New member first post so here it goes...

Just took my 2001 F-150 with 4.2 V6 to a shop my uncle suggested, it will not pass emissions here in Arizona. After a diagnostic the mechanic said I need a whole new lower intake because he put a smoker on it and said that smoke came out where the IMCR arms are in the back and he told me these cannot be repaired that I need a whole new intake. I just can't see that as true being that would be considered a throw away part and I hardly think an intake manifold is that. If anyone can shed light on this I just need to know if they can be repaired or if I truly need a new lower intake. Thanks in advance!!!

 

It sounds like you need new intake manifold runner control bushings.

Unless it is damaged or cracked, this should be fixable.

 

If the 2001 has a plastic intake, it may need new plenum gaskets and isolator bolts, that's a common cause for lean codes on the 4.2. You gotta pull it anyway to get to the IMRC.