So I was doing the COPs and plugs yesterday on my 04 LS-V8. Got through the driver's side with no serious issues (just PITA bolts on the coil covers). Get to the passenger side (which was a breeze compared to the other side), replaced the front most coil and plug with no issues, then decide to go to the back one. Pulled the coil and there's oil all over it. Took the plug out and it, the socket, and the extension I had on the socket are all bathed in oil! So now I have to replace the valve cover gaskets. Once I saw the oil, I put the old plug and coil back in because I didn't want to ruin my new stuff. So irritating that Ford won't fix this for the 04's. Just had to vent.
Have to vent...
- Thread starter LSter
- Start date
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
All valve cover gaskets will leak eventually. Back when they were made of cork, we did really good to get 50K miles out of them. My 04 has just over 150K miles, and it's valve cover gaskets are still good and they are the originals. My 06 is over 100K and still good. I don't know what it is that you think Ford needs to fix about that? (Yes, some will fail sooner, but I don't think there is any big issue with the 04+ ones like there was with the 00 to 03 ones.)
I have a little leakage on the outside, but dry in the wells at 72k. My warranty's only good through Nov, so I'm hoping it will fail before that.
My 85 Cutlass Ciera is on its original gasket, looks about the same as the ls..
My 85 Cutlass Ciera is on its original gasket, looks about the same as the ls..
scjmc
Dedicated LVC Member
My Gen I LS and my 71 Mustang are the only vehicles that I ever had to replace leaking valve cover gaskets. Mustang is leaking again right now. The LS has the most complicated gasket though with the plug wells, and timing cover seam which I am sure increases the chances of failure.
Probably common for a 4-cam engine.....
chris2523
93 Mark VIII
the mark viii and v6 SHO valve cover gaskets and plug seals are very similar. same timing cover seam and everything.
chocolat1701
Dedicated LVC Member
my old 04 had 149k and then it started leaking not bad. how many miles you have on you LS it is probably covered under the special coil/valvce cover warranty if you have less than 100k miles
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
Valve cover gaskets are only covered by the extended 100K program on the 2003, no other years.
Well I spoke too soon, pulled the passenger cover and this is what the boot looks like.
Couldn't see any oil pooling in the well, but there is some drops above the coil.
Is this enough for the dealer to cover it under warranty?
Couldn't see any oil pooling in the well, but there is some drops above the coil.
Is this enough for the dealer to cover it under warranty?
1LoudLS
Dedicated LVC Member
that kinda should be expected anytime you buy a car for 1/6th its price. for it to devalue that much, it really should be in need for a lot of maintenance to be done.
1LoudLS
Dedicated LVC Member
it really should, leaking is leaking and sooner or later that well could get filled up, leaks only get worse no better.
not to mention, that could be the best/least leaky plug well you have.
Just an update.
Took it in Friday, just got it back tonight. Replaced all VCG as well as plugs and boots free of charge. They performed a "power and balance" ? and detected multiple misfires. They also stress tested the coils and found all ok.
I'm assuming the oil would've caused the misfires? They didn't mention retesting it after the repairs, or what caused it.
Took it in Friday, just got it back tonight. Replaced all VCG as well as plugs and boots free of charge. They performed a "power and balance" ? and detected multiple misfires. They also stress tested the coils and found all ok.
I'm assuming the oil would've caused the misfires? They didn't mention retesting it after the repairs, or what caused it.
chocolat1701
Dedicated LVC Member
was it covered under warranty if not how much did you pay.
It was covered. If I read it right, 3.7 hours of labor @$95/hr. Plus however much gaskets,plugs, boots cost.
Feels smooth, but I'm sure everything does after driving my beater for 5 days.
I'm surprised they detected a misfire, I thought it was running great. I guess you get used to something over time.