[LeSabre97mint]

Mom2boyzz

Well....we're making progress. No CEL. The EGR ports cleaned, oil changed, fuel filter changed. These are all regular manitance items.

Have you read Wiswinds write up (the posts at the top of this forum) on the KNOWN problems with the windstars?

First off, the fact that there's no CEL and the engine is running poorly troubles me! Does the CEL light come on when the key is turned on but the engine isn't running? There may be codes even w/o a CEL light. Do you have a code reader?

I think a compression test is in order just to rule out any mechanical problems. This would be a good thing to do when the sparkplug wires are being replaced since it involves removing all of the sparkplugs. Let us know if you need more information on a compression test.


I'm leaning towards the ignition coil. This is a known failure item. The insulation coating starts to crack and the coil goes bad. When this happens spark doesn't get to the sparkplugs.

Now, as to headgaskets. They were a problem on 95 Windstars. On 96 and newer Ws the lower intake manifold gaskets are the trouble makers. Do you go through antifreeze? Are you having to add antifreeze on a regular bases? This isn't normal if you are. It's going somewhere. Lower intake manifold gaskets can leak antifreeze in to the engine. I know that I need to replace mine on my 98.

I'm sending you a PM.

Is there anyone near these good people that could give them a helping hand? Let's help them get to the bottom of this issue.

Regards

Dan