I have a 1997 GT and the intake manifold cracked three-four years ago. However, I think it was replaced with another intake of the same type. Are the newer ones better than the old ones or can I expect thisone to crack also?
If it has the aluminum crossover in the front, then you are good. If they put another plastic one on there, you may be in trouble once more. If it broke on me a second time though, I would take it back and demand another new one.
On the plastic versions you can see the front of the intake that passes behind the alternator is black plastic. On the aluminum versions this piece is going to be silver aluminum. The picture shows the plastic.. I would change it as soon as possible, I sat on mine for 2 months (That I KNEW it was cracked and leaking) and it ended up wrecking my cylinder head.
behind the alternator, it's a silverish squarish tube that's metal, if it's not metal than it's a stock 96-98 intake manifold that didn't go in for it's recall by ford
If I'm not mistaken it was pretty soon after they were released to the public. i bought my stang in 02 and i busted mine and not knowing that it had a recall (i had a extended warranty) they replaced it for free
(like $1200.00 was the totoal) and put a aluminum one on instead of the crappy plastic one. It's not a pretty site when you bust the plastic one. Also Ford extended the covereage if you have the plastic one. It's the top article in the 4.6 tech section.
My car falls under this whole thing. Does anyone know if it has to be cracked before they will replace it? Mine is not cracked now, but I'd rather be safe than sorry!
Ok, this is the situation. Talked to Ford and since my car was made before 6/24 1997 the manifild is NOT covered by the recall nor the classaction lawsuit refund. The fact that it was all plastic and that it actually cracked does not matter!!
The replacment manifold that the Ford shop replaced with in 2001 is also all plastic but Ford claims that since it has held up for four years now it is my problem. What to do? Are the newer plastic manifolds better than the old ones? It has no aluminum crossover. Thankful for advice
In my case it was quite simple to make the diagnosis. When it cracked there was a steam cloud so big and dense that I could not see the road in front of me. I thought the engine was on fire. If it is a smaller crack I guess youll see it because your coolant warning light will come on sooner or later.