Originally Posted by Frank_Ford

Just looked at RockAuto and they have a metal replacement tube (heater hose coolant tube). I have removed the intake manifold on my truck but the tube was not damaged or leaking and I didn't have to do any repairs. it sems like you could remove the old one and put in a new one with some solder or sealant without removing the intake manifold. Sorry I can;t help you beyond getting a new tube. If you have other issues with the intake manifold like you see oil in your coolant or you have leaks and are OK with a big job, remove the manifold, change all the gaskets and while you have everything apart, it would be a good time to fix you problem, change you plugs, change or clean you fuel injectors. My experience doing this resulted in my truck running like new and not having oil in my coolant. A note on the gasket, the OEM gasket it not very durable and tears easily if you have to move the manifold around wien you put it back together. Ford uses a robot to install the manifold and gasket at the factory so it doesn't leak. Federal Mogel (the same guys who make gaskets for Ford) for the replacement market that is more durable and won't tear when you put the manifold back together. I highly recommend this gasket. It is a little more than the OEM (maybe $20) but you won't have leaks.

Originally Posted by psless

I have a leak right where the metal connector connects into the intake manifold. Am I going to have to change the manifold or can you change this pipe?

update - I soldered some plumbing solder right where the crack was. Once I removed the hose and wire brushed the area I could see there is a crack on the insert metal fitting down near the bottom. It’s holding so far but if anyone has any experience fixing this issue without pulling the manifold please chime in.

Also, my manifold is metallic and noticed the replacements are plastic. Is that the only option for replacement now (plastic)? Seems like the aluminum one would be more robust.

Originally Posted by Big Ed 1

You might want to tell what year and engine it is?
Aluminum will corrode, the plastic wont.
Looks like that just press fits down into the manifold?

Originally Posted by Snake plissken

aluminum will NOT corrode IF you replace the coolant every 5/6 years.....which most people don't....i do.
I've worked with both the alum and plastic and alum is bullet proof, plastics leak. They went to plastic because it's cheaper not better. Take your alum to the machine shop and have them weld it or take a Chance and buy a good used one. Intake manifolds are under pressure and expand and contract a lot. I would not trust jb weld or anything else OTHER than weld it.
Assuming you want to keep the truck for a long time.
I hate plastic.