My 2000 expy's 5.4L Triton Developed a coolant leak where the crosover connects to the Intake Manifold. Once I got it all tore down I found that the Plastic grove for the O ring was broken causing the O ring to blow Creating the leak.

Any body have any expierience with the dorman intake manifolds?
I really need this thing fixed, and dont have time to wait for ford
to open monday. would a dealer have it on site if I did wait? and
How much would it cost from the dealer?
Also on a side note:
While tearing down I noticed that the middle two plugs wells on the drivers side of the engine are full of oil, , one up to the top of the plug! I can see no leaks any where around or above the wells, so where could it be coming from?

Thanks to all

 

I haven't used any Dorman engine components. But I have used pretty much everything else they sell and I am always impressed. I'd be willing to bet it's better than the cheap crap Ford used. These 5.4L have notorious intake manifold issues. Also forget about the junk gasket from Ford, it is a brittle POS that tears easily when installing. Fel Pro is higher quality and cheaper.

Use Advanceautoparts.com buy online pickup in store, you can save upto 40% on parts. They will ship free as well on $75+. Do a google search for promo codes, and use the one that best suites your order.

 

I use the Dorman ones quite a bit. Mostly for the GM 3.8 motors. But I have used them for Fords too. You'll be happy with it.

 

Thanks. Ford wants $485 for it Dorman is $255 w/ thermostat all gaskets and hardware. Getting ready to change plugs then put it in. I'll let you guys know what I think after I'm done.

 

If advance has it you can knock $50 off of it with a promo code. Also RockAuto.com has it for $187 + shipping. I avoid pulling plugs in 5.4Ls like the plague, don't do it unless you have to. Hopefully you get lucky and it all goes well for you.

 

why wouldnt u change the plugs out since u are right there?

 

It's pretty much a 50/50 shot that some of the plugs break off in the head. I'm laid off, and here at home I don't have the special tool for removing the broken plugs. Nor do any of my customers have the money to pay for the job. 3v plugs don't come out here unless there is an existing problem.

 

It made more sense to do the plugs than not. Everything is back together and running smooth. Dorman Intake seems ok. Will let you know more when I do.

 

Awesome man!

 

well im going to pass on changing the plugs. i dont want them to break off in the head. it was running just fine before so im going to leave them in. amazon has the cheapest dorman intake kit.

 

The higher the mileage the riskier it gets. However there are write ups with special precautions to be taken that can help breakage. I'll try to find you one later.

 

Just did a plug change for a friend with a 3 valve explorer after he was quoted $600-$900. Not sure it helped but ran Seafoam into the vacuum line the day before and had him drive it awhile. We only broke one plug and you could see it was from the carbon build up on the plug. I could see there was some on all of the plugs, just not as bad. With the cost of the tool and plugs we did the job for $225 and took about 2 hours.

 

I need to correct the misinformation on this thread...the spark plugs breaking off in the heads is NOT a problem with the 2 valve 5.4s; ONLY the 3 valve 5.4s have this issue.

 

I too was going to correct this once I read it to this point. This issue with plugs and this engine as well as the 4.6L is plug blow out.

 

The manifold works fine, but there is a fitting that sticks up out of the aluminum crossover (I am assuming it is some modification by Dorman for flushing or something because it is not on the factory intake) that has a rubber cap secured with a hose clamp. The cap blew out and directed the flow straight into the alternator which fried it. Bought a set of universal caps at auto zone for $3.20. Alternator runs from 114 to 179.

MY ADVICE, IF YOU USE A DORMAN INTAKE REPLACE THE CAP WHEN YOU INSTALL!!!!

Just installed the intake manifold 6-8 months ago and it seems alittle early for all this, but who knows how long ago the cap was installed by the manufacturer and in what kind of climate conditions it has been in untill I bought it.