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1997 106,000 miles-Potential IMRC Failure/Ports and Heads

  • Thread starter Thread starter akolodny
  • Start date Start date Jun 16, 2007
A

akolodny

New Member
Jun 16, 2007
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Jun 16, 2007
#1
  • Jun 16, 2007
  • #1
I have a '97 Cobra with a 4.6 unmodified (106,000 miles). The check engine light has been on for months; the car is still running great! the Ford dealer diagnosed - IMRC failure and "ports". Their quote was exhorbitant. Another mechanic found "coolant coming from the exhaust" - either manifold bad or if not, heads would have to be pressure tested, etc. Codes from Autozone are PO174 and PO171. Then the "marvelous mechanic" who diagnosed the coolant coming from the exhaust said he is not comfortable working on such a car!! What is the likely culprit? We absolutely love the car and baby it ever so much. Such drastic repairs are a little disappointing, given our gentle use. If it is the manifold failure only, what would be a fair replacement price? Thanks in advance!
 

blackfang

Founding Member
Dec 17, 2001
1,290
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39
Richmond, Va
Jun 16, 2007
#2
  • Jun 16, 2007
  • #2
Those are system to lean codes on both bank 1 and bank 2. I would check for vacuum leaks for one, possible maf, oxygen sensors, etc.

What lead to the Ford tech saying the IMRC's are bad? There should be a code for that as well. Also if you have someone rev the car past 3250 rpms, there are two black cables behind the back of the engine by the intake manifold. If those wiggle or shake at or around 3250, then the IMRC's should be working and opening up.
 

cold96snake

20+ Year Stangneter
Jan 26, 2004
817
1
39
Truly, out to sea
Jun 17, 2007
#3
  • Jun 17, 2007
  • #3
Cleaning the IMRC's are fairly simple, I'm almost retarded when it comes to working on cars, but I did it in 8 hours. Most can do it in 4 and the experienced can do it in 2. Do a google and you can find a few write ups.

2 warnings,

Don't ever over torque any bolts.
Don't drop anything into the ports.
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
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Motor City
Jun 18, 2007
#4
  • Jun 18, 2007
  • #4
cold96snake said:
Don't ever over torque any bolts.
Don't drop anything into the ports.
Click to expand...

That is a good rule of thumb!! Do you know from experience??
 

cold96snake

20+ Year Stangneter
Jan 26, 2004
817
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Truly, out to sea
Jun 18, 2007
#5
  • Jun 18, 2007
  • #5
I did over torque one bolt in the cover. Sucks trying to get a broken steel bolt out of an aluminum intake. One slip and threads are FUBAR.
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
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119
Motor City
Jun 19, 2007
#6
  • Jun 19, 2007
  • #6
Yeah, that sucks!!! I sold a 4.6L motor to a guy and I knew it ran, he changed the intake because he wanted a new one. He started it, ran for a couple seconds and locked up. He was furious at my company, but when we got it back, I had my worker tear it down in front of him, and there was a 10mm nut jammed between the piston and the block!!! He was still mad at us even though it was his fault. Lucky for us he paid cash!! So he didn't get his money back!!! That is why it is great that we can run every motor we sell!
 

cold96snake

20+ Year Stangneter
Jan 26, 2004
817
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39
Truly, out to sea
Jun 20, 2007
#7
  • Jun 20, 2007
  • #7
LOL, nice try, but it wasn't me.
 
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