Gen 3 3.8 intake leak woes

[MonteroLTD]

The montero has been idling rough lately and occasionally throwing a system too lean code. After inspecting the cause, I found a huge vacuum leak in the air intake surge tank shaft that's connected to the actuator linkage. If the amount of work involved in pulling the intake off isn't bad enough, the dealer wants $1200 for the part (No service kit exists and the entire lower manifold or "surge tank" as they call it must be replaced).

Going to the wreckers is a crap shoot, apparently this is a common problem with these engines. Besides, I can't find a scrap montero anywhere locally. Any suggestions? Being a Canadian Montero owner blows.

 

[Michael Brown]

They are few and far between in the wrecking yards. Try checking eBay. I've found several wrecked Gen 3's for parts there. I ordered a differential for mine from there.

 

[montypower]

I've never heard of this failing. You'd probably be fine buying a used part. Try searching US wrecking yards: car-part.com
Also, you could easily remove the lower intake and remote the shaft and butterfly valves then have the holes MIG welded. The truck will drive fine without those valves.