V8 head gasket problems?

[FALECF4]

I have been on this forum for over a year and I don't think I have heard of any LS V8 owner having an issue with head gaskets. Is this an issue on our cars? I have 2 reasons for asking.

First:
I was thinking of changing the head gaskets on the engine I am putting into my LS. The engine currently has about 108k on it and I figure it is a good precautionary measure, along with a number of other things. Would you guys recommend I do head gaskets right away while the engine is out of the car? Plus then I can also check the heads and cylinders/cylinder walls for any abnormal wear.

Second:
I found a 2000 LS V8 with 76k for just $2500. It is from some used car dealership and in their listing, I quote, "***NEEDS MOTOR WORK*** This 2000 Lincoln LS is absolutely gorgeous inside and out with just 75,478 miles. This car starts right up and runs, but it runs rough and is clearly in need of repair. If you are familiar with the Lincoln LS, it is common for them to have engine problems and the typical cause is bad head gaskets. I can't say for sure if that is the problem with this one, but for $2500, this is a heck of a buy.". I don't think the typical cause is a head gasket but I could be mistaken. Is it more likely that these guys are just ignorant to the coil issue and that this car really is "a heck of a buy"?

 

[97stscaddy]

it is common for them to have engine problems and the typical cause is bad head gaskets.

:slam
Glad I ain't that guy.

Typical cause for rough running is dead ignition coils and bad valve cover gaskets. I'd bet that's all that's wrong with it.

Truthfully I can't recall ever hearing of an LS needing a head gasket, but no engine is immune to head gasket failure. Generally head gaskets go bad because of overheating. The LS PCM is programed to put the car into "Limp mode" if the coolant temp gets too high, or it can even shut the engine off completely if the temp continues to climb. The probability of overheating to the point of warping the cylinder head is lessened, but the possibility is still there.

I would be more concerned with the timing chain and components than I would be with the head gaskets on your replacement engine. The secondary tensioners seem to like to fall apart on the 1st gen V8s, and will get jammed up in the chain and cause it to break. Timing chains can be a Royal pita to replace with the engine in the car.

 

[FALECF4]

Thanks for the input. Yeah I figured it is not likely the head gaskets. If that's what they think, then it might be worth my while to fly out there and pick it up. What does a clean 2000 LS V8 with under 76k go for?


While the engine is out of the car I will absolutely be doing the timing chain or at least checking it out. I also want to replace the thermostat right away along with the water pump and probably get the alternator built up so that I can do the electric cooling fan conversion. I may end up pulling the heads anyway just so I can check for abnormal wear and then just put new gaskets on right away.

 

[97stscaddy]

I use KBB.com and Nada.com to determine used car values. Edmunds.com is good too, but the site is kind of a pita to use.

 

[owlman]

Man, you're gonna have a LS parts-car from every year before long.

 

[FALECF4]

Man, you're gonna have a LS parts-car from every year before long.

I totally would too. I think a lot of the guys on here would if they had the money, at least of their GEN. I was just talking to a guy about his 2000 V8 that he wrecked. If I had the money and time right now I would be on my way to Rhode Island to pick it up! I could see having one year each of the GEN1. Maybe even a sport and non-sport of each year, lol.

 

[MMAFIGHTER121]

Definately sounds like he means valve cover gaskets. Which would be great for you because he'd be drastically over estimating the cost of repair. I bought my 2000 ls v8 with 65000 miles on it for 7k. And it was running fine then.

 

[FALECF4]

Yeah it would be a great deal and I already know how to fix it! It sure would be nice to own a car free and clear that is actually worth something!