Big problems!!

[Lincoln Head]

My 2003 Lincoln V8 LS transmission is screaming like it needs train fluid (ha-ha) how would I know this there's no transmission dip stick. taking any and all knowable suggestions. Also and here is the big on I believe there's a blown head gasket. I have rebuilt more single cam engines than I have fingers and toes (lol) but never a dual cam motor. I'm wanting to try this my self only thing that I see stopping me is not being able to find let's call it a how to book on my Lincoln. Hope this doesn't sound corny but I'm backwards country type. Anything would help.

[shorod]

There is a standpipe / drain plug in the transmission pan that can be used to check the level, sort of. You overfill the transmission on a level surface through this stand pipe using a special fitting (or making one from hardware store parts) and when the fluid stops running out of the pipe, it's full.

What makes you suspect a blown head gasket? Are you losing coolant, is the oil milky, does it just run roughly? Have you performed a compression test or cylinder leakdown test on the engine? Once nice thing about the V8 LS versus the V6 is it's actually quite easy to access all 8 spark plugs.

-Rod

[joegr]

Head gasket problems on the 3.9 are incredibly rare. Cooling system problems with symptoms that seem a lot like a head gasket problem are very common. The plastic parts, including the degas bottle, rot and crack. The cracks are so small that you don't see them and you won't see the coolant leaking. However, air will get sucked into the cooling system and cause the engine to overheat. It looks a lot like a head gasket problem, but it isn't.

[Lincoln Head]

Okay now to talk about my theory of the boat had gasket. I will try to make as sure as possible. I bought this 03 Lincoln in February 2013 for myself. I also have a 2004 Lincoln LS V8 that I call my wife's. Her car is cherry not a problem one since I've had it since 09. The 03 has the same engine and trans as the 04, but a few more comfort options. My first piece of evidence on the head gasket theory is-was, when I bought the car in February the guy I was buying it from told me that he had just replaced the goose neck gasket and thermostat. I was so intoxicated by the car I didn’t th ask “did you get it hot???” go figure. The second piece of evidence I have. Within a couple of days of having a car for no particular reason. I replaced the radiator, the dual climate control valve, hoses, clamps, and coolant along with spark pluges and other mis. stuff. When putting the coolant back in it, while purging the air from the system. I noticed a steady stream of small little bubbles in the coolant. (big red flag to me) . I thought reluctantly, Oh well, let's see what happens. Sure enough, it uses an average of half a gallon of coolant a week. I am a 101% positive it's not leaking nothing. A couple of times it has really fell off the edge and idled terribly. This lasted for very short periods and once I give a gas it all evened out. The other stuff I did to it was had an Accel DFI Thruster EFI Engine Management System installed. A Edelbrock 38693 - Edelbrock Pro-Flo XT Throttle Body and a Accel Super Coil Ignition Coil Set. Let me tell you man this Lincoln will fly. My problem is I have too much money in it to stop now. lol
P.S. The oil is fine

[Lincoln Head]

Cool. This sounds like good stuff. I will check for the standpipe on the transmission pan tomorrow. Honestly, this is a small answer to a big question……..Why?? Oh well..

[joegr]

The LS has failsafe cooling that almost always prevents head and head gasket problems. It is very common to have to replace all of the plastic cooling system parts at the same time. A small crack allows air to be sucked in. You haven't named all the plastic parts yet. I would replace them all before I jumped to head gasket.
Alternately, you can do a test for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. If they are there, you for sure have a problem. If they aren't, you can be pretty sure you don't.

[Lincoln Head]

Thanks again! Now (lol) could you would you name some of the plastic parts to check???

[joegr]

Okay, these are the common ones to have trouble, from front to back.

Upper radiator hose. There is a plastic tee in the middle that can crack and seep.

Lower radiator hose. There is a long plastic section in the middle.

Engine fill cap.

Thermostat housing. This is the part with the thermostat twisted in, the fill cap, the bottom radiator hose and a heater hose attaches to it.

Coolant outlet pipe. This is the big piece that the thermostat housing attaches to. It connects to both cylinder banks, the water pump, the top radiator hose, the throttle body heater, and the engine air bleed hose (goes to degas bottle).

Pipe. This is the short angled pipe that comes from the top of the engine (water pump) and goes to the back of the coolant outlet pipe. You have to remove the intake manifold to replace this part. You may want to replace the other throttle body heater hose while you have the intake manifold off.

Of course, there are several different seals that go with all of this.

Degas bottle. You can't see the crack until you take it out, and you probably won't see the coolant leaking. Don't use the aftermarket (Doorman) part. It's lifespan is measured in days.

Parts that more rarely fail are: radiator, DCCV, aux pump, hoses, degas bottle cap.

It is also very important to follow the factory fill and bleed procedure to the letter.
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file...tm#extract_142

[Lincoln Head]

Wow, I’ve done a lot to my LS but, I’m finding there are little things I haven’t done; just cause I don’t know. Got to find some kind of printed information that I can get access to know what I am really doing but, hey I am having fun learning and doing. I get déjà-vu of my first hot rod. (lol) alright I have already replaced these parts you have mention;
1) Upper radiator hose and the T
2) Lower radiator hose and plastic part (I believe seems like there was a piece of plastic in between two hoses, I’m not sure)
3) Thermostat housing and thermostat
4) Degas bottle
5) Motorcraft oe replacement coolant reservoir hose
6) Motorcraft oe replacement coolant temperature sensor
7) Radiator fan assembly
8) Motorcraft dccv (Dual climate control valve) and accompanying hoses
I think that’s all. I used all the old hose clamps.(my doing this I caught a lot of crap.) I’m good to say I’m 99% sure that the coolant is not leaking. Would a pressure test help sort this out??
The BIG thing here is I DIDN’T follow the factory fill and bleed procedure. Holy crap all this money and nowhere did I read bout the factory fill and bleed procedure. Go Figure??? Thanks man even if this is not my problem—I’m getting on this first thing in the morning.
Tanks joegr

[Lincoln Head]

P.S. joegr What Manual did you use in your previous post and can I buy a subscription???

[joegr]

You can subscribe here:
http://www.helminc.com/helm/ford_osi...lm&class_2=LNC

I promise you that your coolant outlet pipe and the pipe under it are leaking. I don't know anyone who hasn't had to replace those at least once now.

[RJLipscomb]

2006 LS V8

Time to replace the Recovery Tank (Degas Bottle). However, i can't find an OEM part online. All my queries return Dorman. Any suggestions.

Also, I want to replace the rest of the above items. Does anyone have parts numbers and suggested selling sites?

Also, will replace the drive belt while at it. Should I also replace the tensioner?