IMRC failure rate...

[Ed_Strong]

Are the '96 model year of the Windstar the most prone to IMRC failure? or iis it something that all model years with vacuum operated IMRCs will eventually fail needing repairs.
We own a 2000LX 3.8L model year with 36,000miles and was wondering if I should stock some new IMRC replacements for when the time comes to join the club or if this model year was actually improved or modified to withstand the punishment?
By the way, on what year did they do away with vacuum operated IMRCs? I haven't checked on mine so I don't know if they're vacuum operated or not!

[Freakzilla69]

Don't know about the 2000 but my '98 had vacuum actuated IMRCs. I say "had" because they failed, of course .

[rodeo02]

I would say the pre 1999's are way more prone to IMRC issues. The single electric actuator on the 1999+ seems to be much more reliable. Wow! only 36Kmi on a 2000?

Joel

[phil-l]

My 2000 LX 3.8 has electronic IMRCs. No problems at 80K miles.

The vacuum IMRCs on my '95 Ford Contour are still working at 70K miles; the IMRC control solenoid failed at about 40K (IMRC vacuum solenoids themselves still fine; the control solenoid is a common failure on Duratec V6s from this era; easy repair).

[wiswind]

I am afraid to say it......so I hope my ride does not hear me.
But my IMRC and actuators, etc is all original on my '96 with 177K miles.
Knock on wood.

[busboy4]

Hi
Like Wiswind, I have a high mileage (143K) van and the IMRC's were fine. Just following my lower intake manifold gasket fix they both quit operating. I traced it to the control solenoid on the back of the intake manifold. However, in the meantime while waiting for the part, I wrestled the valves to the to the closed position so the van would run better. In so doing I damaged (no visible damage) the forward valve such that it would no longer hold vacuum, and had to replace it.

So I now have one original and one new, and have put new plastic retainers (like $6+ each) on both. I also have the new control solenoid and the system runs as designed.

Once again: Rockauto.com now stocks IMRC valves for $71.

[gbusby]

My 2000 has the electric. (Single actuator) The only failure I had so far (100K) is one of the little plastic bushings broke off. Since they should only open at 2900 I just left it. I currently have the 171/174 codes and will do the EGR fix soon.