Where do i find a 1999 northstar engine manual

CHECK FUEL PUMP

Do you have access to the service records? If there are any records related to the oil delivery system then it could be taken care of. There are issues with main seals and debris in the oil control valve. The average age of issues begin about 80000 miles

You should have the computer checked for trouble codes next.

Northstar engines are known for intake manifold leaks and also for intake manifold coupler leaks. I do not know what else you could be describing. The only "black cover" I can think of would be the intake manifold. There is not much of anything else on top of a Northstar engine.(except the silver plastic cover that has "32V Northstar" moulded into it.)

starter on the northstar is located under the intake. not fun

Hello: The following is straight from the 1999 4.6 service manual----Install the bearing caps according to the identification marks. The arrow should point toward the front of the engine. the number indicates the position from the front of the engine and the I or E indicates intake or exhaust camshaft. hand start all bolts. Tighten to 44 lb. in. plus 30 degrees Start from front and work back. A torque angle meter is used to measure degrees.

That does sound strange but when a computer is bad no codes will be showing up and the engine will still run but not the greatest
Have the PCM checked out

Have you unhooked the battery since you put the freon in? If not, do it.

The starter on the 4.6 Northstar engine is in the middle of the engine between the cylinder heads. On the 4,9 ltr the starter is located below L/S cylinder rear near oil pan. Hope this helps

say what?