Do Non-Dealers Get TSBs & does driving 2000 Windstar "too lean" = long-term damage?
Hardwick
10-12-2005, 09:29 AM
I have a 2000 Ford Windstar with a 3.8L engine with 105K miles. We've had quite a few problems with check engine lights and just gone to a non-dealer mechanic who has been trusted by our family for quite a while.
The latest diagnosis of the check engine lights was "too lean". Originally the fix was going to be new gaskets on the upper/lower intake manifolds, but when they started the work it (plastic) intakes should be replaced. The parts were only available via the dealer and the part+labor estimate for the repair was almost $900.
My questions came up while researching this further and seeing links to the page http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html a lot. Is this potentially the same thing? Would the garage that's not a dealer know (formally or informally) about this TSB? Should I take it to the dealer instead and/or for a second opinion?
Also I'm sick of this vehicle and will be replacing it soon (6 mos to a year). What's the long-term harm if I drive it in this condition? They've recently done away with emissions testing in my area so that's ok... other than fuel economy will I have problems?
Many thanks for any input.
The latest diagnosis of the check engine lights was "too lean". Originally the fix was going to be new gaskets on the upper/lower intake manifolds, but when they started the work it (plastic) intakes should be replaced. The parts were only available via the dealer and the part+labor estimate for the repair was almost $900.
My questions came up while researching this further and seeing links to the page http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html a lot. Is this potentially the same thing? Would the garage that's not a dealer know (formally or informally) about this TSB? Should I take it to the dealer instead and/or for a second opinion?
Also I'm sick of this vehicle and will be replacing it soon (6 mos to a year). What's the long-term harm if I drive it in this condition? They've recently done away with emissions testing in my area so that's ok... other than fuel economy will I have problems?
Many thanks for any input.
DRW1000
10-12-2005, 12:40 PM
Damage is debatable. Some are going to answer this question with a strong yes or no. Some have even said things like "I drove it like that for a year with no damage". Unfortunately they have real no way of knowing this unless they do a proper analysis of the catalytic converters.
Personally I think the damage is gradual.
Is it the plastic Upper intake piece that need replacing? Do you know why? Are they cracked.
Normally the fix would be to replace the seals and the Isolator bolts. It is actually the rubber on the bolts that deteriorates allowing the leak at the seals.
An independant mechanic can do this repair (if it is this particular TSB that needs to be done) but you may wish to equip them with a copy of the TSB. There is really no real need to go to a Ford dealer. In fact many on this forum do the repair themselves but get the parts from Ford.
Personally I think the damage is gradual.
Is it the plastic Upper intake piece that need replacing? Do you know why? Are they cracked.
Normally the fix would be to replace the seals and the Isolator bolts. It is actually the rubber on the bolts that deteriorates allowing the leak at the seals.
An independant mechanic can do this repair (if it is this particular TSB that needs to be done) but you may wish to equip them with a copy of the TSB. There is really no real need to go to a Ford dealer. In fact many on this forum do the repair themselves but get the parts from Ford.
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