[D.Acker]

I know a couple people have run into the P1538/1537 for IMRC stuck open and I've finally been able to determine Bank 2 IMRC is leaking causing both codes. Question though, when I replace this and take the air plenum off, do I need to replace the bolts with new? I saw somewhere that the isolator bolts need to be replaced, along with the gasket. The gasket makes sense, but how do I determine if the bolts need to be replaced, or is this just one of those if you remove it, replace it deals?


Did that make sense, I tend to ramble.

 

[Boghog]

If they are stretch bolts for torque to yield then I would measure the lengths.If they are in spec use them over.If there regular grade bolts,check for excess corrosion on the threads.

 

[D.Acker]

If they are stretch bolts for torque to yield then I would measure the lengths.If they are in spec use them over.If there regular grade bolts,check for excess corrosion on the threads.

Okay, this may be a dumb question, but what the hell is a stretch bolt, or I guess how can I tell when I pull them?

 

[Boghog]

Like the kind used on cyl heads that you torque to a point then make 1/4 turn advances.These bolts will stretch and the factory tell you to replace them because they have stretched and weakened or will bottom out in the hole.

 

[Poppy]

I assume that you are speaking of your '98 windstar 3.8L

I have never read of needing to change the bolts for the plenum, however I have read about references to the need to replace the "isolator" bolts.

This thread may be helpful. You may well know more than me, so please post back.
THanks

Great pictorial... pull intake manifold for P0401 P0171 P0174 codes
2000 Ford Windstar (Codes 171 and 174)

 

[D.Acker]

Correct, our 98 3.8. Some random google search about replacing the IMRC came up with that one. I was getting the 0174 code, and had seen the site you posted, but those appear to be different bolts that the one's in the intake plenum. Then again, the 98 has a different plenum (the bolts are in the middle).
I guess I'm not sure if the Intake Manifold Isolator bolts are the same as the plenum bolts or not, but looking at RockAuto they appear to have they same head. For $28 that's not too much of an expense. I don't want to tear into this to replace the IMRC then find out I need a bolt that I can't get local or something stupid like that.

I was going to post a pic of the plenum, but I'm unable to, since I haven't hit 10 posts here yet (wow it won't even let me quote your link). Dang it! Oh well. I'll try to get pictures taken as I do the replacement (perhaps this weekend if I can figure out this bolt thing for sure) and post them in this thread when I can.

I assume that you are speaking of your '98 windstar 3.8L

I have never read of needing to change the bolts for the plenum, however I have read about references to the need to replace the "isolator" bolts.

This thread may be helpful. You may well know more than me, so please post back.
THanks

Great pictorial... pull intake manifold for P0401 P0171 P0174 codes

 

[D.Acker]

Did a bit more poking around in my Chilton's manual and looking at one of these bolts at NAPA, it appears they should be replaced. At least they aren't a huge expense.:arf:

HMMM. So the air plenum has 12 bolts, but these isolator bolts only come in packs of 8. That really makes me wonder. I have them on order from RA, so I'll see when I get them and get the plenum off what the story is, at least if I don't need them I can return them.

**EDIT**

Just an FYI, the intake isolator bolts that RA\Napa etc carry do not seem to be the correct one's for the 98 and older (not sure which years us the same plenum), they come in an 8 pack and seem to be for 99+. After speaking with my local Ford dealership, they said 99+ take eight and they are a different size compared to the 98's. Cancelled my RA order and went thru Ford ($5.82\bolt).

Not sure I'll get a chance to tear into it this weekend as planned, but as soon as I do, I'll update this thread with pics and hopefully I'll remember to take notes to write up a how to.

 

[D.Acker]

Just got a call from the wife. Parts dept at Ford called said they received the parts, however (don't you just love when they say that), it's only the isolators and no bolts. He said this is weird because every other model they are one piece. After speaking with the service manager we found out that the 98 is unique, you re-use the bolt and only replace the isolator.

 

[D.Acker]

It's done. So now time will tell if all codes are gone or not. Some of you may remember from the old site that I was getting 1537/1538 for the IMRC which I cleared by disconnecting the front (bank2) IMRC and taping off the vac line. I was also getting 0174 for bank 2 lean, which I believe was corrected by replacing the PCV elbow and tube. None of the codes came back after clearing them about 3 wks ago. Hoping none of them come back, I'll be really disappointed if the 174 comes back.

Anyway I took several pictures and notes along the way. I'm hoping to get a How to wrote up and posted later today.

 

[D.Acker]

Quick update, van just passed ILEPA emissions testing, no lights or anything. I believe I can call this case RESOLVED!!!