2000 lincoln LS v8 high idle, numerous other issues (she's a rescue)

[MykridLS]

its a lot to read, i know. but there's a lot to say. giving as many details as possible to help quell some questions to find a solution faster. (i really want to drive my car without worrying about her)

also, even with all this, no check engine light, or even pending codes.

i have my hands full gentlemen. i bought (rescued) my beautiful black gen 1 from the hands of a complete ass. i bought it with an almost dead battery, misfire on 4 cylinders, and numerous other small odds and ends. little bit of damage to the bumpers etc. i limped it home, popped open the hood and got to work immediately. i started replacing coils one at a time (over a period of time), found the valve cover gaskets were shot and replaced them,with the help of a mechanic friend, also found out that the hydraulic fan stopped working with his very astute observation of steam blowing out the hood while he was testing some other issues. replaced the actuator because we saw that it was an extremely common issue, flushed the fluid, bled the air out, and to little progress, the fan spins very slowly. so i bought a hydro. fan motor and its currently awaiting installation. its had a huge problem with going into limp mode, randomly misfiring, high idle and excessive run on. i will be replacing the remaining 4 coils, as well as all 8 spark plugs (already have the parts) and i have already replaced the throttle position sensor, as well as IAC valve as i found those are also common trouble spots. i have a scanner, and my computer is reading throttle position of 22.4% at idle with the newly installed, brand new TPS. engine still averages about 1200 rpm at idle if not slightly lower, but not by much, most guidance was given by my friend who is a fairly seasoned mechanic. although his guidance (guesses) have been yielding little to no positive result. so im just gonna use my brain and do it myself. i know the car better than he does anyway. which isnt saying much. slow cranking, hopefully due to a starter on its last legs (just replaced battery a month ago) so no problem. alternator tested fine including resistance.

NOTABLE MENTION- engine has been swapped.

could it be that the computer hasnt been calibrated to this specific engine? if so, then i'm an idiot. but i didnt think it would cause such a large assortment of issues.

any assistance would be appreciated. im pretty competent with a wrench, and i know my way around an engine bay, and what i dont know, i research ad nauseum. so any bit of info you can help me with is greatly appreciated. i'll answer any questions or comments as completely as i can.

 

[joegr]

...could it be that the computer hasnt been calibrated to this specific engine? if so, then i'm an idiot. but i didnt think it would cause such a large assortment of issues...

No.

Are you sure the throttle stop is set correctly? (It should be unless someone messed with it.) Is the TPS installed correctly? All the PCV plumbing correct?
Voltage at idle with the headlights on, blower on high, and rear defrost on?

 

[MykridLS]

No.

Are you sure the throttle stop is set correctly? (It should be unless someone messed with it.) Is the TPS installed correctly? All the PCV plumbing correct?
Voltage at idle with the headlights on, blower on high, and rear defrost on?

throttle stop seems like it would be. it closes completely when at idle. but the range seems weird to me. im getting a minimum of 22.4% and a maximum of 92.5% on the TPS. i'll be willing to bet the PCV plumbing is very worn and probably clogged or cracked or something. but im not getting any weirdness and already did the cigar test. i'll test voltage and get a reading for you, but like i said, brand new battery and alternator tested fine. although i would like to upgrade to a gen 2 alternator. TPS should be installed correctly. i dont really know how that can be messed up honestly. it either fits or it sticks out and doesnt sit flush like its supposed to. old sensor was reading a minimum of 24% which, quite frankly worries me. thanks for the fast reply. i appreciate the help!

 

[joegr]

... although i would like to upgrade to a gen 2 alternator. ...

The gen II alternator uses a different (more normal) control and regulation strategy than the gen I. You can't swap one for the other without serious modifications.

 

[MykridLS]

well there goes one theory... but im sure i can find a higher capacity aftermarket alternator. but lets focus on getting her running correctly first. i know for a fact that i have a few hoses to replace. namely those stupid plastic ones with the tabs that break (iac to intake etc.) you know the ones i'm talking about, i'm sure. but i'm not wasting my money on those cheap plastic things. i'm getting something beefier that can handle being taken off and put back on more than just once or twice. because i know its gonna have to happen for something or another. its a lot to handle, but i like a good project and i'm happy to save her.

 

[purevilpleasure]

Finding a higher output alternator will not be an easy thing either. It's been discussed on here before with only a few having success and that is after speaking with a company that can build it to their specs.

First thing first stop screwing around with the coils. If you have a bad coil you have a bad spark plug now. You put new coil on bad spark plug you now have bad coil.

Most common issue on these cars is coils.

Replace all coils and all plugs at the same time. This is a must.

Since it's also been running with misfires for some time..the Cats are most likely shot and need to be replaced.

Now for the cheap plastic cooling parts....good luck finding anything else. You can get the Jag aluminum housing, but that's it, the rest will have to be the plastic pieces. Replace the Degas bottle if it even looks a little messed up. 2nd common issue on these cars.

There is a sticky on the top with the most common issues and joegr is the man when it comes to helping out with these cars.....good luck and pics are going to be needed soon, we like pics.

 

[MykridLS]

ok guys i have an update. i replaced all the plugs and coils on the passenger side, all was good. the old plugs were very obviously shot. i replaced them with denso double platinum (platinum on both electrodes not that multi-electrode bullsh**) and did all the coils. got to the driver side, removed all the various obscurities, and set to motion. i took off the coil all the way in the back first, to find that the well is half flooded with oil. gently set it back in, didnt reconnect anything, immediately lit a cigarette and called my "mechanic". he's making a house call tomorrow and replacing the seals on that side (again) this time with me hovering over him the whole time to make sure its done correctly (also free of charge)

JOEGR!!! i took a close look at the throttle stop. it was spun out wayyyy past where it was supposed to be, but still not enough to cause my tps to register as high as it does. it idles at around 1000 now but with that misfire from the coated coil, im sure it'll help once i have the plugs and coils installed as well. (note, i adjusted and started the car before touching the driver side) this is making me cry inside guys. also, i aquired a code for alldata. it was my bible when i was in school, and it's my bible now. but its always better getting advice from experienced owners.

will post pics tomorrow (03/09/13)