2000 windstar intake oil leak,should I replace head gaskets while Im at it?

[mustangmanic73]

I have a 2000 windstar and have noticed a oil leak near the lower intake manifold. I have read that the front valve cover needs to be changed on some models and the intake isolator bolts seals. I have also read that the head gaskets on the 3.8 are faulty on some models. I have no problems now with the head gasket but was wondering if I should replace all of these while I have the engine down?

[tomj76]

In my opinion, you should leave the head gaskets alone unless they are leaking. The headgasket problems on the Windstar, from what I've read, are limited to the 1995 model with 3.8 L engine.

I've you've got the engine out, the I think more important items to replace would be the front and rear crankshaft seals, as well any any other rubber seals. Rubber tends to lose it's flexibility over time, and replacing them would be a good preventative maintainance step.

[wiswind]

I don't think that you need to pull the motor to do the TSB that is mentioned in the first sticky post in the windstar room.
First thing I would do is to do this TSB.

[mustangmanic73]

I bought the kit off ebay with the valve cover upgrade and the isolator bolts and seals. I thought all the oil around the intake was from the lower intake gaskets, but it wasn't. Inside the upper plenum was covered in oil through the old isolator bolt seals and the hole in the old valve cover. the oil on the outside of the motor was from the seals on the lower plastic plenum leaking. When I was cleaning up all the oil in the plastic upper plenum I took apart, It was not glued just 2 little clips. when I put it back together and started the engine It was rattling like a lifter was ticking. Had to take it back apart and glue back together with rtv sealer. let sit and dry for 24hrs, I put back together the 2nd time and all is well, no engine light. thanks to this forum for all the help