98 Windstar-Will 3.8L come through hood?

[Smurf-Slayer]

Can anyone tell me if the 3.8L V-6 in a 1998 Windstar will come out of the vehicle through the hood?

Or does it have to come out the bottom via the subframe?

Thanks,
-Chris
Glendale, AZ USA

[fcrew]

Yes it will with a little work. Easier if you disconnect the exhaust manifolds from the heads first. No need to take off the "y" pipe when doing this but make sure you support the transmission when removing the engine, you can use a floor jack to hold it up then after the engine is out of the way you need to support it so it doesn't tilt toward the right side of the van, I use a 2x4 cut to length. This also prevents the trans from resting the right side half shaft on the sub frame.

[CoachKarl]

Golly, I disagree.

I've seen my engine dropped out the bottom by 1 guy inside of 3 hrs. I don't see how you could possibly have the clearance to disengauge the trans without first dropping the whole drivetrain.

Karl

[fcrew]

I work in Oakville where we build the windstar/freestar and yes, it does get put in from the bottom but l have replaced two engines in the windstars, a 1996 and a 2001, both were abused- oil changes in the 12,000 to 15,000 mile intervals, at home and both came out from the top. If you pull off the bottom crank pully you have lots of room.