Plastic intake upgrade?
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Plastic intake upgrade?
I have a 00 F250 with the 5.4 engine. About a month ago I realized that my coolant was a little low so I topped it off. The next day it started missing and only running on about 6 cylinders. I assumed a coil or two were failing but when I pulled the coils I noticed standing antifreeze in cylinders 5, 6, 7 and 8. I blew all the antifreeze out and cleaned the coil boots and it ran fine. I left the coolant level where it was in the resevoir this time. Now the other day it started missing again and I noticed my coolant level is lower yet. Im assuming its draining into the plug cavities again. So I did some research and found that the plastic intakes do fail around 150k or so. My truck has about 165k on it. My question is should I just replace the gasket, the entire intake, or is there a better or upgraded intake I can use? Thanks!
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Unfortunately you would have to pull the intake and check it for micro cracks. Paying attention to what the gasket looks like (bad spots). Taking a straight edge and sliding it across the mating surface to check for any warpage due to age and heat. I am sure this is what your thinking too. The fun never stops.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Clearwater Fl.
I have an 01, and I would like to replace mine with an aluminum intake. I didn't know Ford made an aluminum intake. Will it fit an 00 or 01? Why they made them out of plastic, I don't know. I just subscribed to this thread. Maybe you could look into seeing if they will work. Some years had different designs. Here is a link to an aftermarket intake, but it doesn't give a cost.
ModularHeadShop 5.4 2V intake page
ModularHeadShop 5.4 2V intake page
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Boston
In 2000, Ford switched to the PI heads with plastic PI intake...they add about 15hp with improved flow, and maybe offer cooler air than AL intake. No aftermarket intake manifold options for our trucks. Best thing for you is to fix the gasket and replace the stock manifold if needed, they can be found low cost on ebay or used also.
NC
NC
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Thanks for the input. So one more question.........Ive heard that the intakes commonly go out after the miles get up there. I dont know if that is true or not but with my truck having 165k on it do you think I should just put a new intake and gasket as opposed to just the gasket. Id just hate to determine that its in good shape, use it and then have it go out in a year. Has anyone heard of the intakes failing after time? Thanks again for the replies!
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I personally don't think that all intakes "go" at 150 to 200k. I think its all based on the many factors based on ones driving habbits. Also nobody goes online and says they have 165K and their intake is in mint condition. Its always the negatives we read and relate it to all trucks.
Are you always in the hot hot sun
do your valve covers leak and oil is cooking on your runners
do your engine go from 20 below to 200 above every day
Humidity, Dry weather, Is it hot and then you go river diving with it
Factors, Factors and more factors. I don't believe its an issue like the aluminum triton head/spark plug thread problem that ford had.
Are you always in the hot hot sun
do your valve covers leak and oil is cooking on your runners
do your engine go from 20 below to 200 above every day
Humidity, Dry weather, Is it hot and then you go river diving with it
Factors, Factors and more factors. I don't believe its an issue like the aluminum triton head/spark plug thread problem that ford had.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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Plastic Intake leaking
With the temp. going from hot to cold in NC my plastic intake started leaking at the very back of the engine on to the exhaust with only 130,000 miles. I actually found a new replacement intake (Dorman 615-188) at amazon.com for $164.00. I am suppose to receive it tomorrow. Also, I read 1 of the reviews and is stated that it came with everything including a thermostat. Not a bad price and hopefully I'll get 100,000 more miles.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Huntersville, NC
The plastic intake manifold failed (leaked) at 75K miles on my 1998 Mustang GT. Specifically, it leaked where the radiator hose connects to the plastic intake manifold, which was "partially" made of aluminum. Ford redesigned the plastic intake manifold to have a "full" aluminum radiator connector due to the high temperature of the coolant.
It cost me $455.00 at the dealership for the repair. As it turned out, Ford had a recall of the original plastic intake manifold and I was reimbursed six months later.
It cost me $455.00 at the dealership for the repair. As it turned out, Ford had a recall of the original plastic intake manifold and I was reimbursed six months later.
