I've got an E350 with a 5.4 that has a broken metal coolant tube that goes into the intake manifold right at the #4 cylinder. It is broken right where it goes into the intake manifold. I have looked at other posts here and I'm still not sure of my options. Can I replace this tube? What does it actually do? Is it the coolant source for the heater core? I have rear heat, so it comes out of the intake manifold via this broken metal tube, then T's to the front and rear heater cores. Or is it just a source of coolant for the intake manifold that I can bypass? I can't seem to find a clear diagram for what is going on. Of course I am getting ready to take it out of town for Easter. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

A friend on mine had the same thing happen...yeah the pipe is "suppose to be replaceable...but...by the time you get this thing out ...alot of times the port that it plugs into gets eaten up/corroded to the point that the new pipe would not seal & they needed to have the whole intake manifold replaced.

now I can't say that this IS what will happen for you...but just be forewarned.

 

Did you get this tube replaced? I am working on mine right now, it had corroded off and and I got a replacement tube F75Z-9D428-CA. The new tube is a press fit, you will have to take the manifold off to get it in. I have yet to do mine but will let you know how it goes if you haven't done yours.