Cracked Intake manifold/gasket or head gasket in 1998 GT?
11-18-2011, 11:04 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Posts: 9
Cracked Intake manifold/gasket or head gasket in 1998 GT?
So I've only had this car for a month but already I love the thing. A couple of days ago I was replacing the spark plugs and wires and I noticed one of the holes was full of coolant, ugh! Now I'm left wondering whether I have a cracked intake manifold, broken intake gasket or a broken head gasket. I'm hoping it's not the head gasket since I haven't see antifreeze anywhere else. The car though has been leaking a small amount of antifreeze, about a few drops overnight. I know Ford was offering repairs up until last year for cracked intake manifolds so I'm leaning towards that being the problem. Anyone have any better ideas? I'm not very good with cars this being my first and all, still trying to learn!
11-20-2011, 02:08 AM
#2
Join Date: May 2010
Location: MI
Posts: 33
my 96 gt is having the same problem but mine is missfiring because of the antifreeze getting the plug wires wet. I'm thinking its the a cracked intake because of it being plastic but i think this one has been replaced because of the thermost housing is aluminuim and i think the ones from the factory are plastic like the rest of the intake. but i'm tearing it apart next weekend to find out for sure.
11-20-2011, 09:08 AM
#3
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
99.44% of the time it's a cracked or otherwise failed intake manifold--even the newer one with the aluminum crossover has problems (the OEM unit on my '03 failed last February, with 125k miles or so on it).
Here are a couple of threads describing the usual points of failure, and how people have dealt with them:
Cracked Intake Manifold
Thermostat Housing Leaking
Here are a couple of threads describing the usual points of failure, and how people have dealt with them:
Cracked Intake Manifold
Thermostat Housing Leaking
11-21-2011, 09:11 AM
#7
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: texas
Posts: 12
Alright, so I think this is what I need. Can anyone let me know what else I'd need? Preferably links to the items. Looks like my throw out bearings not working right either and I want to get that fixed asap.
11-21-2011, 09:54 AM
#8
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
Like "scrapman" said, and as stated in the AM page you linked:
[emphasis added]
I have not seen a non-PI factory replacement advertised, though I have also not done any extensive research to try to locate one either.
One option would be to get an aftermarket replacement. It will likely be a Dorman (or relabeled Dorman as NAPA does), it's an OK replacement for a '96 to '98 and does have the aluminum crossover.
$250 at most FLAPS...
Application. This Ford Racing Performance Improvement (PI) Intake Manifold is a direct fit on 1999-2004 4.6L GT Mustangs with PI head ports. It can also be used on 1996-1998 4.6L engines with PI heads, with additional parts and modifications required.
I have not seen a non-PI factory replacement advertised, though I have also not done any extensive research to try to locate one either.
One option would be to get an aftermarket replacement. It will likely be a Dorman (or relabeled Dorman as NAPA does), it's an OK replacement for a '96 to '98 and does have the aluminum crossover.
$250 at most FLAPS...
11-24-2011, 09:52 AM
#9
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 2,158
or you can use mine and follow this write up haha http://www.modularheadshop.com/Artic...ake%20swap.htm
11-25-2011, 09:07 PM
#10
Join Date: May 2010
Location: MI
Posts: 33
or you can use mine and follow this write up haha http://www.modularheadshop.com/Artic...ake%20swap.htm
interesting might have to try this not a bad power upgrade. too bad the swap kit is $119 and a new intake is $200 not sure i want to spend that much but if its better i might have to go for it.