2003 Lincoln Ls 3.9 valve cover removal

[Diplomat 1]

I am having a hard time trying to figure out how to even get to the bolts to take the valve covers off. Wats tools have u used to make it the easiest to take both sides off? Thanks

 

[1LoudLS]

while not quite the same as the 2nd gen, this may help.

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/tech/Lincoln-LS/Valve_Cover_Seal_Inspection/Valve-Cover-Seal.htm

http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x31008.htm~gen~ref.htm
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x31007.htm~gen~ref.htm

 

[FDR]

On my gen 1 V8 I did everything with a 8mm normal socket, 8mm deep socket, u-joint, and about 2ft of extensions. All 1/4" drive. The deep socket can be used as the equivalent of a normal socket with a very short extension.

I think I used screwdrivers somewhere. You can "stick" the bolts to the sockets by pitting a piece of paper or paper towel across the socket, then shoving the bolt into it. It'll be useful for the rear bolts that aren't captive to the cover.

Remove everything in the way. Covers, intake tube, wipers/cowls, EGR (I think? on the driver shock tower). Remove the bolts on the power steering reservoir (and fan pump resv on Gen 1s). Disconnect the fuel line.

I made a post here about it with pictures. I'm not sure what'll be different on the Gen 2 (besides intake tube and fan resv)

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/fo...-to-me&p=2037384766&viewfull=1#post2037384766

 

[joegr]

... EGR (I think? on the driver shock tower). ...

Actually, that's the Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Valve.

The official removal instructions:
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x31007.htm~gen~ref.htm
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x31008.htm~gen~ref.htm

You do want to remove and reinstall the bolts in the sequence shown.

 

[FDR]

Actually, that's the Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Valve.

The official removal instructions:
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x31007.htm~gen~ref.htm
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x31008.htm~gen~ref.htm

You do want to remove and reinstall the bolts in the sequence shown.

Thanks for clarifying. And I forgot about the torquing order. Last time, I just followed a general pattern of center 2 first, then move around in a circle, going to the opposite side each time... but the engine was already toast at that point.