linkage moved independent of one another). I just set the IMRC on and gently moved the arms to align them. There really isn't a wrong way so it's not like you could put it on backwards or upside down which is good. The picture is for sure right and like you, I couldn't find one so I felt it my "windstar forum duty" to take a shot.

I hope it helps. And fwiw, my van has been running well (touch wood) since replacing the IMRC so I know the alignment is fine.
~~
Thanks N.P. - I'm talking about the pivot arm that's on the IMRC. It doesn't move easily but I did turn it when I was hooking the linkage arms back up. I'll find out when I get it hooked up right if there's an issue.

Turns out I did have it right. I started the van and reved it up and the unit is working because I could see it opening the valves so i'm not sure what my issue is. It acts like it missing sometimes. The RPM'S will hop back and forth by 500-600 ?? but it's not all the time. I don't drive it much my wife drives it most of the time. I think I'll take it today and see what it's doing...

Here's a shot for you

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2978416450103248450sGENLX

picture's worth a 1000 words right??
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Northern Piper or anyone: I could really use that picture now, but it's expired or something.. That website where it was hosted seems to be just showing junk now.

Can you re-post it please ? Of if you can't but can send it to me by PM, please do that, it will really help !!

Update: I found some good pix using Google.. Here's a really good one, with good relevant info: http://www.justanswer.com/ford/5sfpu-1999-ford-windstar-mini-van-i-m-having-trouble.html

Thanks much !

I know this is an old thread, but I read through and just thought I'd add ..

for anyone looking for the plastic imrc linkage bushings in Canada, they can be found as DORMAN (help) pn 47099 VACCUUM RETAINER BUSHINGS. Not sure about in the US, perhaps they're sold by this or another name at OReilly's, Napa or wherever. CTC here in Canada used to carry a large selection of help products, but I bought mine at one of the larger regional parts suppliers for under $6 / pk of 5. The 'extra' bushing was invaluable in my case, as I somehow butchered one during my first attempt to install it. And yes, they are still ridiculously priced at around $13 each at the ford dealer.

On a somewhat related note, Dorman also has replacement intake isolator bolts (another common problem) listed as pn 55164. I paid around $30 / pk of 8 from a different, smaller supplier, and these too are a ridiculous $11 each at the dealer.

So I guess what I'm saying is, forget the ford dealer, shop around, and ask if they carry Dorman products. Hope this info helps *someone*.

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-27912-47099.aspx?origin=keyword

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-7732-55164.aspx

I hate to be a Party Pooper ... but:

Beware of Dorman Part #47099! Even though I'm pretty sure that the bushings recently in place on my '99 3.8 are/were Dorman's , and have been there for thousands of miles, doing just fine; last week I bought a new pack of five Dorman retainer/bushings from Advanced Auto ... and they each and all failed to grip the linkage rods at all! Compared to the Ford replacement part, the Dorman's have noticeably splayed fingers. Your experience may be different ... but beware. I doubt if this now is a one-off, but it may be a rare problem ... who knows? BTW, I tried the new Dorman's on the new Ford linkage rods ... still no good!

Ford bushings/retainers ... F5RU-9F955-AB ... approx $8 each
Ford linkage & retainer kit (includes 4 of above) ...EF2Z-9J559-D... less than $20

(I bought the kit.)