FORD TSB for Spark Knock on Light Load / Acceleration

[wiswind]

FORD issued TSB 07-16-17 on August 20, 2007
The TSB is for 1996 through 2003 3.8L Windstar, as well as a number of other vehicles that use the split port / IMRC system.
The "spark knock" can be caused by disconnected IMRC linkage due to "linkage retainers".
They have you inspect to see if both IMRC rods are connected to the "motor", aka actuator and the runners.
There are 4 retainers, 2 white ones that connect the rods to the actuator(s) and 2 red ones that connect the rods to the IMRC runners.
The "runner" would be the shaft that goes into the lower intake manifold.....that has the IMRC "butterflies".

If the linkages are not connected, then replace the linkage retainers.
If they are connected, then there is no more information under the TSB (look elsewhere for the cause of the problem).

We have seen this issue a lot on this forum, worth checking out.
NOTE: A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) is NOT a recall. It is a service note intended to help service a vehicle.....like common causes for problems or to update a specification (like 5W-20 in place of 5W-30 oil or MerconV ATF in place of Mercon ATF).