1998 Windstar Oil/Water in Throttle Body and Air Duct Hose

[Microman]

What kind of cost should I be looking for just the lower intake gaskets?

And if I have them do it, what should I make sure they do when the manifold is off?

I assume there is no way for you to know if I could do this job myself. Since I am at the age, where I enjoy doing a job and learning something new, but not to the point of bending over a car and getting a sore back. I can follow instructions, but always hate getting to that point where you don't know how somthing comes apart. You know there is a "trick" or "tool" but have to ask someone.

I just cant figure out where to take it. It is so hard to find a good mechanic that knows what he is doing, without trying to sell you a head gasket.

Will have to ask around. There was one place that was recommended the other day, when I showed Autozone that picture, they said to go down to PurFect Auto in Bellflower. I showed the owner the picture at the top of the thread, and he was thinking head gasket and quoted around $1,000. Another place that saw the picture quoted 1600, also thinking head gasket, but said it could only be the intake manifold gasket. Maybe I will call them and see what just intake manifold would cost, and if they agree that it might be the problem.

Right now, without knowing for sure, I will keep the Bars Head Gasket Sealer on the shelf. And I would be glad to go buy a genuine PCV Valve and another PCV Grommet from the dealer, if you think it would help.

Just went outside and checked and the old Motorcraft PCV valve is still in place in the valve cover grommet in the rear of the engine. So it has no trouble staying in place. I did notice the Autozone PCV Valve seem to fall into the hole.

Just called the purfect auto place. Guy says he remembers the picture, but that "That much blow by, I think it is lower in the engine" but "We would have to take it apart on top to see if the gasket is bad, etc".... Forgot to ask how much, but that is better left to an in person visit

[wiswind]

I have pictures posted, that the link in my signature takes you to, that include a series that show what is involved in the lower intake manifold gasket job.
Looking at those pictures will show you what is involved.
I am guessing that the cost would be $450-$600.
At the same time, I would also have the "crossover pipe" (shown in my pictures) and the thermostat replaced, if they are original.
Of course, a good cleaning up of the EGR ports and IMRC "butterflies) is in order.

A good mechanic (that would not be me) can do some additional tests to diagnose whether the head gasket is defective.

The other leak that is very possible is the Front cover, aka timing cover, that I already mentioned.
I do not have pictures posted of that......as I have not done that job......and if I had to do it......I would have my shop do it......
The front cover has the water pump and the oil pump mounted on it.

I would not be driving the vehicle while it is leaking this much coolant into the engine, or you could end up with a lot of internal damage.....bearings, etc.

[apollo2000]

Hi MARZBX157,


can you send me or post the pictures of your oil catch can setup for ford winstar. Also where and the type you purchased it.
I am getting oil in the air intake and this seems to be the only solution left for me.

Also can you let me now if that solid thin small tube that connects to the back side of the flexible air intake rubber, is supposed to fit loose and not tight close fit. Mine seems to be very loosely connected and can drop out at easily, dont even need to pully it, just jiggling the rubber tube makes the small back side tube come out.