Two problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1998 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving consumer noticed black smoke coming from the engine. Consumer pulled the vehicle over, called a tow truck, and vehicle was towed to the dealership. Mechanic informed consumer that the plastic intake manifold failed.
I have had problems with this car since the day I purchased it. Along with everything else that is wrong with it, there is a odor entering the vehicle, mainly on the passenger's front when at a stop. We have taken the car to all the local dealers and they either tell us they can smell it and just spray air freshner into the vents. Others say they can't smell anything and therefore can't do anything about it. We recently took the car to a private garage and they found evidence of fluid leaking or spraying onto the exhaust manifold. It is felt that the fluid is coming from the hydraulic engine mount on the passenger side. The odor causes a burning sensation in the throat and lungs and followed by headaches. In one case, it caused severe breathing problems. This person already has lung related problems but this odor caused a severe and violent reaction. You have nothing listing what is used in the new engine mounts therefore making it appear that this could be a toxic substance when brought into contact with a hot manifold. What does it take to.