Intake Manifold Help
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 1
Intake Manifold Help
I've had on on going coolant leak that required adding a gallon of coolant about every 500 miles. There were no visual signs of the source of the leak. Compression, vacuum, and coolant system pressure test did not indicate any problems. I noticed a puddle of coolant in the valley underneath the intake and believe the source of the leak is the heater hose that runs under the manifold. I've removed the intake and would like to get your opinion on the condition of the ports leading into the head. The coolant ports have about a 1/8 film of coolant sludge built up on them. All ports are covered with a wet black grime; some ports on the left bank are only partially covered. The valley has puddles of coolant/and oil. Is this normal for an engine with 135000 miles on it?
I've attached a picture of the port in my gallery.
Thanks
I've attached a picture of the port in my gallery.
Thanks
Last edited by sbclemens; Jan 4, 2008 at 11:18 AM.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Took my '03 Expey into a Kwik Kar to get plugs replaced. Mechanic showed me pooled oil/coolant pooled on block below manifold. Says manifold is plastic and cracks due to heat of engine. Did you ever figure your out?
Wedo43
Wedo43
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 1
My manifold is aluminum. The puddle was due to a worn o-ring where the coolant to water pump return tube connects to the water pump. This tube runs underneath your manifold. I would check out your compression and vacuum before investing in a new manifold. If your seeing oil, it could also be a bad head or manifold gasket.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Many thanks,
Did you need to pull the manifold in order to reach the part?
Where can I go to see the picture you mention?I'm about the do all the research I can on removing the manifold for my '03. It's a bit outside my comfort range, especially since no Haynes or Chilton manuals available yet.
Wedo43
Did you need to pull the manifold in order to reach the part?
Where can I go to see the picture you mention?I'm about the do all the research I can on removing the manifold for my '03. It's a bit outside my comfort range, especially since no Haynes or Chilton manuals available yet.
Wedo43
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
My '97 Crown Victoria had a cracked plastic intake manifold about 6 years ago. It had a 4.6 V8. At that time Ford charged me about $600 to replace the manifold. A couple of years later they had a sort of secret warrantee on the manifolds. I still had the dealer bill and they honored it--I got a reimbursement for the repair. Talk to a couple of dealers about this--see if you are covered.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 1
Yes you need to pull the manifold to see the tube. I pulled the picture. It wouldn't have been much help. I suggest waiting until you can get hold of a Haynes or Chiltons before starting the job. Be sure you actually have a problem with the intake before you start tearing into it. There are a number of tests you can do to try and isolate the problem.
1) Compression test
2) Vacuum test
3) Coolant system pressure test
4) Cylinder pressure test
When I pulled my manifold, I took pictures of every wire connector, nut, bolt, hose, etc. so that there wouldn't be any guess work on the reassembly.
1) Compression test
2) Vacuum test
3) Coolant system pressure test
4) Cylinder pressure test
When I pulled my manifold, I took pictures of every wire connector, nut, bolt, hose, etc. so that there wouldn't be any guess work on the reassembly.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Yes you need to pull the manifold to see the tube. I pulled the picture. It wouldn't have been much help. I suggest waiting until you can get hold of a Haynes or Chiltons before starting the job. Be sure you actually have a problem with the intake before you start tearing into it. There are a number of tests you can do to try and isolate the problem.
1) Compression test
2) Vacuum test
3) Coolant system pressure test
4) Cylinder pressure test
When I pulled my manifold, I took pictures of every wire connector, nut, bolt, hose, etc. so that there wouldn't be any guess work on the reassembly.
1) Compression test
2) Vacuum test
3) Coolant system pressure test
4) Cylinder pressure test
When I pulled my manifold, I took pictures of every wire connector, nut, bolt, hose, etc. so that there wouldn't be any guess work on the reassembly.
In regards to tests,
Compression - if valves are closed how can pressure leak out? For that matter if they're open how could they not leak air back out?
Vacuum - presuming you're talking cylinders, ditto above?
Coolant system pressure test - makes sense to me, oughta be able to see evidence of new fluid pooling under manifold if there was a leak. How do you do this test?
Cylinder Pressure Test - I'm obviously missing the boat here as it would seem this is the same as the 1st test above.
Steer me right.Thanks again!
wedo43
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 1
At this point, I would do two of the list of test:
1) Vacuum test. This will give you information on the condition of the upper engine including leaking vacuum lines, gaskets, or a crack in the manifold. Do this test first.
2) If the results of the vacuum test point to a leak, then pressurize the coolant system. If the system can't hold pressure, you know you have a leak. Use a flash light and a mechanics mirror to inspect as much of the manifold as you can. If the manifold is cracked you may be able to locate it in this way.
1) Vacuum test. This will give you information on the condition of the upper engine including leaking vacuum lines, gaskets, or a crack in the manifold. Do this test first.
2) If the results of the vacuum test point to a leak, then pressurize the coolant system. If the system can't hold pressure, you know you have a leak. Use a flash light and a mechanics mirror to inspect as much of the manifold as you can. If the manifold is cracked you may be able to locate it in this way.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote