Breathing New Life...First LS Tune-Up

[Phlox]

Okay, here’s the stitch…just purchased a Gen II ’05 LS V6 used with 73,000 miles with hopes of bringing her back to life and in return, hope to have a decent car for the remainder of my college years. At the lot, the car looked and drove like she was in pristine condition. After about a day of driving, 60 – 80 miles, my CEL threw the dreaded P0420 code (this is the only code thrown since she has been in my possession.) I took her to a reputable exhaust mechanic and had a new Cat put on the passenger side (Bank 1.) My mechanic had informed me that something had caused the Cat to fail, so I decided to do some research here on LvsC.

I had also taken notice to a rough idle on cold morning start-ups, although if I lightly gave her gas I could get the RPM’s within range and eliminate the rough idle/car shake within a minute or two. I have also noticed the “oil burning smell” associated with the Gen IIs, so did a little research on LvsC and found that my problem was a leaking IMT O-ring (common in Gen IIs I suppose.) Through my research, it appears that coils and plugs can cause this, along with vacuum leaks, the IMT o-ring failure, PVC Valves, MAF sensors, and the TPS sensor too. I also have suspicion that the Fuel Filter is original to the vehicle – so that is in the plans to replace as well. I have the Plugs and Ignition Coils on order, along with a Valve Cover Gasket Kit, an Intake Manifold Gasket Kit, and replacement IMT O-rings. If oil is discovered when I pull my plugs then the Valve Cover Gasket is getting replaced. The Intake Manifold Gaskets are going to be replaced no matter what.

I guess what I’m really looking for here is reassurance that I am taking the right steps in providing a thorough tune-up which shall give a new life to my LS. I really enjoy this vehicle and would love to get at least another 40k miles out of her…if possible. Moreover, I’m relatively good with my hands and maintenance but this is the first Lincoln I’ve worked on. My last car was a ’99 GMC Jimmy. I can turn a wrench and attentive to details – so as long as I take my time I believe I can tackle the removal of the Upper Intake Manifold no problem…but if anybody has any additional tips or hints I would be very appreciative. Are there any specific tools I may need for this job that wouldn’t be included in a standard mechanics tool kit (as I plan to purchase one since most of my tools are woodworking tools.) Also, any ‘heads up’ to problem areas/parts that caused any hang ups or where fellow LS owners ran into snags while performing these procedures, may also be extremely beneficial before I commence. Again, thank you for your time and knowledge…sorry for the length of post. And yes I read the forums and have taken advantage of the search feature for roughly a month before posting.


First To Complete:
Coil-on-Plugs -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1821064&cc=1430714
Spark Plugs -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3153345&cc=1430714
Intake Manifold Tuner O-rings -- http://www.motorcarsltd.com/c2s40669.html
Intake Manifold Gaskets -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2650536&cc=1430714
Valve Cover Gaskets (Replace if Oil Discovered in plug wells) -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1826254&cc=1430714

Second To Complete:
Mass Air Flow Sensor (Clean or Replace after inspection) -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4436106&cc=1430714
Throttle Position Sensor -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2262364&cc=1430714
Throttle Body (Clean Only/No Replace! Might Complete this step when removing Intake Manifold)
PCV Valve -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=383094&cc=1430714
PCV Hose -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=872576&cc=1430714
Fuel Filter -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4951362&cc=1430714

Tools being purchased for this job:
Pittsburg Wrench Set -- http://www.harborfreight.com/32-pie...ombination-wrench-set-68854.html#.UxUHL_ldX6M
Pittsburg Socket Set -- http://www.harborfreight.com/64-piece-14-38-and-12-socket-set-67995.html#.UxUH0fldX6M

Resources being used to help diagnose solve and repair:
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?80778-Oil-smell-in-the-car-in-cold-weather
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/fo...en2-V6-Coil-Plug-Gasket-IMT-valve-replacement
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fordguy4u/2012-05-24_202217_a2.pdf
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?73912-Gen2-V6-engine-teardown
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?80358-Gas-Smell-when-starting-in-cold-weather
http://www.justanswer.com/ford-lincoln/3mugg-lincoln-ls-3-0-2004-model-problem-code.html
http://www.underhoodservice.com/Art...leakage_noise_and_mil_on_with_lean_codes.aspx
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s-type-s-type-r-supercharged-v8-15/oil-lower-imt-housing-12249/
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?91528-Vacuum-Leak-at-PCV-elbow
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?59420-Intake-Leaking-Oil
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ing-replacement-short-route-w-pics-faq-32135/
http://www.ehow.com/how_12229138_install-spark-plugs-2005-lincoln-ls.html
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/fo...-on-PCV-valve-WTF-2004-V6&highlight=pcv+elbow
**RECALL NOTICE ON PCV** http://www.allstatetrucks.com/Recalls/cust satisfaction recalls/08n01/R08N01 dealer bulletin.pdf


I am planning for an 8 hour job to complete the first set of repairs…is this an honest estimate? All processes within the second stage should be completed fairly quickly after familiarizing myself with the car during the first set of repairs. In addition, I plan to take numerous photos before removing any part, while removing each part/connector, and reassembly of each part. I also plan to use Photoshop to label and list each part, bolt, and connector in hopes of not only helping myself with this process but in return possibly helping future LS owners who plan on tackling a tune-up like this, because in all honesty the tech article listed here, you know the black and white tear down diagrams, just don’t do it for me. Especially since, according to my knowledge, they pertain to the Gen I models. Let’s get wrenching!

 

[jrand]

if you run it to lincoln/ford to get the pcv recall they might be able to run diagnostics for free. check the coupons on your local lincoln/ford dealer websites for more info

grab the shop manuals off ebay for like$10 or whatever. thats money well spent if you cant find them for free anywhere.
also consider alternate sources for parts.if advance auto is in your local they have a ton of coupons on slickdeals.net if you search. i normally save 40% there by breaking up orders to meet the coupon stipulations. amazon occasionally has some deals, and sometimes lincoln/ford dealer can get you a deal too.

you might be able to rid yourself of the rough idle by just doing the fuel filter/injector cleaner, clean MAF/throttle body, and the imtv o-rings and avoid having to take off the upper intake manifold yourself. not sure if i recommend that or not, it didnt save time IMO, but it did save the money on replacement gaskets.

coils are likely on their last legs, but you never know, maybe the previous owner just replaced them.

 

[Andrizzle]

Welcome.

Where did you get your LS, I am in OKC, too.

 

[Phlox]

Welcome.

Where did you get your LS, I am in OKC, too.

Thanks,

I located her down in Southwest Oklahoma. Lawton to be exact, from an independent car lot. I was told it's previous owner was in the service and stationed there at the Fort Sill Base...of course I dunno if there is any truth to that. The car is in excellent shape as far as cosmetics go interior wise, but she does have a few flaws on her exterior. Slight hail damage (you really have to be looking for it,) a few scratches on the side mirrors, and a few paint chips on the front bumper. Mechanically sound is another issue apparently, but I have hopes of fixing those problems soon. My first set of parts are in the mail as we speak and should arrive by Friday of this week. So I'm looking to get the jump on that little project real soon.

 

[hite337]

Welcome to LVC! Thats an awesome 1st post. Sounds like you have a well thought out plan. Good luck and if you need any other advice feel free to ask

 

[FRSHIZL]

Anyone got a cure for the coil failures ? I'm on my 2nd Ls (2006) and would love to fix it and forget about it if possible..

 

[joegr]

Anyone got a cure for the coil failures ? I'm on my 2nd Ls (2006) and would love to fix it and forget about it if possible..

Yes, replace them every 60K to 100K miles as they fail. Sadly, on this car they are a wear item like the spark plugs.

 

[lincolnelite]

just think about it as a wear item, just like your tires and brakes eventually they need to be replaced. It's a stupid design as I say it.

 

[LS4me]

Anyone got a cure for the coil failures ? I'm on my 2nd Ls (2006) and would love to fix it and forget about it if possible..

There is no such thing as a fix it and forget mechanical device!

 

[FRSHIZL]

Must be true like they say 1 fails the others are not far behind, seems as with my first ls I'm replacing one about every month.

 

[Rojasnyc]

Traces of oil in the air filter box that I noticed when checking my coils...I know that this is a PCV valve issue..but keep being told that my 00 does not have a PCV valve...wut tha..?? Time for a LS guru on here to chime in...aaarrgghhh..!!!

 

[joegr]

Traces of oil in the air filter box that I noticed when checking my coils...I know that this is a PCV valve issue..but keep being told that my 00 does not have a PCV valve...wut tha..?? Time for a LS guru on here to chime in...aaarrgghhh..!!!

The V8 has no PCV valve, but it does have a PCV system.
Are you sure there was never an oiled filter in there?

 

[Phlox]

One step closer to reviving my ol' Ls...got all my parts in for Stage One of my project.

 

[kleetus]

I guess I really shouldn't complain... my second LS with 144k on it, got it at 22k. I am starting to develop a miss under load on a hill when not downshifting. I did plugs at about 70-80k, I'd have to look and be sure, but by comparison to my 2000, I've done zero to this car other than oil, brakes and tires. I haven't even replaced any suspension components yet, although I think a wheel bearing is starting to go south, I can hear it growling now.

The only thing weird about this car is that it never got as good a mileage as the 00, but it will absolutely run rings around the old one. Must have been a Wednesday car!

 

[Blueberryyum02]

The only thing weird about this car is that it never got as good a mileage as the 00, but it will "absolutely run rings around the old one". Must have been a Wednesday car![/QUOTE]


Not to change the subject I have a V8 2002 no mods self maintained LS
And I eat the 03-06 LS's alive every chance I get down here in Georgia.

I think it's more so based on the driver.

And now that I got the feel for her and tuned her to my liking and fixed all the shade tree patch work, it's a white dodge magnum, that handed me my ass on 75 one night I'm looking for him.

 

[regiment1]

I am starting to develop a miss under load on a hill when not downshifting. I did plugs at about 70-80k, I'd have to look and be sure,

Classic COP problem. I've had it twice.

 

[stumpy]

great post

Okay, here’s the stitch…just purchased a Gen II ’05 LS V6 used with 73,000 miles with hopes of bringing her back to life and in return, hope to have a decent car for the remainder of my college years. At the lot, the car looked and drove like she was in pristine condition. After about a day of driving, 60 – 80 miles, my CEL threw the dreaded P0420 code (this is the only code thrown since she has been in my possession.) I took her to a reputable exhaust mechanic and had a new Cat put on the passenger side (Bank 1.) My mechanic had informed me that something had caused the Cat to fail, so I decided to do some research here on LvsC.

I had also taken notice to a rough idle on cold morning start-ups, although if I lightly gave her gas I could get the RPM’s within range and eliminate the rough idle/car shake within a minute or two. I have also noticed the “oil burning smell” associated with the Gen IIs, so did a little research on LvsC and found that my problem was a leaking IMT O-ring (common in Gen IIs I suppose.) Through my research, it appears that coils and plugs can cause this, along with vacuum leaks, the IMT o-ring failure, PVC Valves, MAF sensors, and the TPS sensor too. I also have suspicion that the Fuel Filter is original to the vehicle – so that is in the plans to replace as well. I have the Plugs and Ignition Coils on order, along with a Valve Cover Gasket Kit, an Intake Manifold Gasket Kit, and replacement IMT O-rings. If oil is discovered when I pull my plugs then the Valve Cover Gasket is getting replaced. The Intake Manifold Gaskets are going to be replaced no matter what.

I guess what I’m really looking for here is reassurance that I am taking the right steps in providing a thorough tune-up which shall give a new life to my LS. I really enjoy this vehicle and would love to get at least another 40k miles out of her…if possible. Moreover, I’m relatively good with my hands and maintenance but this is the first Lincoln I’ve worked on. My last car was a ’99 GMC Jimmy. I can turn a wrench and attentive to details – so as long as I take my time I believe I can tackle the removal of the Upper Intake Manifold no problem…but if anybody has any additional tips or hints I would be very appreciative. Are there any specific tools I may need for this job that wouldn’t be included in a standard mechanics tool kit (as I plan to purchase one since most of my tools are woodworking tools.) Also, any ‘heads up’ to problem areas/parts that caused any hang ups or where fellow LS owners ran into snags while performing these procedures, may also be extremely beneficial before I commence. Again, thank you for your time and knowledge…sorry for the length of post. And yes I read the forums and have taken advantage of the search feature for roughly a month before posting.


First To Complete:
Coil-on-Plugs -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1821064&cc=1430714
Spark Plugs -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3153345&cc=1430714
Intake Manifold Tuner O-rings -- http://www.motorcarsltd.com/c2s40669.html
Intake Manifold Gaskets -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2650536&cc=1430714
Valve Cover Gaskets (Replace if Oil Discovered in plug wells) -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1826254&cc=1430714

Second To Complete:
Mass Air Flow Sensor (Clean or Replace after inspection) -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4436106&cc=1430714
Throttle Position Sensor -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2262364&cc=1430714
Throttle Body (Clean Only/No Replace! Might Complete this step when removing Intake Manifold)
PCV Valve -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=383094&cc=1430714
PCV Hose -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=872576&cc=1430714
Fuel Filter -- https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4951362&cc=1430714

Tools being purchased for this job:
Pittsburg Wrench Set -- http://www.harborfreight.com/32-pie...ombination-wrench-set-68854.html#.UxUHL_ldX6M
Pittsburg Socket Set -- http://www.harborfreight.com/64-piece-14-38-and-12-socket-set-67995.html#.UxUH0fldX6M

Resources being used to help diagnose solve and repair:
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?80778-Oil-smell-in-the-car-in-cold-weather
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/fo...en2-V6-Coil-Plug-Gasket-IMT-valve-replacement
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fordguy4u/2012-05-24_202217_a2.pdf
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?73912-Gen2-V6-engine-teardown
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?80358-Gas-Smell-when-starting-in-cold-weather
http://www.justanswer.com/ford-lincoln/3mugg-lincoln-ls-3-0-2004-model-problem-code.html
http://www.underhoodservice.com/Art...leakage_noise_and_mil_on_with_lean_codes.aspx
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s-type-s-type-r-supercharged-v8-15/oil-lower-imt-housing-12249/
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?91528-Vacuum-Leak-at-PCV-elbow
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?59420-Intake-Leaking-Oil
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ing-replacement-short-route-w-pics-faq-32135/
http://www.ehow.com/how_12229138_install-spark-plugs-2005-lincoln-ls.html
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/fo...-on-PCV-valve-WTF-2004-V6&highlight=pcv+elbow
**RECALL NOTICE ON PCV** http://www.allstatetrucks.com/Recalls/cust satisfaction recalls/08n01/R08N01 dealer bulletin.pdf


I am planning for an 8 hour job to complete the first set of repairs…is this an honest estimate? All processes within the second stage should be completed fairly quickly after familiarizing myself with the car during the first set of repairs. In addition, I plan to take numerous photos before removing any part, while removing each part/connector, and reassembly of each part. I also plan to use Photoshop to label and list each part, bolt, and connector in hopes of not only helping myself with this process but in return possibly helping future LS owners who plan on tackling a tune-up like this, because in all honesty the tech article listed here, you know the black and white tear down diagrams, just don’t do it for me. Especially since, according to my knowledge, they pertain to the Gen I models. Let’s get wrenching!

ssoooo.
how did it go?