Further Update: In keeping with the never-ending saga, I made and installed MIL eliminators for bank 1 and 2 according to the instructions from this forum, which promptly cleared P0420, P0430. After installing the eliminators, I fully expected the car to be error code free - as the repair shop charged me $400.00 told me they fixed the problem lean codes problem (P0171, p0174) by using RTV on the IMRC rod passages.
However, after driving the car around for a day, the never-ending CEL earned its name yet again. The P0171, P0174 codes came back! I returned the car to the shop and left it with them for two days. They called me and told me to pick up the car and drive it around for about 50 miles then come back so they could inspect it (BUT DON'T TURN OFF THE CAR!).
I drove away and didn't get a block before the CEL came on again. I cleared the CEL by pulling the fuses, then drove around for 50 miles and returned to the shop.
Looked okay. No CEL. Everything seemed to be going okay until they sent a junior mechanic to pull the car into the repair bay, who promptly turned off the car. Of course, upon restart the never-ending CEL came back. They ran the inspection test anyway, which predictably failed due to P0174, P0171.
At this point, I had no choice but to leave the car with them yet again. However, I'm afraid that they'll simply say they can't fix it without installing a new Lower Intake Manifold. If this becomes the case, I'll have to walk away. I don't know if I can get my money back for a repair they failed to make, but I'm not going to pay them $$$$$ to purchase and install a new LIM. So far, I've invested over $1000.00 simply to get an inspection sticker!
I'm not even sure that these guys who advertise themselves as Ford specialists even have the diagnosis right. However, I currently don't own diagnostics tools such as a fuel pressure gauge, smoke tester or a code reader to perform my own diagnosis.
I'm wondering if anyone has a LIM for a 1998 Vin code L V6 thay they'd want to part with for a reasonable price?
P.S. I'm sure this thread is getting boring, but it really helps me to be able to vent to anyone that might understand my frustration. Thanks.