2003 winstar gl 3.8l coolant leak

[12Ounce]

Actually, as the block or the heads are "surfaced" ... the heads are lowered a bit on an angle. But the enclosed angle between the heads stays the same .... so using the same thickness gaskets, the intake manifold stays the same height away from the crankshaft. But relative to the heads, the intake has shifted upward .... not a significant amount, and accounted for within machining limits.

Using thicker gaskets would aggravate this shift between the heads and intake ... better (in theory) to have thinner gaskets and let the intake lower along with the heads.

Do not change thicknesses of gaskets unless directed by Ford service documentation.

[wiswind]

I went by what the parts person at the counter at the dealership told me.....he asked me if the heads had been off......If no....then 3mm, If yes....then 4mm.
I can only go by what they told me.....which may have been correct or not......I don't know if he was reading this or thinking it up.
It is the same person who gave me "general purpose" RTV for the corners.....which was the wrong stuff (not sensor safe).
The parts system at the dealership is the best that I have seen as far as a parts breakdown...and identifying the parts.
I thought of buying a short term membership on motorcraft website....and copying the diagrams to my computer....but it would be a LOT of stuff.
I agree......stick with the documentation.....wrong part.....not so good repair.
For these gaskets....there is not much room for error.
The new gaskets from FORD, however, are greatly improved.....so this should be a 1 time repair.

[12Ounce]

Think of the damage that fellow can do .... and personally believe he's doing a super-good job all the while ... serving the customer very well.

"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing" ... especially to others.