I just finished replacing the valve cover gaskets, coils, plugs and one fuel injector on my 2001 V8 LS. Many, many thanks to all those who paved the way and posted their experiences here. The job was much easier as a result.

I'm posting this to add to the database, so to speak, regarding cylinder misfire codes. I was getting a cylinder #1 misfire code and a bank 1 too rich at start-up code prior to replacing the parts listed above. The major symptom was a hard to start when cold problem. I had to crank the car for 5 - 7 seconds before it would start and then I would get a gasy smelling cloud of grey smoke from the exhaust. I would start a little better using the flooded engine starting procedure (pressing and holding gas pedal to the floor prior to turning key) but it still took a few seconds to fire and I got the grey gasy smoke. It even backfired through the intake a few times and blew the cover off of the air filter box:eek: .

I pulled the passenger side fuel injectors and #2 was really seeping some significant fuel when I energized the fuel system by turning the ignition key to the run position, so I replaced it. I put it all back together and it ran great for two days. All of a sudden the hard to start problem came back! About three days after the problem reappeared I got code #0301 - cylinder 6 misfire. You can imagine what I was saying about Lincoln and their coils when that happened:mad: !!!! Anyway, it was acting like the previous fuel injector problem so I took a chance and replaced #6 fuel injector. Viola, problem solved:)

So, just be aware that a cylinder misfire code can be caused by a bad fuel injector.