Ok, Im sure this has been asked once or twice before...

G

Gipp

Registered
I have been searching for a LS for a while now, it is a car that I have highly desired. I have finally found one Im willing to purchase.

Now, I have done my homework on the issues of LS's and Im aware that the valve gaskets are an issue, which is the case on this LS as well.

I have found that there are 2 kits that include the vavle gaskets and tube seals for the plugs as well:

LH - XW4Z-6584-BB Gasket Kit
RH - XW4Z-6584-AB Gasket Kit

Supposably those gaskets together total a little more then $90.

My question is...:

1) should I get a few boots IN CASE a few of them need replaced?

2) Does anyone have an suggestions for me before i tear into this car?

3) Is there any where I can get a DIY diagram? Im pretty confident of what Im doing, but a few pictures wouldnt hurt.:eek: I REFUSE to pay a dealer $1000's of dollars for something I can do.

Also, something I have not heard anyone meantion, If the valves are leaking, will that make the car run hot? The owner of this LS claims the car will sometimes run really hot when its first started and then drop dramatically, maybe just a gauge issue??

Well thank you for your time and suggestions! Have a Happy New Year!!:D
 
I willnot be able your questions, but neither will anyone who COULD! How 'bout giving the model and year of the vehicle in question?
 
i wouldn't buy a Ls that already has trouble if i were you....it will just be a long road from there. Going by the description of the problem i can tell that you are looking at a 2002 or earlier ls. i suggest you try to find a 2003 and up ls, preferably an 04 or 05 as they revised the transmission and suspension on these years plus the 03 and up ls's have 30 more hp and 3.58 gears vs 3.31 that the 02-earlier had and perform a hell of a lot better
 
The valve COVER gaskets are not hard to replace, and I can supply pictures if you tell us more about the car like Bud suggested.

Also, sounds like the "HOT" issue is just a simple thermostat. I'm with Rick though....if someone openly admits the car has gotten hot before, I would stay away....who knows if he's overheated it once....or 20 times.
 
This is symptom of air in the coolant. The LS is picky about air in the cooling system. Most people don't bleed the system properly. The heater has a bleed hose up by the brake master cylinder. Towards the center of the car. Has a small plastic flat head that needs to be opened until coolant dribbles out. Do this several times over a few days to get all the air out.

At this time I would also change the thermostat and the coolant system pressure cap. Replace the coolant and use the correct fluid!! Ford changed what was used in the LS depending on the year of the car. So check you owners manual and don't assume what's in there now is correct. Most shops including Ford don't have a clue when it comes to the LS! Are you using or losing any coolant? The upper reservoir bottle ages and cracks. Then it leaks right behind the drivers side front wheel on the ground.

Also the LS has a CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature) Sensor that can go bad. It's tough to get to but the part is pretty cheap.

I would change all 8 spark plugs and all 8 coils. EBay has the coils for about $160/8. The boots should come with the coils and yes I would replace all 8. Otherwise you will have them fail one at a time and the car will not run smooth.

PLEASE,PLEASE get a factory shop manual!! They are on EBAy and if you can't afford a printed copy then at least get the CD/DVD version. These are complicated cars and you will save much money doing it yourself BUT you need the proper information.
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