isolator bolt fix without the valve cover

[truckmsl]

Has anyone done the isolator bolt fix but not the valve cover replacement? Seems like if the isolator bolts were replaced, leaving the old valve cover wouldn't have much negative effect, other than possibly eventually gumming up the egr ports, which could be cleaned. Any thoughts?

[parkerb]

if you don't replace the valve cover then the pcv still has the chance of sucking up oil and returning it to the intake.

[phil-l]

The original valve cover can be easily modified to function as the updated design does. I bought a new valve cover and used it - but I should have gotten busy with some tin snips and pliers. It would have accomplished the same thing, and save me some bucks.

[wiswind]

The problem with pulling too much oil into the intake is that it goes on into the combustion chamber....and causes a build up of carbon inside the cylinders.....which leads to pinging.....and some other problems.
It is really important that the PCV system has the healthy draw, which reduces sludge buildup in the crankcase and oil breakdown, but the idea is to remove the vapors.....not liquid oil.
The modification to the valve cover does this.....maintains the needed flow through the PCV system, and prevents liquid oil from being drawn into the combustion chamber.

[Ed_Strong]

With the picture on this page as reference-
http://www.miracerros.com/mustang/pcv_filter.htm
and some tin snips or a hacksaw you can do this modification in about 15 minutes... thas how long it took me when I did the Isolator Bolts repair on my 2000 LX a few weeks ago.
What I did was bend the tab at the top right corner (upper arrow in left baffle picture) with pliers to the same angle (about 45º) as long air channel wall. Then I cut the bottom right corner (lower arrow in left baffle picture) with a cutting wheel (dremmel), you can use tin snips or a hacksaw.
I did cut the vertical lines at about the same position as the picture but didnt make the horizontal cut to remove the metal. Instead I used the pliers to bend the tab at a 90º angle creating a deflector for the oil.
Then I used a small screw and nut hammered at the threads to avoid it to become undone to block the extra hole in the baffle (lower arrow in right baffle picture).

[RickMN]

Dorman makes an aftermarket valve cover kit #615-177. $83.79 at www.rockauto.com. Ford Windstar 3.8L 2003-99. Includes Valve Cover, PVC Line, Fuel Pressure Regulator Vacuum Line, 8 Intake Isolator Bolts, Throttle Body Gasket, Idle Speed Control Gasket, Upper Intake Gasket, 6 Intake Port Gaskets.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by truckmsl

Has anyone done the isolator bolt fix but not the valve cover replacement? Seems like if the isolator bolts were replaced, leaving the old valve cover wouldn't have much negative effect, other than possibly eventually gumming up the egr ports, which could be cleaned. Any thoughts?

I never bothered to replace my valve cover. It's been about 2 years and at least 40 000 KM. No sign of trouble. I don't think I ever felt the new cover change was that significant. Besides I replaced the bolts with ones that should be oil resistant. If I have to go back in to clean the EGR ports one day I will.

[AvalonJohn]

Guys,

Have a 99 Windstar and have never changed the bolts or valve cover. I'm planning on doing it in July and looked to see if the valve cover had the hole at 5PM when I took out the PCV valve. Can't see it. I expected it to be there since it is a 99 WS. Is it possible it doesn't ahve the hole ? PCV valve is covered in oil. Also, anyone know the part number for the gasket if I replace the valve cover ?

Thanks,

AvalonJohn

[phil-l]

AvalonJohn -

The valve cover gasket is attached to the valve cover and - more importantly - is reusable.

The hole is pretty difficult to see. Is the exterior of your valve cover painted black (which is how it came from the factory) or unpainted cast aluminum ( a silvery color - which indicates it's the redesigned cover)?

[AvalonJohn]

Black. Think it's the original ? Does the replacement come w/ new gasket or do I take it off the old original ?

Thanks,

AJ

[phil-l]

The new valve cover comes with its own gasket.

Again, as noted earlier, modifying the old-style valve cover to function as the redesigned cover isn't difficult.