Need dos and don't of replacing motor

[1986_MarkVII]

Lincoln Mark VII -- Bill Blass
5.0 L



The advice I'm getting from various sources is this:

Pull the life support plug on your Lincoln. The oil spout is smoking, so, they say that means the engine is shot. Something about a blow by.

I still have to have the rear transmisstion seal replaced and the two transmission coolant line plugs replaced. Tranny shop is quoting $334.

I just paid $396 for new motor mounts and transmission mounts.


If I replace the motor what am I looking at cost wise and are there any dos and don'ts? Where is a good location to purchase a motor? I'm in northern California.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

You are going to exceed the value of the car by purchasing a new long block and having it installed. They easily run over $2000 installed. I am not sure about the smoke out of your oil spout. The first thing I would suggest is checking the oil level, as well as checking to coolant to make sure that there is no oil in it. This would indicated a blown head gasket, but that is uncommon on these engines.

 

[NYC LS8]

Try pulling the screen that sits underneath the PCV valve in the back of the intake, and look into replacing the PCV valve as well. Those are usually culprits for leaks, blow-by, etc.

 

[1986_MarkVII]

Alternative to Engine Replacement

Thanks guys. I've been really depressed. The auto repair shops kept giving me bad news.

As for having more into the car than its worth, that is the vicious cycle I'm stuck in. My Lincoln is my everyday car I need to get to work.

What I am trying to determine is how long does my car have before its absolutely over. The one shop said it could be a year or less, but another shop said it could be days.

If its a year or more, then I can save and sell things to get a crate motor.

I did replace the pcv last weekend when I gave the car the compete remake -- new spark plugs, wires, rotor, cap, pcv, valve cover gaskets, oil change, new oil filter, new air filter, and transmission maintanence.

I could not reach into that little cubby hole to get at the screen, let alone look down it to see what condition it is in. I'm too short (female).

I'll go back at this weekend and see if I can get it out and clean it.

 

[ND4SPDLSC]

To pull the screen, use a 3" drywall screw securely taped to the end of a phillips screw driver. Screw into the screen and carefully pull it out. You can clean it and reinstall or toss it. I put mine on the shelf as it's there for new car emissions (supposedly) and it doesn't really do anything. I hope your luck gets better. The other option is having a junkyard engine installed. It would be cheaper than buying a rebuilt or new engine.

 

[scott9050]

I would buy a complete Mustang 5.0 H.O. engine and add new rings and bearings and pop it in there.

 

[1986_MarkVII]

No Turning Back

1986 Lincoln Mark VII -- Bill Blass edition
5.0 L -- 302 Long Block

Female in the House :steering



Feeling blue tonight.

After all the time and money I've put into my Lincoln, it has been all for not.

The bearings are rattling and the mechanics say the engine's days are numbered.

The lowest bid to replace the motor with a new like kind engine, is $4,600. This includes a new radiator and comes with a 300,000 mile warranty.

I'm weighing my options. Considering the amount of time and money I've already put into the car -- new headliner, quarter panels, back dash, arm rest, ignition switch, key switch, blower motor, two relay switches, and new battery. The transmission seals replaced and the unit drained and cleaned. New motor and engine mounts. The tread on the tires is still good and other than the notorious pealing Lincoln paint, the body is in remarkable condition for its age.

I've looked around at used car dealerships, and I cannot buy a comperable car for the same amount, let alone have it with a new engine.

Any thoughts? Should I let go? To do the motor change will mean getting a loan or parking the car and saving until I can afford the work. Buying a new car also requires securing a loan.

Any ideas of how long my car has before it finally gives up? The oil pan seal is all but gone and leaking heavily, as is the master brake cylinder.

 

[ND4SPDLSC]

You've put a good amount into the car already. Unless you really love the car, it may become frustrating to keep getting things fixed, especially as you pay more to have someone else do the work. Conversely, with the engine replaced and the transmission serviced, you should only see relatively minor problems if any for a long time. The leaking master cylinder worries me though. Where is the leak? A used M/C won't be too bad. I've seen them picked up for under $100. The accumulator is a couple or few hundred.

How long before she blows is hard to say. It could go soon or could go later. Do try to keep the oil level up though. Have you considered a used engine? One from another VII or a '87-'93 Mustang will fit. Anyone else remember if the HO has different wiring than the regular SEFI engine?