spark knock....

[newyorker1]

FORD issued TSB 07-16-17 on August 20, 2007
The TSB is for 1996 through 2003 3.8L Windstar, as well as a number of other vehicles that use the split port / IMRC system.
The "spark knock" can be caused by disconnected IMRC linkage due to "linkage retainers".
They have you inspect to see if both IMRC rods are connected to the "motor", aka actuator and the runners.
There are 4 retainers, 2 white ones that connect the rods to the actuator(s) and 2 red ones that connect the rods to the IMRC runners.
The "runner" would be the shaft that goes into the lower intake manifold.....that has the IMRC "butterflies".

If the linkages are not connected, then replace the linkage retainers.
If they are connected, then there is no more information under the TSB (look elsewhere for the cause of the problem).

We have seen this issue a lot on this forum, worth checking out.
NOTE: A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) is NOT a recall. It is a service note intended to help service a vehicle.....like common causes for problems or to update a specification (like 5W-20 in place of 5W-30 oil or MerconV ATF in place of Mercon ATF).__________________


this is the problem iam having, but i have no clue what to look for...is there a pic of this so i can see it. thanks

[northern piper]

here is a thread that discusses the imrc, arms and plastic retainers.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=770797

[newyorker1]

Originally Posted by northern piper

here is a thread that discusses the imrc, arms and plastic retainers.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=770797

If the linkages are not connected, then replace the linkage retainers.
If they are connected, then there is no more information under the TSB (look elsewhere for the cause of the problem).

my linkages are all connected, but were do i start looking? i get no CEL at all, just very bad and loud spark knock. when i got the van about 3 months ago i changed the plugs and wires and she ran fine till now.

[northern piper]

I think you are going to need to elaborate on "spark knock" and explain what problem you are actually having.

[newyorker1]

Originally Posted by northern piper

I think you are going to need to elaborate on "spark knock" and explain what problem you are actually having.

ok, here goes, when i start my van no problem, after i drive for 10 to 20 min i hear the valves knocking when i accelrate and when i cruise lets say at 45 miles an hour. when i slow down to turn and speed up i hear them. they do tend to get loud. but when the van is at idle no problem. i have been using the same gas since i have the van, mobil 87 octane. what do i do next.

[northern piper]

not knowing the year of your van, miles on it and how it's been maintained I don't know if it even sounds like you have a problem. When I drive my van, a 2000 3.8 with 130,000 km on it, I hear the valves/lifters.

[newyorker1]

Originally Posted by northern piper

not knowing the year of your van, miles on it and how it's been maintained I don't know if it even sounds like you have a problem. When I drive my van, a 2000 3.8 with 130,000 km on it, I hear the valves/lifters.

2000 SEL, 96000 miles, this is the valves knocking, not the lifters thats for sure.

[CnlK]

Do you have access to a scan gauge that can monitor the ignition timing for you? Maybe timing is to far advanced? Check condition of crank position sensor, is it loose? Otherwise try a tank full of mid octane or premium to see if there is a change.

[Ed_Strong]

Like CNLK said, I would try using a higher octane fuel for a trial. You don't have to fill up the tank, just let the fuel you have now go pretty low then put like half a tank of premium on the van and drive it like if you're trying to reproduce the simptoms you described before. If the knocking goes away then I would think you have a vacuum leak or a timming issue.

I have a feeling you're up for an Isolator Bolt fix soon if it has not been done already! Mine started doing this same knocking deal and I would get by just by putting higher octane fuel untill the CEL came on with the dreaded P0171 & P0174 Codes. You maybe at the same begining stage and would have to drive it for a while with higher octane as knocking is not good for engines and should be avoided. After replacing the Bolts and other related components on mine everything went back to normal. Hope this helps