2000 LS V8 misfires + has leaky valve gaskets

[jerryls]

I have about 100K miles and I'm tired of paying the dealer $400/mo fixing things.
They already replaced coils 2,3,&6. I havnt fixed the leaks, ( i smell oil burning on the manifolds). I know these are common problems.
I took off the plug covers, but dont see any oil around the plug wells. The car misfires while accelerating, usually after it's warmed up, so I suspect other coils are bad. I'm thinking about replacing all the other coils and plugs. However, while reading through the forum, I'm concerned maybe the computer is bad and occasionally not sending the pulse to the coil(s). The dealer said the status code didnt show anything. I have a few questions, and appreciate any experienced information.
1- How do I take off the coils, do I just pull them or twist them off. I am afraid to break them?
2- What's involved in changing the gaskets. The plug covers were bad enough to remove!
3- If the car misfires(as it does), no check engine light comes on. Will the diagnostic readout still show the fault.
Thanks for any information you have.
Jerry

[el es]

Originally Posted by jerryls

I have about 100K miles and I'm tired of paying the dealer $400/mo fixing things.
They already replaced coils 2,3,&6. I havnt fixed the leaks, ( i smell oil burning on the manifolds). I know these are common problems.
I took off the plug covers, but dont see any oil around the plug wells. The car misfires while accelerating, usually after it's warmed up, so I suspect other coils are bad. I'm thinking about replacing all the other coils and plugs. However, while reading through the forum, I'm concerned maybe the computer is bad and occasionally not sending the pulse to the coil(s). The dealer said the status code didnt show anything. I have a few questions, and appreciate any experienced information.
1- How do I take off the coils, do I just pull them or twist them off. I am afraid to break them?
2- What's involved in changing the gaskets. The plug covers were bad enough to remove!
3- If the car misfires(as it does), no check engine light comes on. Will the diagnostic readout still show the fault.
Thanks for any information you have.
Jerry

considering you have the V8 all the tasks they are doing are easily accomplished but i highly recommend tthat you shop ebay for a repair CD.

The CEL may not always come on in misfires it depends on how severe and consistent. Most OBDII worth while will show you stored codes and will test for misfire. If you have a laptop I highly recommend the scantool from autoenginuity.com. you can get a great deal if you buy from the guy on ebay. Great support and superior customer service.

[jerryls]

Originally Posted by el es

considering you have the V8 all the tasks they are doing are easily accomplished but i highly recommend tthat you shop ebay for a repair CD.

The CEL may not always come on in misfires it depends on how severe and consistent. Most OBDII worth while will show you stored codes and will test for misfire. If you have a laptop I highly recommend the scantool from autoenginuity.com. you can get a great deal if you buy from the guy on ebay. Great support and superior customer service.

Thanks for the information. I'll look for the CD and change the remaining coils and plugs. If It still has problems then it's probably the power train control module.
Jerry

[el es]

Originally Posted by jerryls

Thanks for the information. I'll look for the CD and change the remaining coils and plugs. If It still has problems then it's probably the power train control module.
Jerry

I bought mine for about 10 bucks. From what I know of the PCM, someone please correct if I am wrong, it is either good or bad. Bad being non-functional. The problem you are desribing is common and usually is remediated by replacing the valve cover gaskets and the coils. I think the coils have a very short MTBF so you could end up replacing them daily.

Check your air filter and MAF snesor. I replaced the one in my 00 V6 with the airbox and MAF frrom the 02 after replacing my coils and the problem went away.

Let us know how it works out for you.

[jerryls]

Originally Posted by el es

I bought mine for about 10 bucks. From what I know of the PCM, someone please correct if I am wrong, it is either good or bad. Bad being non-functional. The problem you are desribing is common and usually is remediated by replacing the valve cover gaskets and the coils. I think the coils have a very short MTBF so you could end up replacing them daily.

Check your air filter and MAF snesor. I replaced the one in my 00 V6 with the airbox and MAF frrom the 02 after replacing my coils and the problem went away.

Let us know how it works out for you.

Thanks again,
Should I buy the ford coils or aftermarket brand if i can find them? I had the MAF and air filter changed about 6 mo ago.
JB

[el es]

I have been using the aftermarket coils and have found no difference nor has anyone made any negative observations so until then. I'd say buy the after markets it is almost a 2 for the price of one.

[jerryls]

Whare can I buy aftermarket coils. The best price I found has been $45.00, but I think they are Ford coils.
Thanks Again,

[el es]

I bought mine from autozone. I do not recall the manuf name though. They were around 30 dollars ea.

[GQ_LS]

Helo el es, just curious as to when auto zone started carrying aftermarket coils for the LS. I've been out of the loop seeing how I've been living in Japan for the last seven months. When I replaced the coils on my V-8, I forked over $75 a piece for the Motor Craft that the dealership carries. That was about 7 and a half months ago, right before I left the U.S.
JerryLS, good luck with your vehicle.

[el es]

Originally Posted by GQ_LS

Helo el es, just curious as to when auto zone started carrying aftermarket coils for the LS. I've been out of the loop seeing how I've been living in Japan for the last seven months. When I replaced the coils on my V-8, I forked over $75 a piece for the Motor Craft that the dealership carries. That was about 7 and a half months ago, right before I left the U.S.
JerryLS, good luck with your vehicle.

IIRC I ordered mine around 6 months ago. The manufacturer is Wells and the AZ part no. is C1346 cost online is 31 dollars, it is the OEM replacement. I bought mine in the store for the smae price but they had to ordr them in.

I think Wells offers a marked up unit but I do not know the specs on it.

[jerryls]

Thanks, $31.00 is not bad. Now if I can only figure out how to get those plastic fasteners that hold all the plastic covers off without breaking them. I assume the valve gaskets I have to get from Ford, they are about $15.00 each.
JB

[el es]

Originally Posted by jerryls

Thanks, $31.00 is not bad. Now if I can only figure out how to get those plastic fasteners that hold all the plastic covers off without breaking them. I assume the valve gaskets I have to get from Ford, they are about $15.00 each.
JB

check with autozone they may have them as well. or go to fordpartsnetwork.com.

[jerryls]

I checked Autozone and they dont have the gaskets yet. What plugs do you recomend. The platinums?

[el es]

Originally Posted by jerryls

I checked Autozone and they dont have the gaskets yet. What plugs do you recomend. The platinums?

plugs are different subject.... I used the motorcraft just becasue there was no concensus on what is better and why.

[jerryls]

Nice car! I just looked at your pictures. Mine is black also. I'll let you know how it works out, when I do the work. Thanks for all your help.
JB