Owners of 2003-05 Excursions, 2003-06 F-Super Duty pickup trucks or 2004-06 Econoline vans with 6.0-liter diesel engines may complain of an exhaust odor that slowly enters the passenger compartment. Leakage from one or both exhaust manifolds is the likely source of the smell, reports Ford.
An improved design exhaust manifold gasket, part No. 5C4Z-9448-A, is available to eliminate the odor issue.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via email at [email protected].