Intake "Shroud"

[abc13052]

Hi Folks,

I'm new here and have an easy question.

I have a Ford Windstar 3.8L.
When I'm looking at the engine, there appears to be a black "shroud" shaped like the intake and I honestly can't tell if it's "only a shroud", or if it's actually part of the intake.

I need to remove this to find a tiny little coolant leak, but don't want to loosen anything that needs torque or a gasket.

Kind of a silly question, I know, but just want to make sure.

Much Thanks,

Adam

[mark v]

Yep the black plastic is the entire intake, lots of new cars are going this way.

[abc13052]

That's what I was afraid of when I tapped on it and couldn't tell from the sound, whether it was plastic or aluminum.

Thanks Mark. Time to get out the old torque wrench! LOL

From my Haynes manual there appears to be a coolant line that actually runs the underside length of the intake, closest to the radiator, but unable to see.

It's a tiny leak, that drips right next to the injector closest to the pass. side.
Sometimes it will leak and sometimes it won't.

That's what really gets me. Any ideas?

[mark v]

Could be a leaky intake gasket leaking coolant also.

[BryanF]

is the coolant leaking externally, or internally into the cylinders/crankcase?

[abc13052]

Hey Bryan.

No, I don't see anything indicating it's leaking into the oil.

It seems to be a small drip onto what looks to be like the lower intake manifold, next to a fuel injector. But I'm unable to pinpoint it's location.

Hope that helps.

[BroncoJoe19]

Sometimes when I can't quite see something, I'll use a mirror, or my digital camera. It can get into places I can't.
Good luck with the leak.
joe