I am looking at a 96 crown vic with a 4.6 coolant leak. It is gushing out at what appears to be the intake behind the altenator. Is this a common problem,and what exactly is the problem? Any ideas on the cost for repair?
Thanks mano

 

Welcome to the site..

It actually was a problem for cracking/leaking (TSB 02-2-2) at the forward intake runner and Ford was forced to extended repair coverages out to 7 years from the date of the original purchase (if i remember correctly).. Cars repaired within that window at the owners expense and/or at independent shops were entitled to a refund from Ford as the result of a successful lawsuit for the issue.. The replacement, re engineered manifold has a aluminium runner integrated into the composite manifold.. A permanent fix for this issue.. Manifold replacement isn't a bad job, kit number for the CV is F8AZ-9424-CA.

Here's the TSB in short..






FORD:

1996-1997 THUNDERBIRD
1996-2001 CROWN VICTORIA, MUSTANG
2002 EXPLORER


LINCOLN:

1996-2001 TOWN CAR


MERCURY:

1996-1997 COUGAR
1996-2001 GRAND MARQUIS
ISSUE:
Some vehicles may exhibit an Intake Manifold crossover (first runner) coolant seepage condition. This may be caused by a crack in the Intake Manifold coolant crossover.
ACTION:
Inspect the suspect Intake Manifold for a coolant leak at the first runner cross-over area (Figure 1). If coolant seepage is found in this area, order the appropriate Service Kit and install parts, by referring to the appropriate Model Year Workshop Manual (Section 303-01).
4.6L 2V INTAKE MANIFOLD INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT

 

That is the problem! And as you stated the repair was not to bad. Irepaired it myself for about $230.00.
Thanks for the help, Mano