Hey everyone. I've got a 2000 F-150 with a V-6 and a manual transmission. This morning when I got out of the truck I smelled anti-freeze and it was smoking under the hood. I took it to my service department (I work in sales at at a dealership) and they said it needs a new intake manifold to the tune of almost $2,000 my cost. Anyone experienced this before? Is there a cheaper alternative? I'm kind of at a loss and could use some advice? Thanks!

 

I guess I'd need more details to answer, that $2000 is including labor I'd imagine?

Still sounds ridiculously high to me though. Do you get any employee discount? Sounds like lower intake and it is expensive but depending on your engine build date I could sell you a lower intake for $1108 plus shipping.

Guessing you don't do your own work right?

-Steve

 

I do get an employee discount, and yes the $2,000 is including labor and parts. I was hoping it was just a cracked thermostat housing which I could replace but removing the intake etc... is a little beyond me. That and I simply don't have the time to do the work.

Someone on another forum says to remove the intake hose (which goes into the top of the housing) and run it to the output hose connecting them with a little pipe. Any idea if this is a wise move?

 

Jon, you can buy a remanufactured lower intake manifold for about $230 (check out RockAuto, part # Dorman 615270). The process is realtively easy with a basic set of hand tools. Remove air filter, remove upper intake manifold (bunch of 8mm screws), then remove the fuel rail (might as well clean them wile you have them off) and then pull the lower intake manifold off (also a bunch of 8mm screws). Might as well replace the lower intake manifold as well (~$50) and then put the new intake on, torque to specs, replace the fuel rail, replace the upper intake and torque to specs, reinstall air filter. With a basic set of hand tools, you can have it done in an afternoon. I've got plenty of pics (I recently did a head job on my 4.2L) to aid if you wish to tackle it.

Total cost= $300
Total time= Maybe 3-6 hours depending on how you work.

If you are anywhere near North Fla, I could gladly come by and tackle this and have you back on the road in two hours.