99 windstar imrc bearins leaking

[JoeChris]

In addition to the very low gas milage, gas tank back pressure and in preparation to perform the TSB03-16 it was discovered that there is vacuum leakage from both rocker bearings. Could this have been the initial problem?
I have the parts for the TBS but it does not have the bearings. Are the bearings replaceable (part number) since the manifold is expensive. Could a small leakage be normal? TKS in advance....

[12Ounce]

I just happen to be rebuilding my '99 3.8 and have been wondering about this issue. I doubt that the metal-to-metal seal (I don't see any soft parts around the shafts) would be leak free. As a test, I will try to get some gasoline to come thru to get an idea of how much ... but I kinda doubt I will find a significant leakage ... not anything like a split hose or something like that.

But I had already planned to daub lot of a synthetic hi-temp grease around the shaft when (if) I ever get to reassembly. This should help to slow up any air leakage. Maybe a rubber flat washer also.

This whole IMRC business is a big joke in my estimation.

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by JoeChris

In addition to the very low gas milage, gas tank back pressure and in preparation to perform the TSB03-16 it was discovered that there is vacuum leakage from both rocker bearings. Could this have been the initial problem?
I have the parts for the TBS but it does not have the bearings. Are the bearings replaceable (part number) since the manifold is expensive. Could a small leakage be normal? TKS in advance....

Hi
I have done the lower intake manifold gaskets on my '96 and have had a fair number of "codes" from my IMRC system that I have had to run down. Anyway, as I think about the construction of the lower manifolds, I can't really see where much air could come around the shaft seal for the "butterflies" and make it into an intake port. If any, I would think it would only make the end port as to travel further we have to assume leakage around the shaft all the way through the lower manifold, and at a sufficient rate to cause a problem.

I think the significant amount of rubber and semi-rigid plastic vacuum tubing, elbows, connectors, IMRC's, EGR's and other vacuum powered accessories would be much more likely sources of vacuum leakage and rough running.

Just an amateur opinion.

Best of luck