Ford 4.6L Plastic Intake Manifold Cracking Issues

Gary....I have put many new parts on this thing, I don't want to have my sweat equity go for naught. I have put new bearing hubs on, new brakes, new rotors, new rear springs, new coil pack, new front end suspension parts, and new tires. Just one more big hunk of plastic, and it is good to go. Plus, it is just a part time car for my daughter who is in college. So, I will throw a new manifold on and see how it goes. I would like to get another year or three out of it.    

Well, as long as it helped another Correct Craft to fight another day, that is the important thing. It was a noble and mighty warrior.

Gary S wrote: You abandoned a beloved Southwind with a lesser problem to its fate

Correction: I sadly gave it up to a warm, loving home that could give it the attention and care I was no longer able to.

Time to cut your losses Rt 14 in woodstock will give you an easy 400    You abandoned a beloved Southwind with a lesser problem to its fate

Explanation of manifold problems. It also warns about aftermarket problems.
Dave, maybe you should think again about getting that manifold from Autozone?

Next time you talk to Ford, we'll hook you up with 79 to act as a mediator!

Very good Dave! I see you have not lost your touch. Was wondering if anybody would catch my purposeful hypocrisy.

Plastics are great! It is amazing how they are used, but, like anything, if they are not designed or engineered correctly, there are going to be issues.

Yea Dave he's all right with it when he's selling but when it comes to buy

74Wind wrote: David now that you mention it I see that crack in the rear all the time. There wasn't a recall?

Jeff....There was some sort of "service bulletin", or some such B^&& S&t along the way. I was too late to have them do anything for me. There was also some sort of class action suit on the manifold situation. I called the corporate Ford "Customer Care" line today to ask them about both. While the lady had me on the phone, she asked if she could tell me about my local dealers "Quick Lane" service specials? I told her sure, but, I wouldn't be able to take advantage of it....BECAUSE THE DAMN CAR WON'T RUN, AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FLIPPIN' OIL CHANGED!!!!

After she told me about the specials, she also told me she didn't see any kind of bulletins for either issue. As much as I want to buy another Ford, it's crap like this that is pushing me to buy Japanese.

David now that you mention it I see that crack in the rear all the time. There wasn't a recall?

Gary S wrote: No heated seats

So this is what retirement does?

Pete....AutoZone rocks! My neighbor works there, and he knows his stuff. He always helps me out. So, I got to throw him some business for the local stuff when I can't order from Rock Auto. But, I do get what you are saying. Where do you buy parts from?

Kris....I normally order from Rock Auto. Great prices! But, they didn't have this part, at least that I could find. Dorman 615-175. I was curious as to what their price would have been too. A-Z has it in stock, so, for a few bucks, I will pick it up locally, as I may need to return it as well due to some confusion on intakes which will fit this application.

Jeff.....'02-'05ish Explorers, and Mountaineers have a rear panel under the back widow that always splits down the middle. Looks like HELL, and very poor design. Ford redesigned it out in '06 or so. Start looking at the rear of older Explorers and Mountaineers. You will see it.

Gary....You sold the Lincoln? What did you do, go with a Caddy for all your towing needs? Also, all the intakes on ebay are the Dorman part I mentioned above. Prices all over the place for the same part. I will go local on this in case I need to return it. Ford is VERY proud of their part getting 2X times what most charge for the Dorman.

David what is the infamous plastic back panel to which you refer? I'VE got a 2003 v 6 Ranger Edge with 197,000 miles, so far so good although the transmission thunks a bit every now and then. I guess this is a threadjack, but there is an old wives tale that you shouldn't change fluid in a high mileage transmission cause it will stir up all the shavings and crap and create even more problems. Opinions?

Try Rock Auto - you'll have to wait a couple of days for shipping, but they also sell Dorman replacements.   COuld be cheaper than AutoZone too.

Good luck... plastic intakes don't sound like a super bright Idea in my mind, is there an aluminum replacement?

davidg wrote: I can get a Dorman aftermarket for $230 at AutoZone.

Dave,
Autozone!!! You're in trouble!!

Find out who molds the part and go in the back door!