Just picked up a 1997 F150 4.2 5sp stick, at an auction of drug seized vehicles. It has not been cranked since 2008. We drove it home about 200 miles with the CEL light ON though...

Have read most all of the threads on how to clean or replace the broken clips, check for vac leaks, etc…

I am thinking that my problem is vac leak, bad IMRC selinoid, vac motors, or broken clip…

My last Ford truck was about 20yrs. ago, a '56 F100…
Since it seems to be a mystery to me what is behind that manifold,
I just gotta know, so I can check for leaks, old hose connectors, etc. and to know what going on back there… You surly can't see much with that manifold on there..

So.. I'll start by removing the manifold…
Can I reuse the isolator nuts and bolts?
If so I need to know what to torque those 8mm nuts back to…?

I will need the gaskets between the manifolds and a set of clips… for sure...
Autozone, online?, or Dealer?

Am I missing anything?
Thanks for any input,
synvolk

 

What was the code?

You can... reuse them. It would be best to pick up a manual. There is a strict procedure for the torque sequence on the intake mani. But who knows if that is even the problem..

 

The 97 has the aluminum plenum, the isolator bolts are for the composite plenum. That part is also called the upper intake (I think).

You can get to the IMRC with just the plenum removed. But I think there was an issue with the 97's and the manifold to head gaskets. So if you are in there that far then you might want to go ahead and tackle that too.

On the aluminum plenum I think there is a PCV hose underneath the plenum-replace it, much easier now.

I agree with Toyz, pick up a manual it will come in handy.

Good luck.

 

Good advice...
Toyz.. It threw p1538, 0141,0161...
Looked under it, and it has no cats, just a flex pipe from header to crossover on both sides...
Back sensor wires just hanging...
My muffler guy says I might be able to get by with just one cat on each side...
I don't know if I want to cut corners like that or not...
What do you guys think about that?
Oh yea, I have my eye on the factory set of manuals on ebay.
Will be ordering them very soon..
This truck needs everything it seems like... LOL..
Thanks for your help...

 

If it's the aluminum intake replace the upper, lower, front, and back gasket while you're doing the IMRC, if it's the composite plenum and the isolator bolts have the green bushings there safe to re use. Before ripping apart your intake though I would check out all basic tune up things, I saw a guy pull this same code and he replaced the fuel filter, pcv valve, plugs, wires, coil pack and ran a tank of 91 through it and it went away. I myself pulled this code because the bushing on the driver side IMRC valve fell out of the intake..

 

There are a few helpful videos on youtube about doing this repair

 

Also Rockauto.com has great deals on parts and cheap shipping

 

Good info... thanks...
It is going to the muffler shop Monday, and I will be rounding up the parts needed... I will be checking out youtube also...
Still need to know torque specs on the isolator bolts...
You guys are Great...

 

The 97 aluminum intake does not have isolator bolts.

 

Thanks for clarifying that for me..
I earlier saw a "how to video" and it had a different 2 piece plentem/intake...
How many years did the make the aluminum one?
Which one is better, performance wise?
Wonder if anyone has ever polished one?