My beloved 2001 Lincoln gave up the ghost the other day. It had 215,000 miles and a rod a started to knock. It has gotten really bad now. I'm looking at getting another LS. I'm wanting to know if the newer models have the same sort of issues as the older models. I'm looking at 2003 or newer. Do these newer models still have the notorious valve cover gasket leaks or the degas bottle cracks? I want to try and steer clear of having to do these jobs again. What should I look out for? Thanks!
2003+ Generation LS
- Thread starter bdj5773
- Start date
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
Gen II is mostly different issues.
The valve cover gasket issue was resolved with the 2004 model year. Most 2003 probably have the newer gaskets by now. Of course, just like any other car, they may still leak after 100K+ miles or several years.
The cooling system still has problems with the plastic parts leaking, including the degas bottle. I think that this is an issue with many 2000+ cars. My BMW is just as bad about it. It is full of plastic cooling system parts and they crack about as often as on the LSes. (One difference is that the BWM parts are less expensive.)
The valve cover gasket issue was resolved with the 2004 model year. Most 2003 probably have the newer gaskets by now. Of course, just like any other car, they may still leak after 100K+ miles or several years.
The cooling system still has problems with the plastic parts leaking, including the degas bottle. I think that this is an issue with many 2000+ cars. My BMW is just as bad about it. It is full of plastic cooling system parts and they crack about as often as on the LSes. (One difference is that the BWM parts are less expensive.)
scjmc
Dedicated LVC Member
I think the most common engine mechanical failure in 00', 01, was timing chains. The 02+ dont have as many problems with those.
gcwimmer
Dedicated LVC Member
I'm a bit surprised to hear BMW parts are less, is that OEM parts?
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
Yes. Example:
LS Degas tank: $168 (Motorcraft)
325i pressurized reservoir: $59.58 (BMW OEM)
Worse yet, the BMW tank is more complex. It's not what I expected either.
G-RELL
FULLY DIPPED LS
if your looking for more comparisons between 1st and 2nd gen Ls's, there are quite a few on this site...use google to search around... happy hunting
oh and the 03 still had some "growing pains" if your dead set on 2nd gen, look 04+
oh and the 03 still had some "growing pains" if your dead set on 2nd gen, look 04+
scjmc
Dedicated LVC Member
....but you cant even check the engine oil level yourself...
