2001 Windstar Isolator Bolt

[MC5W20]

I've got the lean codes and need to replace the bolts. While doing some searching I came across Felpro# ES72204, I found one reference on another automotive forum that you just remove the old rubber on the current bolts and then put these on. However, the pictures I find on these look all wrong for that. Does anyone here have any experience with these Felpro grommets.

I'm gonna do wires and plugs when I tear into the motor, any other suggestions on what else should be done while I have it apart?

It has the new design valve cover already and the fuel regulator hose looks great. Does anyone know if it is difficult to get the PCV valve grommet out?

 

[JustinC25]

I can't imagine that it would be difficult. I have an
'03 Windstar with the updated Silver Valve covers. and the PCV valve is in the front valve cover. I think you could pull it out with your finger once you removed the PCV.

 

[wiswind]

The PCV valve grommet should be easy to remove.

As my windstar is OLD, a '96, it does not have the same upper intake manifold with the isolator bolt issue.
However, this is a link to a site that someone put together for the isolator bolt repair......it does not get much better than the information and pictures that they post.
http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

 

[MC5W20]

Originally Posted By: wiswind
The PCV valve grommet should be easy to remove.

As my windstar is OLD, a '96, it does not have the same upper intake manifold with the isolator bolt issue.
However, this is a link to a site that someone put together for the isolator bolt repair......it does not get much better than the information and pictures that they post.
http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html


Thanks, I already have that website printed out and ready for when I tear it apart. I am in my parts gathering phase right now. Only reason I ask about PCV valve grommet is I tried to remove one an a 1993 oldsmobile before and that thing would not move. valve cover was made of plastic so I was afraid to be to forceful with it. The pcv valve on the windstar is very loose so I was thinkg a new grommet might be in order, but I am wondering if these come out easier then the last one I attempted on the oldsmobile.

This Windstar has got 150k on it, so I think it did better then most I have read about so far.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: MC5W20


This Windstar has got 150k on it, so I think it did better then most I have read about so far.


Good work! I think we had just over 100Kmi on our 2001 when I traded it for the Ody. I never had so much as a check engine light with the Winny the 4yrs/~70K I owned it. That was a great van for us. Like Wiswind says, that leckemby link is the best available. You'll get a better feel once you remove the lower half of the upper intake if you need to reem out the EGR jets or not.

Joel

 

[MC5W20]

No one has used the Felpro grommets?

 

[JTK]

I don't know If I've heard of any 1999-2003 owners who have used just new grommets for the isolator bolts. IIRC, most just picked up all new bolts from a blue oval parts counter. If you can get your hands on the Felpro grommets, compare them to one of your OEM isolator bolts and see. I'd try'em if they looked like a good match. After all, it is just the 'rubber' part of the isolator bolts that is the issue.

Joel

 

[mechtech2]

What is an isolator bolt?

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
What is an isolator bolt?


they are bolts that go from the upper intake manifold spacer to the lwoer intake manifold. they have a bushing on them. there is a TSB for Windstars to replace them with updated bolts and gaskets for lean DTCs.

 

[MC5W20]

Originally Posted By: JTK
I don't know If I've heard of any 1999-2003 owners who have used just new grommets for the isolator bolts. IIRC, most just picked up all new bolts from a blue oval parts counter. If you can get your hands on the Felpro grommets, compare them to one of your OEM isolator bolts and see. I'd try'em if they looked like a good match. After all, it is just the 'rubber' part of the isolator bolts that is the issue.

Joel


That is why I am asking. The rubber grommets are not in stock anywhere locally. Its a internet order thing. Didn't want to drop 12 dollars on something that isn't going to work. The Ford dealer is out of my way and the idea of a twelve dollar solution is very appealing to me if I can get verification they indeed do work.

 

[JTK]

Heck MC. For $12 I'd mail order them and send'em back if it's a no-go.

Joel