Mark's been at the shop almost a week and finally got the air ride checked out. Not good news (I could smell the $ burning as the tech talked to me). The compressor vent valve is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. After MUCH deliberation I decided to stick with oem ford part that's warrantied for 2 yrs (including labor) rather than save a couple hundred dollars for a 1 year/no labor warranty. If I lived closer to my brother who would/could work on this car, I would be thinking differently. Only thing about Ford is, it's on back order for a couple more weeks. Sure am glad this isn't my only ride. Also am glad I have Ford's extended warranty on the T-bird so I can spend money on the Mark. I found a new oem compressor on ebay BUT it's not from a dealer so Ford's warranty wouldn't apply. Geez!!
The air suspension compressor gave up
- Thread starter soclose
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tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
Here's where I'd normally suggest ordering from Eddie at American Air Suspension, but his website says he's out of stock too. American Air Suspension has been a trusted source of parts and information for quite some time. He's also a long time vendor on this forum.
Here's a direct link to his part.
https://www.americanairsuspension.com/Lincoln-Mark-VIII-Air-Suspension-Compressor-p/9398mk8comrb.htm
Still, I'd keep an eye on it. I've seen far too many cases where "back ordered" actually means "permanently out of stock, but we're hopeful someone will find one."
I'm glad to hear you've got a back-up vehicle! We need to get you rollin' in your Mark though.. Stat.
Here's a direct link to his part.
https://www.americanairsuspension.com/Lincoln-Mark-VIII-Air-Suspension-Compressor-p/9398mk8comrb.htm
Still, I'd keep an eye on it. I've seen far too many cases where "back ordered" actually means "permanently out of stock, but we're hopeful someone will find one."
I'm glad to hear you've got a back-up vehicle! We need to get you rollin' in your Mark though.. Stat.
Thanks, Mike. Yeah, the service tech said Ford's not too good with their back order dates. SUPPOSE to be available 8-28 but he said it would probably be another week or two after that, if we're lucky. If it goes on too long, it'll be aftermarket for me. Having a 'hot rod lincoln' doesn't work if it's out of commission!! It still looks fast, though....Here's hoping.
SCTBIRD1173
Mark my Bird!
Eddie's reman compressor has been going strong 4 years now in my car and he's great to deal with too!
Well, turns out, the back order was for a Continental compressor and the ones for the Mark 8 is no longer available through Ford. Service manager called me and said he'd made the decision to get one from O'Reilly's and it was already installed. So, day 2 and the new one growls like the old one did but at least the check air ride message has gone. I went to get front end (or, rather, all wheel) alignment today and beefed about that noisy compressor. Was told to put a few more miles on the car and if it's still being noisy (don't think it'll change), they'll get a replacement from O'Reilly's. So I made a day of it and had the nasty bubbly, wrinkled window tint on the rear window removed. Stopped at the local muffler shop on the way home to get an estimate on some 'better' mufflers. Was immediately whisked into the garage and had the mufflers removed. Had the tips moved out about an inch (the better to clean them) and it sounds great. Shop owner has a close friend with the same car and said he did it to his friend's car. He didn't even want to sell me a different exhaust system. Will finish everything tomorrow when I get a really dark tint on the rear window and a different, low tech stereo installed so I can quite dragging out my cassette collection (sad).
Mad1stGen
Booster
I had this very problem just a few days ago.
The Arnott (which is what Oreilly's sells) compressor does come with new mounts. But seeing as it's a bit different in design, it requires some modifications to the housing bracket.
It basically makes metal on metal contact with the frame rail. The bracket needs to be spaced away from the rail. Also, one of the relay mounting screws touches the compressor.
So either a shorter screw , or cut the original to clear it.
The Arnott (which is what Oreilly's sells) compressor does come with new mounts. But seeing as it's a bit different in design, it requires some modifications to the housing bracket.
It basically makes metal on metal contact with the frame rail. The bracket needs to be spaced away from the rail. Also, one of the relay mounting screws touches the compressor.
So either a shorter screw , or cut the original to clear it.
Great info, guys. Just called the shop and am taking it in Monday with your info on hand and will see if that does the trick. Yesterday I made 2 left turns coming home in my neighborhood and heard the compressor start up with a short growl. That really makes me think the bad connection is the culprit. Hopefully this will cure the noise. Otherwise everything else is working great. Thanks A LOT!!
Finally fixed!!! Air ride tech did shorten screws But didn't follow his gut feeling. He thought the compressor was too close to the frame rail but didn't change it. So yesterday, he did it right and now the only growl I hear is from the exhaust. I'm feeling a whole lot better knowing I can drive the car somewhere other than to the shop. Thanks again to all who contributed to solving this problem. Shows to go ya, do it right the first time!
SCTBIRD1173
Mark my Bird!
Nice :thumbsup:
