Lower thermostat housing or manifold leaking

[phaley]

Well it seems at this point I will be taking the intake manifold off. I have a leak here

I just cant tell if it's between the plastic of intake manifold and lower thermostat housing or if it's the manifold gasket. Also apparently this piece is considered a part of the manifold

I just wanted to post to see if anyone has had a leak in that lower thermostat housing before.. If it does turn out to be between lower housing and manifold the dealership says I will have to replace entire manifold... which I think I'll RTV the mess out of that thing before I replace the stupid thing.

I'll update what I find out.

 

[phaley]

This is an 03 with 4.6 by the way

 

[phaley]

It looks like I will have to buy a new intake. Small piece of plastic there broke allowing that seal at coolant passage shown in pic to pop out...

 

[Harpua216]

Its a typical blemish on these trucks. lots of people on here end of doing this job before this happens its so common, though I am not sure thats always where it breaks.

 

[phaley]

It's an expensive blemish.

 

[Harpua216]

lol. right? most of them on these things are pricey!

 

[phaley]

Can't see much for all the stuff in the way, but new one is on. Doing good after a spin around the block. I'd say anyone can do the job beginning to end in 3ish or so hours. My only issue was losing a bolt that goes in top of alternator.
Bought manifold from Ford.. it was waayyy expensive. I spent $580 on manifold and gaskets. Could have been a little cheaper online but you pay for shipping and have to wait. Ford had the manifold next day.