I've been trying to fix a 98 Windstar for my aunt, gave me a code for banks 1 and 2 stuck open, I think the codes were p1537/1538. Whatever fault the IMRC gives, but it went away, the check engine light did. Then it came back, didn't run the scanner on it again though, my bad. I ended up changing out the plugs and wires, cleaned the t-body and IAC and that was that, MAF sensor too got cleaned. Afterward, about the third time I fired it, it stuttered and died. Once it got going, it remained fine. I'm thinking the IAC is shot, cleaned or not. Since the engine was built 10 yrs ago, it probably could use another one anyways, right? But in saying that, should I maybe have changed the coil pack too? She says today that when she fires it up, it finally goes and has a loud ticking noise, 5 minutes later at my house, it's running fine. I'm going to start it tomorrow cold and see what the sh+t is going on with this baby.

Let me say, changing those plugs was do-able, but just barely. I gotta check again to see if a wire hadn't come off or something. I'm really thinking the IAC and coil pack need to be replaced. Also, the IMRC has the rods connected to the units that you can see without taking the intake off, right? If so, the white nylon pieces that I guess commonly break giving the codes mentioned seem fine, guess the IMRC's are acting up.

Sorry for the Windstar thread, figured a 4.2 is close enough. Also, no CEL lights have come up. Thanks in advance.

 

Well, heard the van running (cold start) and it ticks pretty loud. Almost like 1 cylinder is not firing, or no fuel is getting to it. It's hard to tell as it goes away after driving for 10 minutes or so. Anyone have similar experiences? Like I said before, the IMRC is a known problem to this van, thinking it is not the problem this time, but still an ongoing issue. I found some on www.rockauto.com and here's the link to some:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
I'm liking the 200 bux a piece vs local dealership wanting 400 a piece. You'd have to go into engine section for a 1998 windstar 3.8l to get the intake manifold runner control valve, thaught the link would take it right there, nope!

 

That sounds like a collapsed or dirty hydraulic lifter - it doesn't pump up till it gets warm and the oil gets thinner.

How is she on her oil change habits, and what oil does she use? How many miles on it?

Try a can of oil additive that claims to free sticky lifters and see if it helps, it can't hurt.

 

Yikes, I was thinking it might be something like this too. She's good on the maintenance, 5000 km oil changes with 5w-30 I think, not sure. It has 118 000 km's, 75 000 miles? maybe? She says today that before I changed the plugs etc, it ticked once in a while, since I did it, now it's every time the van gets cooled off. Crappy coincidence if you ask me.

 

If you need any parts or pics BLUE - I have an intake w/IMRC controls , heads, IAC from a 98 3.8 out of a Windstar 40,000 miles.

If you want that stuff - come and get it ( : - Someone from here grabbed the coil from it two weeks ago..

 

Throw 1/2 pint of Seafoam into the oil at the next oil change. A quart of ATF would also work.

 

I might take you up on the offer, it's at another mechanic's to be looked at more thoroughly, he's got more testing crap and more time too. How much roughly for the IMRC and IAC in case I need them? Thanks for the tips too eh guys, appreciate it!

 

Just take what you can use, that's all I ask. You'll have to clean it all up, parts have been sitting in the shop for about 4 years. I have half a file cabinet full of those 98 WS 3.8L engine components.. I did a motor swap awhile ago (Long Block) so yea , there's quite few pieces , sensors (IAC) (CPS) etc....

Tell me what your interested in and I'll take a pic of it so you don't waste a trip..

I'll get one of what you mentioned so far..

 

Sorry Blue - I haven't took a pic of everything yet , but I did look at what I have - Heads , upper & lower intake . I almost forgot , but I have a big chest of droors in the shed full of 3.8 part as well..

I do have another cabinet in the shop full of mostly 3.8 parts - heres a pick of that -





Also , Global Automotive has expanded , I purchased a new IAC $28 recently for someone else from them..

 

A bit of an update, it fixed itself pretty much. She had a friend of my dad's look at it and he basically said it was something valve train. She couldn't say exactly what it was but were gonna try a bottle of Lucas next oil change. Other than that, it runs great. The plug and wire change did alot of good. I want to see about getting this AC Delco stuff for a noisey valvetrain if the lucas stuff doesn't fix it. My buddy says his 99 van worked great after dumping some in.