How much to replace intake manifold gaskets

[99xlsdude]

Does anyone know how much the dealer charges to change the upper intake manifold gaskets on a 99 OHV V6?

Also, how much more to do lower at same time?

Should any other work be done at the same time?

 

[99xlsdude]

Called dealer in Southern New Jersey today. Quoted $88 diagnosis fee plus around $500 to fix if problem (CEL - 0701 and 0704) is manifold gaskets.

 

[btexpress]

Called dealer in Southern New Jersey today. Quoted $88 diagnosis fee plus around $500 to fix if problem (CEL - 0701 and 0704) is manifold gaskets.

If those are codes you posted, they are transmission codes.

 

[99xlsdude]

My mistake - the codes I have are P0171 Bank 1 lean and P0174 Bank 2 lean.

 

[ThePhoenix]

are you sure its the gaskets?

 

[99xlsdude]

Not sure, so I would have dealer perform diagnosis first.

I searched the forum and completed the stuff I feel comfortable doing - cleaned MAF, IAC, TB; installed new plugs, wires, air filter, PCV; can't find any vacuum hose leaks. Did I miss anything?

After I reset the CE light, it comes back on within a week and usually on the first trip during cool/damp weather (lights up about 5 minutes into the trip when the engine warms up).

 

[ThePhoenix]

fuel filter? it would run lean if it wasnt getting gas...but from what I have read, that could be gaskets (what a surprise - I have same situation)

let us know if that was it

 

[99xlsdude]

Fuel filter was changed by dealer about 5K miles ago.

I'll post my next steps - it will be a few weeks before I take it to the dealer.

 

[carlover]

There is a writeup somewhere on here for that job. not a hard job at all, i think im gonna have to do it very soon.

 

[ThePhoenix]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171819

thats the gasket link...try it yourself

 

[99xlsdude]

I have reviewed the post - it is an excellent write-up. There are a few differences when I compare the pictures/instructions with my engine. I am considering attempting it myself although I am leaning towards having the dealer look at it.

I don't have a lot of experience - it took me about 3-4 hours to change the plugs and wires and I had a lot of small cuts & bruises by the time I was done. I don't want to get in over my head.

 

[Josh]

You can do it yourself. It is easy. First try to just tighten the bolts. A common problem with some motors is for the bolts to back out a little and cause leaks. You don't want to crank them down, just get them a little past snug. Also, let the truck sit for a little while before starting the job to allow the gas preasure to drop. If you are woried about puting it back together right, just get you a sharpie and label everything. Also, there is one bolt for the upper intake that is all the way in the back of the upper intake against the firewall. You will need a universal joint for your socket to get at that one. This was he first job I ever did on an Explorer and I was a little intimidated too. One other thing, some people say if you don't draw blood, your not working hard enough

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you did the plugs and wires, you've slid way down the learning curve already- especially if you removed stuff to make it easier to get to. You know the first half, now the only other parts would be a lot easier because you know how to get things removed. Once you do it, you'd be amazed how you would have ever considered having a dealer do it- both upper and lowers... Go for it!

 

[99xlsdude]

Thanks. I think I will try to tighten the plenum bolts first. If that doesn't work, I'll try changing the gaskets.

This is why I hesitated. My engine has a "pipe" (part of EGR system?) on the driver's side of the intake manifold between between the throttle position sensor and IAC. The writeup didn't mention this tube and it is not apparant if it needs to be removed or how. Maybe the plemum will just slide off it.

 

[Josh]

you should concentrate more on the actual intake manifold bolts. they are the 10mm bolts that run down each side of the actual intake manifold.

 

[99xlsdude]

Thanks. Will do.

 

[99xlsdude]

Tightened manifold nuts to 17 ft/lbs on Satruday. Light has been off now for 4 days - keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[99xlsdude]

CEL returned so I took the advice above and changed the upper intake manifold gaskets myself (bought gaskets from dealer for around $14). Took me just over 3 hours to complete. I'm very inexperienced -> the most complex thing I did before this was change the spark plugs.

The only thing I struggled with was separating the intake manifold from the EGR pipe that is located behind the TB on the driver's side. The pipe is solid metal and appeared to be fixed in place (series of tubes connected via welds to the exhaust). I twisted and pulled on the intake until it finally pulled off the EGR tube. The tube was held in place by an O-ring and the angle of the EGR tube and the height of the studs made removal very difficult (no leverage or range of motion). Is there an easier way to get the intake manifold separated from this tube in case I need to replace the gaskets again?

Thanks.

 

[Firestorm]

Tap up and to your left with a rubber mallet. This is how I accomplished it. Came off very easy.

 

[99xlsdude]

Thanks - tapping it off should work much better than twisting it off.