Engine - Coolant Loss/Oil Contamination
Article No.99-20-7
10/04/99
^ COOLING SYSTEM - 3.8L - UNDETERMINED LOSS OF COOLANT
^ COOLING SYSTEM - 4.2L - UNDETERMINED LOSS OF COOLANT
^ ENGINE - 3.8L - ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATED WITH COOLANT
^ ENGINE - 4.2L - ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATED WITH COOLANT
FORD:
1996-1997 THUNDERBIRD
1996-1998 MUSTANG, WINDSTAR
1997-1998 E-150, E-250, F-150
MERCURY:
1996-1997 COUGAR
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to correct the front cover/water pump bolt torque values and the Front Cover Gasket Part Number.
ISSUE
Engine coolant may be leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles. The internal coolant leak may be difficult to identity. This may be caused by the lower intake manifold side gaskets and/or front cover gaskets allowing coolant to pass into the cylinders and/or the crankcase.
ACTION
Revised lower intake manifold side and front cover gaskets have been released for service. Refer to the following text and Application Chart for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
ONLY REMOVE ENOUGH ENGINE OIL TO DETERMINE COOLANT CONTAMINATION (THE REST WILL BE DRAINED AFTER THE FRONT COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION TO FLUSH OUT ANY DEBRIS FROM THE FRONT COVER GASKET REMOVAL).
If coolant is found in the engine oil or coolant usage without a noted external leak, proceed with the gasket installation procedures. Check the Gasket Application Chart in this TSB article for vehicle/engine build dates. Engines built after May, 1997 only require side gaskets.
FRONT COVER SERVICE
Follow the removal/installation instructions found in the Service Manuals for the applicable model, year, and engine combination. (Refer to the engine built information in the Gasket Application Chart in this TSB.)
NOTE
EXTREME CARE MUST BE EXERCISED WHEN REMOVING THE OLD GASKET MATERIAL. COVER THE OIL PAN TO KEEP OUT SCRAPED GASKET MATERIAL.
NOTE
DO NOT TIGHTEN THE FRONT COVER BOLTS TO THE TORQUE VALUE LISTED IN THE SERVICE MANUAL. THE BOLT TORQUE SEQUENCE HAS REMAINED THE SAME BUT THE TORQUE VALUE HAS CHANGED. THE NEW VALUE FOR THE FRONT COVER AND WATER PUMP BOLTS, STUD-BOLTS AND NUTS IS 28 N.m (20 LB-FT). THE SOCKET HEAD CAP SCREW LOCATED IN THE LOWER PART OF THE FRONT COVER IS THE ONLY FASTENER THAT HAS A DIFFERENT TORQUE VALUE, WHICH IS 22 N.m (16 LB-FT). TIGHTENING THE BOLTS TO A HIGHER TORQUE VALUE COULD CRACK THE WATER PUMP HOUSING.
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SERVICE
Follow the removal/installation instructions found in the Service Manuals for the applicable model, year, and engine combination. (Refer to the Gasket Application Chart in this TSB.)
NOTE
BE SURE THAT THE EGR ORIFICES PRESSED INTO EACH PRIMARY PORT ARE CLEAN.
NOTE
FOR 4.2L UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD (ONLY): DO NOT TIGHTEN THE BOLTS TO THE TORQUE VALUE LISTED IN THE SERVICE MANUAL. THE BOLT TORQUE SEQUENCE HAS REMAINED THE SAME BUT THE TORQUE VALUE HAS CHANGED TO 8 N.m (71 LB-IN) AND THEN TIGHTEN ALL THE BOLTS AN ADDITIONAL 90 DEGREES.
NOTE
DUE TO SLIGHTLY THICKER SIDE GASKET BEAD MATERIAL, THE CENTER BOLTS (# 3 AND # 4, FIGURE 1) IN THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD MUST FIRST BE INSTALLED (HAND-TIGHTENED) AND FASTENED. DRAWING DOWN THESE BOLTS FIRST, WILL FACILITATE INSTALLATION OF THE OTHER BOLTS.
CAUTION
CHANGE OIL AND FILTER AFTER GASKET INSTALLATION AND BEFORE RUNNING ENGINE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ENGINE FAILURE.
CAUTION
CHECK ALL SIDE GASKET KITS BEFORE INSTALLATION FOR THE CORRECT LEVEL SIDE GASKETS (ENGINEERING PART NUMBERS XU2E-9439-AA, XU2E-9441-AA MOLDED ON THE GASKET). ALSO: THE MUSTANG AND THUNDERBIRD/COUGAR SIDE GASKET BEAD MATERIAL MUST BE A BLUE COLOR; ALL OTHER COLOR MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 99-13-1
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
9439 42
OASES CODES: 401000, 402000, 403000, 497000, 499000