2000 Lincoln LS Stuttering

[Breech]

Hello,

Although this is my first post/thread, I have been using this forum for some info on my LS. I have about 98,000 miles on my car and I believe that my valve gaskets are allowing oil to short some of the plugs and will be taking my car to my local mechanic to have the gaskets changed with the updated kit.

My question is this: Is it true that the only place to get my hands on the Spark Plugs, Gasket Kit and COPs are through a dealership? I am trying to save some money.

Really like my car, and want to drive it for another 4-5 years, and think this will be money well spent. This has been the 2nd "big" thing that has needed fixed on it, so I really have no complaints.

Thanks,

Breech

[shorod]

I don't recall past recommendations on the valve cover gaskets, those may be a dealer-only item for the reliable ones. However, coils and spark plugs you should be able to find at local parts stores for a significant savings from dealership prices.

I actually was able to find re-boxed Motorcraft coils in Borg-Warner boxes for my wife's 2002 at O'Reilly. They had the Motorcraft sticker on them and a Ford part number. When I bought the coils for my 2004 though, they did not have the Motorcraft sticker on them, but worked fine nonetheless.

When going with spark plugs, I'd suggest going with an Autolite, NGK, or Denso. I put Iridiums in my 2004 LS8 with good results.

-Rod

[Breech]

Rod,

Thanks for the heads-up, and all the answers. I will definitely look into it all, just hope that this is the "actual" issue I am having, although it sounds very close to what others here have described.

Love the car and plan on continuing to "...drive it like I hate it!"

Breech