98 intermidiate hiss

[tempfixit]

98 3.0 engine, 197k.

I have a intermediate hissing noise that I cannot determine where it is coming from, seems like drivers side but not sure. Have code P0446. I tryed spraying some carb cleaner on vacuum hoses but didn't find any leak that way. I also tryed put the rear end on ramps but that work either they kept on sliding and jack stands are in use at this time.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

[wiswind]

P0446 is evaporative canister control solenoid malfunction.
I don't know if the hiss is normal or not......
Evap. canister is under the vehicle.....near the fuel filter, inside the unibody frame member.
You could try following the vaccum lines to see if they are intact.
Give things around the unit a good look to see if anything looks damaged, pinched or plugged.
Check the vaccum control solenoid up near the PCV valve line......should be on the firewall?

Has any work been done on the vehicle recently?
They seem to indicate a line of troubleshooting on AlldataDIY for this code....applicable to all windstar (3.0L and 3.8L).

[tempfixit]

Thanks wiswind,

I have not done anything to the engine as of now. The cel light is on for a while and then it will be off for a while.

The only thing that I have done since getting it is change the power steering fluid, changed the right contol arm and oil change on Sunday, but I did notice the intermitant hissing before. It is a higher pitched hiss. It does have a rough idle at times also, seems like when it does it when cel is off.

There is a vacuum hose that comes off the radiator driver side of the plenium that is a preformed hose that goes something on the firewall that is showing a lot of age to it, not brittle or crumbling but the outside comes off if you rub on it. WHAT IS THIS HOSE CALLED so I can get a new one.

I will get it on the ramps when I get a chance and do some inspecting.

thanks

[wiswind]

The 3.0L motor is different than my 3.8L.....so I am not familiar with it.
When you ask....make sure to mention, like you did here, that it is the 3.0L......not many of them out there.

Vaccum lines to something on the firewall......a big one (fat hose and big item) would be the hose to the power brake booster.

I think that the vaccum solenoid for the vapor canistor is mounted on the firewall, kind of on the driver' side.

I think that the EGR valve vaccum solenoid is mounted (on the 3.8L) on the back side of the upper intake manifold.
Follow the vaccum line from the top of the EGR valve.......as it will go to that solenoid.
On the 3.8L motor......the vaccum line from the PCV valve to the intake manifold can become soft......crack (and leak) or collapse when vaccum is applied.
Check that line......the 3.8L has hard plastic line and flexible rubber secions.

My '96 3.8L tended to need a can of Berryman's B-12 Chemtool added to the gasoline tank 2 to 3 times a year.
My injectors seemed to develop deposits.....and I could not find anything else that would clean them.....and I tried a LOT of different products.....including using a "maintenance" dose in every tank of gasoline.
Lucky......the Berryman's B-12 Chemtool......in the metal can is one of the cheapest fuel system cleaners.
I suspect that later year windstars might be less prone to these deposits than my '96 3.8L.... or maybe it is the gasoline in my area.

Newer windstars (1999 and newer) seem to commonly have issues with the coil pack......and that could also be an issue for rough running.

Spark plugs.....use Motorcraft or Autolite brand DOUBLE platinum plugs......platinum enhancement on BOTH the center electrode and the ground tab.
Other spark plugs....Bosch multiprong in particular can cause problems in the windstar.....brand new, right out of the box.

Spark plug wires can also break down.
When removing the plug wire from the spark plug.....grasp the boot part of the wire....and twist it on the spark plug to break it free.....then pull ON THE BOOT to remove.
My trick is to only have 1 plug wire off at a time.......it is just so easy to cross them up when putting them back on........

For what it is worth......I personally think that the 3.0L motor is the better motor....but that is just opinion.
Less stress on the tranny, no IMRC to act up........possible better fuel economy.