When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My 2000 ford windstar develops a somewhat embarrassing engine knock after about 200 miles of driving. The oil level is fine and the oil light has never come on. It does't do it all the time thats what does'nt make sense. Oil changes are pretty regular at 2000 miles with motorcraft 5w30 and motorcraft filter.
how many miles on engine? any unexplained coolant losses?
listen to engine with stethascope or section of garden hose as listening device...bottom oil pan, top valve covers, front cover, water pump, air compressor and try to pinpoint noise
yes way to little information to be able to make an accuate diagnosis. It may not even be coming from the engine, I have heard steering pumps and a/c pumps making strange sounds after they have got hot, your going to have to leave some more info for us.
I took the van to the auto parts and came up with p171 and p174 code. The guy told me one bank was reading lean and the other rich. I don't know if that would have anything to do with the engine knock. As far as the engine knock goes it sounds like its under the black upper intake cover. I'm not exactly the most mechanically inclined person so any help is appreciated cause it seems like the dealerships way to fix anything is trial and error.
is the engine running hot on heat gauge or does it smell hot?
MAF may need cleaning or replacement and/or the O2 sensor may need replacement....how many miles since MAF serviced or O2 sensor replaced
how many miles on rig?
From what I have been reading on other forums, the Windstar 3.8's around year 2000 have a problem with a baffle coming loose inside the black upper intake plenum which will cause a knock/rattle.
I think there is a TSB for this which calls for replacing the upper intake with a revised model. Or, I gusee you could take it off and JB Weld the baffle back, but I think I would go for the new one.
Here is a link that explains what to do to get rid of the 0171 & 0174 codes. Lots of good pictures too. You will find your knocking problem when you do the repair described. There is a list of TSB's at the bottom of the article.
I also have a 2000 winstar SE with 61000 miles and I got the same knock and same codes. to lean bank 1, to lean bank 2. If this is a common problem, shouldnt there be a recall on it. How could I find that out or who s to contact at Ford. Im a die hard Ford but this is the kind of thing thats driving alot of people I know to Toyota!!!