Ford Windstar 2002 96000 miles 3.8L

SAMTUMMO

MEMBER
2002 FORD WINDSTAR

Engine trouble lights (P0303. P0171, P0174, P0455 and a couple I can't remember) rough running, stalling at idle, misfire, loss of power on acceleration, hollow hiss when tapping accelerator under hood. Replaced plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, mass air flow sensor, both O2 sensors upstream. Condition worsening since repairs began i.E. A/C does not work well recently and loss of power worse today. Q1, How do I access the rear side of the engine. Q2, What is the black plastic? Cover, covering the top of the engine, can I remove it for access to the back? Q3, Best way to find a vacuum leak? Q4, I found a piece of wood jammed between the EVAP and the inner body wall (black plastic box drivers side outside frame near gas tank) Imagine, it has a large air leak in gas system, spending lots of money for little return. Please reply with any ideas that I can try/test before replacing engine head gaskets.
Thanks Sam

1 Reply

ZUE

MEMBER
76 POSTS

Q1, How do I access the rear side of the engine. A1, Not to familiar with your engine but the plenium is probably in your way and can be removed to access back of engine. Q2, What is the black plastic? Cover, covering the top of the engine, can I remove it for access to the back? A2, Not sure but should be same as A1. Q3, Best way to find a vacuum leak? This I know for sure. Poor mans way to find a vacuum leak is to spray Starter Fluid around vacuum areas. If engine increases in RPMs breifly then you have found the area with the leak. Your leak sounds big and should be easy to spot with this method. Q4, A4 Did not understand the question.

P0171 and 174 are related to a possible vacuum leak. P0455 should be related to a problem with the fuel system typically being the Gas Cap leaking. Take care of possible vacuum leak first.