Tiny leak by intake manifold gasket leaking into cylinder 5 where spark plug goes?

Tiny
EVANDER GAMBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 12,345 MILES
Recently I pushed my old beat-up car to the max. I drove to Michigan during artic storm from Alabama roughly 13 hours. Upon returning back home I noticed a tiny little leak coming from the intake manifold where the radiator hose connects to it. Now its hairline. But overtime, it runs into the cylinder 5. The radiator fluid doesn't meet with the oil (thank goodness). I really don't want to be cheap but I'm balling on a budget! I planned on doing it myself. So, what parts other than an intake manifold gasket will I need? I'm lowkey scared to open her up because the actual piston from that little window where the spark plug goes had so much carbon deposits built up on it. Is there anyway I can get that cleaned up internally without breaking down the entire motor? I know it's not recommended but could I shortcut it by applying a little gasket maker by the leak, so the antifreeze doesn't leak into my cylinder head?
Friday, March 14th, 2025 AT 1:03 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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We might be able to fix it on the cheap if you can upload an image of wat we are dealing with. Here is the intake so we can be on the same page. Is the crack on the thermostat housing or the intake itself. Check out the images (below).
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Saturday, March 15th, 2025 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
EVANDER GAMBLE
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I may be boned on this one. So my phone isn't uploading the image I took. So, I'll describe as best as I can. It's the housing itself because it literally right beside the bolt on the image shown below the piece you placed the arrow on.
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Thursday, March 20th, 2025 AT 10:27 PM
Tiny
EVANDER GAMBLE
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So it's on that piece below that you highlighted. Right beside the bolt.
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Thursday, March 20th, 2025 AT 10:39 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I believe what you are talking about is the intake manifold itself? There is the thermostat housing and the intake, one of them is leaking? It takes time for the image to upload, Check out the images (below).
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Friday, March 21st, 2025 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
EVANDER GAMBLE
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Yea man. It's definitely the piece under the thermostat housing.
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Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 AT 1:12 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Bummer, that is the intake, sorry.
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Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 AT 11:08 AM

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