Preparing for IMRC repair

Joeb6812

Joeb6812

Registered
I'm going over on the boat to get the Mark tomorrow so I can get the IMRC's fixed before I drive it to Carlisle. I'm also gonna replace the valve cover gaskets and plug tube seals that have been leaking for a while now. What gaskets will I need for this job and do they come in an upper engine kit? I know I will need the upper and lower gaskets for the IMRC's and one for the plenum, but is there any hidden seals/o-rings/gaskets that may be disturbed during the tear down? What should I expect when this all comes apart? Where should I order the parts from? Are there aftermarket gaskets available or should I just use the Ford stuff?

I read Joe's thread about his repair last year and got a few things out of it, but I just want to make sure I have the freshest information possible. It's tough to get parts to the island quickly so I would like to have the stuff on-hand if I need it. I'm gonna wait until tomorrow (Friday) morning to place my order so any feedback would be appreciated. Helpful tips will also be paid back in the form of alcoholic beverages to anyone who attends Carlisle next month. ;) Thanks in advance
 
Joeb6812 said:
I'm also gonna replace the valve cover gaskets and plug tube seals that have been leaking for a while now. What gaskets will I need for this job and do they come in an upper engine kit? I know I will need the upper and lower gaskets for the IMRC's and one for the plenum, but is there any hidden seals/o-rings/gaskets that may be disturbed during the tear down? What should I expect when this all comes apart? Where should I order the parts from? Are there aftermarket gaskets available or should I just use the Ford stuff?
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You can reuse the valve cover gaskets and donuts. A good cleaning and a thin film of silicone works well. I used a discontinued Permatex product to 'glue' the gaskets in place on the covers when replacing them.

Some say the IMRC gaskets may be reused, but only if the impregnated silicone seal is not damaged when removed. I would plan on using Ford OEM.

You also want new o-rings for the coolant crossover pipe.

Call Max at Five Star Ford for the knowledge you wish your local dealer parts counter had. ;)
 
driller said:
You can reuse the valve cover gaskets and donuts. A good cleaning and a thin film of silicone works well. I used a discontinued Permatex product to 'glue' the gaskets in place on the covers when replacing them.

Some say the IMRC gaskets may be reused, but only if the impregnated silicone seal is not damaged when removed. I would plan on using Ford OEM.

You also want new o-rings for the coolant crossover pipe.

Call Max at Five Star Ford for the knowledge you wish your local dealer parts counter had. ;)
Click to expand...

Funny you say that. When I did my IMRC gaskets, the guy tried handing me a plastic bag with just one gasket. I looked at the guy at the sales desk and was like, ummmm this is not a 4-cylinder. I need two of those lol. And yes, any funkiness like a wrinkle or knick in the gasket qualifies replacement. Mine looked ok, but I replaced them anyways in an attempt to locate a vacuum leak issue which ended up being the darn plug that fell out of the throttle body. :eek: You will more than likely find your IMRCs to be caked with crap. A good cleaning will freshen them up and you will see firsthand why people have issues with them sticking. :D
 
driller said:
You can reuse the valve cover gaskets and donuts. A good cleaning and a thin film of silicone works well. I used a discontinued Permatex product to 'glue' the gaskets in place on the covers when replacing them.

Some say the IMRC gaskets may be reused, but only if the impregnated silicone seal is not damaged when removed. I would plan on using Ford OEM.

You also want new o-rings for the coolant crossover pipe.

Call Max at Five Star Ford for the knowledge you wish your local dealer parts counter had. ;)
Click to expand...

Ok, I thought I had a package of valve cover gaskets around but must have tossed them. I will put in a call on Monday to Max. Where is that dealer located? Do they ship stuff?

So, I will need?
VC gaskets
Plug tube seals
2 IMRC gaskets, upper and lower
o-rings for coolant tube
silicone

I'm hoping the parts washer will clean the IMRC's up well enough...

Thanks for the assistance everyone :D
 
Joeb6812 said:
I will put in a call on Monday to Max. Where is that dealer located? Do they ship stuff?
Click to expand...

They ship direct to you no problem.

Max Zuckerberg
Parts Specialist
Chapman Ford (Previously 5-Star Ford)
7100 east Mc Dowell Road
Scottsdale AZ 85257
Direct 1-800-866-1520 ext 236
Fax 1-480-949-8478

Yours parts list looks good, but Max will know what is different, if anything, for this job between the Gen1 and Gen2. (I only have experience with the Gen1.) :wink:
 
Max has the all of the valve cover parts and IMRC gaksets in stock. However, I believe that the gasket that goes between the throttle body base and intake manifold is obsolete.
 
psychostang said:
Max has the all of the valve cover parts and IMRC gaksets in stock. However, I believe that the gasket that goes between the throttle body base and intake manifold is obsolete.
Click to expand...

According to the parts site I was looking at the gasket is not available. Hope I can get away with using the old one.

I just ordered the parts from Max. He was very knowledgeable! Stuff aint cheap though. Just hope I can get it done by Carlisle time.
 
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So wait, have you done this already?

I know you txted a few days ago... I've been crazy busy with concerts and gigs...

I would get the extra gaskets, I mangled mine trying to clean them... :rolleyes:
 
The throttlebody gasket is available from Rock Auto for a buck, unless you're talking about the upper intake to lower intake gasket, which is not available anywhere that I'm aware of. It should be reusable with no problem though (it's two pieces).
 
Joe, I have not done this yet. Hoping for next week though. Ordered all the stuff yesterday. Max said about 5 days to deliver. Gonna cut it close!
 
Good luck Joe! I'm still trying to wrestle this drivers side valve cover off... GRRR

I was reading the forum last night and found many don't follow the shop manual exactly which seems to make the job easier! :cool: I'm going to unbolt the LH engine mount tonight and tilt the motor as almost everyone here suggests.

Funny thing I noticed is neither the shop manual or the forum mentions removing the oil dipstick tube. For the life of me I can't figure out how the cover would clear the tube but I haven't actually tried to remove the cover yet, I'm still "preparing" LOL
 
I tilted mine WITHOUT loosening the MM. Just jack the pass side up and to the left a little. Nice if you have a helper.... he jacks while you pull the rear of cover over....
 
I have to say Bud, it's a PITA to get my friends over my house since I moved a whole 35 minutes from where I grew up... :rolleyes:

My wife used to help me but now she has to watch our daughter while I "play" in the garage.
 
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