[wiswind]

I just was reading on another forum.....with FORD techs..... They stated that the 96 and newer 3.8L in the windstar is more likely to have the intake gasket fail than the head gasket.
They mentioned that leaking at cylinder # 1 is very common for the intake manifold gasket.

They also mentioned that the intake manifold gaskets come in 3mm and 4mm size.....and the production date of your car is as important as the year. My luck.....whatever size I would order would be the wrong size.......but I seem to remember that they were not very expensive....so If I was doing the job myself....I might order both sizes......and be sure to have the right thickness once I have everything apart.

I guess I am feeling like this is good news....as it is a much cheaper repair for intake manifold gaskets....

Also....Timing cover gasket leakage....it is a big gasket...but often...it can leak....and drip onto one of the catalytic converors......and thus...boil away without having a chance to get to the floor.
They mentioned that the loose bolts that people can find on the timing cover can be a result of the gasket deterioration......and with less gasket material in there....the bolts will then be loose. The timing cover leakage often results in coolant into the oil. But...again.....not into a cylinder. Timing cover gasket is cheap......labor to change is MAJOR on a windstar.