Intake manifold question

[Fuchsaudio]

So I lost a coil pack. Luckily I had spares in the trunk. My mechanic charged me fifty bucks to swap one out, all good. BUT: He showed me I seem to have antifreeze getting into the plug area from a crack in the intake manifold. The long rod that reaches down to the plug had white crud on it. The oil looks good, so it's not crossed-over anywhere it shouldn't be. He’d patched the manifold for this issue last summer, but told me it may not last. He was right. I’m waiting on a price for the job.

Since the stock part was plastic, does anyone know if there is an aftermarket “better” part available or should I just stick with a Ford or Jaguar part ? I remember this was a chronic issue on many Ford motors back then. I have 130-k on the motor and it’s still running strong, doesn’t smoke or use oil, and normally idles so smooth , some days I don’t even feel it running !

[Brad]

There's an antifreeze hose that runs under the intake. If it's leaking you need to pull the intake to replace the hose, your intake may not be the issue

[BLACK BEAUTY]

seems like a lot of things under the intake..knock sensors too..bad placement

[Fuchsaudio]

Good points...I'll have my guy check this. I do recall an antifreeze smell that was around for a time then stopped..

[428PI]

Perhaps he meant the coolant manifold that's postitioned in front of the intake manifold. I don't believe there's any coolant in the intake manifold. I'm assuming you're talking 2003 on up. Not sure on the 2002. When I replaced mine along with the thermostat housing I ended up busting a bolt in the engine block. Luckily, I was able to drill it out and put in a heli coil. Don't go with aftermarket coolant plastic parts on this model. They won't last.

[snickers]

I also lost a coil pack yesterday, cylinder #4 to be exact. Mine was covered in a rust/brown colored substance. I'm guessing it is from water leaking into it.

[Fuchsaudio]

I also lost a coil pack yesterday, cylinder #4 to be exact. Mine was covered in a rust/brown colored substance. I'm guessing it is from water leaking into it.

Mine looked quite thesame. Maybe he meant coolant manifold. I hope to speak with him tomorrow.

[HKS]

Mine looked quite thesame. Maybe he meant coolant manifold. I hope to speak with him tomorrow.

There is a coolant manifold (called manifold because it is plastic and not rubber hose) going under the intake manifold in 2003-2005 Tbirds.
Can anyone tell me if the 2002 does not have this manifold? It would make me feel better about my 2002 Tbird.

HKS
P.S. I looked in the service manual and could not find and mention or drawings showing this manifold going under the intake manifold.