Is a valve cover gasket leak a big deal..

kudisbetta

kudisbetta

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i found an nice deal on a LS... But i was told the valve gasket cover has a leak.. is that a big issue?
 
Yea but considering every LS pre 03 has had it at one time or another... I don't recall the exact fix price, mine was covered under warranty, but I'm sure someone could tell you.


It causes major backfire issues/lack of power.
 
The gasket leaking by itself isn't a big deal, but it'll eventually allow oil to leak into the plug wells and ruin the COPs. If it's not having problems now, replacing the gasket with a new Lincoln gasket (which should be the revised design) will probably be good enough for now. I'd have the plug wells checked; if there's oil in any of them, I'd have the purchase be contingent upon the replacement of the COPs on those cylinders showing oil. If this is a private purchase, I'd have the seller knock some money off the selling price unless it's an oustanding deal. Take a look around here and see what COP replacement costs are to figure out the discount you'll want.
 
If you are decent weekend mechanic it seems not too difficult. Mine were done under warranty also other wise I would have done them. I think I read where valve cover replacement from the dealer is around $500, but the gaskets themselves run $35-$40 depending on the side of the engine. I would have him knock the price down lower(if able) then change the valve cover gaskets yourself or take it to the dealer. Here is a link from the tech section on how to change the valve cover gaskets. http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/tech/Lincoln-LS/Valve_Cover_Seal_Inspection/Valve-Cover-Seal.htm

There are also articles on how to replace spark plug and coils in the tech section, take a look and good luck.
 
To answer your question, the oil leak is a HUGE issue, if enough oil has escaped to foul out the coils. Take a very close look at his issue, before you pull the trigger.

Here's a recap of the work that my dealer did a couple weeks ago. They replaced two gaskets, six coils, eight plugs, a fuel filter and did a tune-up. (They charged me $42.50 to take off and put back on the CAI.) Looks like the labor was about $75 per hour.

PARTS
Coils 6 @ $100 = $600
Gaskets 2 @ $ 42 = $ 84
Plugs 8 @ $ 4.75 = $ 38
Fuel Filter 1 @ $ 19 = $ 19
TOTAL $741

ALL LABOR $655

GRAND TOTAL $1396 :eek:

(My out-of-pocket was $290, including my one-time $100 deductable, due to my extended warranty.)
 
:agree: luckily mine was also under warrenty and I knew the service manger so he got all plugs and coil done. Bill was around the 2,000 dollar mark. 500 dollar after market warrenty really came in handy for that one.
 
I had this problem and had the common problem of the smoke coming out of the hood. Since I don't drive my car that much, I thought I would wait and maybe it would go away. It didn't. The smoke started coming in the car. I took it to the dealer tout sweet. It cost $545 and I had it back within 3 hours of them starting. Totally worth it. Have them pay half, and enjoy your new LS.
 
Personally, I'd take a pass on ANY vehicle with 90K miles. It says "extended warranty available" and I'm under the assumption that all of these warranties are capped at 100K, so I don't see much value in that, based on the current mileage.
 
http://www.bandbhobbies.com/jwebb/vin_test.asp

I'm not sure if you have done this yet but I put the vin number in the above address to see what it said about the car. It gives a nice summary of what has been done to the car. Suspension has been service about three times and it said the airconditioning was serviced as well. These have been done a few years ago, also has been in a minor accident. Maybe you could get a fellow LVC person who lives in Ohio to check it out in person before having to go out and pick it up since they offer a 3,000 mile one month warranty. You don't want to was all those miles driving it back home. Hope this helps.
 
Hawk03 said:
http://www.bandbhobbies.com/jwebb/vin_test.asp

I'm not sure if you have done this yet but I put the vin number in the above address to see what it said about the car. It gives a nice summary of what has been done to the car. Suspension has been service about three times and it said the airconditioning was serviced as well. These have been done a few years ago, also has been in a minor accident. Maybe you could get a fellow LVC person who lives in Ohio to check it out in person before having to go out and pick it up since they offer a 3,000 mile one month warranty. You don't want to was all those miles driving it back home. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

How were you able to view that? I tried it and the "Search" link was broken. I went to Carfax and they want $20 to do it.
 
Midas78 said:
How were you able to view that? I tried it and the "Search" link was broken. I went to Carfax and they want $20 to do it.
Click to expand...

It worked fine for me this morning and I am getting the same broken link message you are getting. I saved the the web page and posting it as a word file.
 

Attachments

  • CARFAX Vehicle History Report on 1LNHM87AXYY754536.doc
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Hawk03 said:
http://www.bandbhobbies.com/jwebb/vin_test.asp

I'm not sure if you have done this yet but I put the vin number in the above address to see what it said about the car. It gives a nice summary of what has been done to the car. Suspension has been service about three times and it said the airconditioning was serviced as well. These have been done a few years ago, also has been in a minor accident. Maybe you could get a fellow LVC person who lives in Ohio to check it out in person before having to go out and pick it up since they offer a 3,000 mile one month warranty. You don't want to was all those miles driving it back home. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

If there is anyone who would check out the car for me, it would be more than appreciated...

where is OHIOLS? maybe he'll have some spare time to check it out:p
 
kudisbetta said:
i found an nice deal on a LS... But i was told the valve gasket cover has a leak.. is that a big issue?
Click to expand...

You seriously interested in that car? I've got a 2000 LS V8 Sport that I might be interested in selling for 9900. Dark grey (looks almost black), WITH an aftermarket extended warranty already on the car until 118k or September 2008, whichever comes first, AND with the valve cover/seal job already done on both valve covers, plus the plugs were changed at the same time. Mine's got 103k on it (about 9k more than the one you're looking at, but mine's got up-to-date maintenance, AND is a sport (believe me, it makes a HUGE difference, I've driven both) with the 17" rims, sequential shift, upgraded suspension, sleeker look, etc.) Also, I've got performance winter tires on it, these make a huge difference in the winter.

In addition, it's currently got a Blinder M40 laser jammer on it, which retails for like $650 PLUS installation (although I might pull this, depending on how much the car might sell for)... plus it's got the VEIL infrared absorbent paint on the headlights and all shiny surfaces (basically, you won't be getting any laser tickets unless you're STUPID).

So, in short, you're getting the same car, but with up-to-date maintenance, a free warranty till 118k, plus it's a sport, plus snow tires, and I'll include the Blinder for another $500. It's a smokin' deal.
 
dude dont get that car. Just get a different LS. I kept my eyes open for about 6 months and finally got mine a couple weeks ago.

Just get one with a great deal it will last long and make you happier.
 
lloydrage said:
dude dont get that car. Just get a different LS. I kept my eyes open for about 6 months and finally got mine a couple weeks ago.

Just get one with a great deal it will last long and make you happier.
Click to expand...

a had a few good deals pass on me.. Ive been looking since october

I guess im kinda forcing it right now...
 
lloydrage said:
dude dont get that car. Just get a different LS. I kept my eyes open for about 6 months and finally got mine a couple weeks ago.

Just get one with a great deal it will last long and make you happier.
Click to expand...


what if i could get that car for
7800
 
kudisbetta said:
what if i could get that car for
7800
Click to expand...

maybe. Keep in mind you are going to drop a lot of money on that engine
 
yeah if you're seriously considering a car with 90k + miles, you might as well go with one that has 100k. i think Barwick has a good solution for you. you've got to figure after 80k, the car is going to need some work. seems he has already taken care of the trouble issues AND done improvements to the car. i have no clue how Barwick drove it... pimpin'? or racin' ;) but either way that seems like a more solid deal than something on ebay with questionable history.
 
Barwick said:
*ahem* I offered a solution to that, with a better car...
Click to expand...


I swear if it was blk/blk i'd take it...

I'm very set on getting blk/blk
 
Barwick said:
*ahem* I offered a solution to that, with a better car...
Click to expand...


I swear if it was blk/blk i'd take it...

I'm very set on getting blk/blk
 
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