GRRRRR 171 & 174 AGAIN

[rodeo02]

Wow, that's the first I've heard about replacing the full upper intake, $579 for a plastic clam shell. Whadda racket .
G/luck
Joel

[lewisnc100]

Didn't know you were looking over your mechanic's shoulder, but I'm still confused by your post. The upper intake manifold is only a $150 part for the black plastic clamshell that sits on top. The lower intake is more like $500 but I'm confused why that would be involved, maybe 12ounce or ModMech can jump in. There are no TSBs out there for a new lower intake manifold design, any chance you got a Ford item#?

The LH valve cover doesn't leak to the outside so your mechanic would not notice a leak, but has an internal hole in the baffle plate that allows excess oil to be picked up via the PCV line to the intake. With the new bolts you shouldn't get a leak again but your EGR ports will clog up more quickly than with the new valve cover design. It's just strange to me that your mechanic does a repair for $1000 but doesn't swap the $50 part that is the root cause of the excessive oil. I doubt going to the new design eliminates the oil pickup, but anything that will extend the time to clean the EGR ports would be worth it.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by Goldlexus

I am positive that the intake manifold was replaced. I saw the old intake manifold, I do know what a valve cover is (the black cover on top) and a intake manifold.

I too am confused.

The black cover on top is the intake (upper intake at that). The valve cover is aluminium and to the sides. (at least I don't believe it is black in colour).

[lewisnc100]

The original bad design valve cover was black, the new design is silver aluminum. This picture shows the new design silver LH valve cover in the front and the black plastic upper intake manifold in the background.

http://groups.msn.com/FordWindstar/s...oto&PhotoID=24

[Goldlexus]

Originally Posted by lewisnc100

Didn't know you were looking over your mechanic's shoulder, but I'm still confused by your post. The upper intake manifold is only a $150 part for the black plastic clamshell that sits on top. The lower intake is more like $500 but I'm confused why that would be involved, maybe 12ounce or ModMech can jump in. There are no TSBs out there for a new lower intake manifold design, any chance you got a Ford item#?

The LH valve cover doesn't leak to the outside so your mechanic would not notice a leak, but has an internal hole in the baffle plate that allows excess oil to be picked up via the PCV line to the intake. With the new bolts you shouldn't get a leak again but your EGR ports will clog up more quickly than with the new valve cover design. It's just strange to me that your mechanic does a repair for $1000 but doesn't swap the $50 part that is the root cause of the excessive oil. I doubt going to the new design eliminates the oil pickup, but anything that will extend the time to clean the EGR ports would be worth it.

It was the lower intake manifold. Not the plastic clamshell.
Here is a picture of what was replaced.
http://groups.msn.com/FordWindstar/s...oto&PhotoID=22 The mechanic looked that the PCV and it was clean as a whistle no signs of problems.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Goldlexus

It was the lower intake manifold..

Ahhh.. that makes sense ($579). I'm wondering if you had vacuum leaks around the IMRC throttle shaft bushings that prompted the replacement of the lower intake?
anyway... thanx for the clarification!

Joel

[rawkitmann]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

Goldlexus,

I have a copy of the TSB that we have been discussing. Will be happy to forward it

I just got the 171/174 codes of imminent trouble on my 2000 3.8, and am going through all the threads on the subject. DRW1000, would you mind sending me the TSB you mention? My email, for all the world to see, is [email protected].

Thanks!

[DRW1000]

Done......................and Done.

Good luck with your repair