Help with Coolant Leak....

[SVTCobra66]

I've got a 96 mustang that keeps making coolant disappear, and it looks like I found the cause, where the coolant hose goes into the engine. I'm not exactly mechanically inclined, so if one of you could explain what I need to order to replace the piece it would be much appreciated. It looks like where the metal attachment at the end of the hose goes into a plastic housing it is leaking. (pic attached) Is there simply a gasket there that should be the culprit? What parts do I need?

Thanks

Chris

 

[wmburns]

Cracked intake manifold. VERY common problem. Tons of write-ups on how to swap.

Here's the part needed:

Amazon.com: Dorman OE Solutions Intake Manifold 615-178:…

 

[SVTCobra66]

If I went to a junkyard, will any 4.6L intake manifold (with the metal thermostat housing) fit? Or is it just 96-98?

 

[drilzzz]

Going to the junk yard is risky my friend. You can go through the process of removing your intake manifold, removing one from a junk car at the junk yard and then taking the time to put everything together on your car without knowing if the one you just put in is also cracked or damaged. Besides the junk yard, in regards to the part you need, are well JUNK. Get some peace of mind and buy a new one with a metal crossover. Don't forget you will need new upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. Also when doing this job you might as well replace the water pump hose. Its a 5-6 inch hose that's located underneath the intake manifold. If you have the parts and all the tools this job could be done in one day. Good luck.

 

[wmburns]

If I went to a junkyard, will any 4.6L intake manifold (with the metal thermostat housing) fit? Or is it just 96-98?

For the 99+ MY, the stock Mustangs have PI heads. So you will need a NON-PI intake.

With regards to using a salvage yard manifold, you may be in for a surprise. First, salvage yards typically will not sell engine parts because they want to sell WHOLE engines

As such, the only time they sell engine componets parts is if the engine is no good.

If the engine is not sellable, many salvage yards will scrap the entire block to save space.

Consider also that a salvage yard intake will not include new gaskets. So factor in the cost of new gaskets. My advice, if you can't save at least 50% of the cost of new, get new.