Greetings:

I have a vacuum leak and am pretty sure the problem is with the PCV elbow back near the firewall. I can reach back there and feel it and the back-most portion is very soft and feels like it may have a small hole in it. When the engine is on, there is a hissing sound coming from that area.

I'd like to replace that elbow, but wasn't able to get it off the fitting. Is there a recommended procedure for removing and replacing the elbow?

Thanks.

 

Don't know what you got but am guessing a 5.4 You are going to have to crawl up in the engine compartment and use a flat tip screwdriver and pry your way around the base of the elbow to walk it off. If that doesn't work use a razor blade and cut it off since you are going to replace it.
Do you have a code?

 

Hey, fill out your info in your profile. It will post automatically in the top right corner so we don't have to guess - That just sucks. -

Torkum's right of course. Those elbows get stuck on the manifold stem. Sometimes leave pieces of rubber on the stem when you do finally get it removed. Make sure the stems clean before replacing, it's hard to see back there.

 

Thanks for the reminder on the profile. I filled that out - hopefully it will be visible now.

I have a 2x2 Supercrew with a 4.6L engine.

Codes are P0174, P0171, P1151 and P1131. All relate to system running too lean, which could be a vacuum leak.

I was able to get the elbow off. It took a screwdriver, utility knife, and a lot of persistence, but it came off. Sure enough, there was a hole right in the back part of the bend. It looks like that part must endure a lot of heat and just isn't designed to take it. Maybe in future year models Ford will design a more durable part.

The parts stores around here don't carry this part, but said that a lot of people come in asking for it.

I got a radiator bypass elbow that is the same size but a bit longer, and just cut it to fit.

The new part works great so far. I reset the computer and so far no more codes.

Thanks for your help on the forum. I really appreciate it.

 

Very happy ending to what might have been an expensive story here.

 

I used a sparkplug boot on a Sunday when I couldn't get to the parts store.