1997 Lincoln Town Car: engine overheating

Filed Oct 9, 2008 · Engine · 105,000 miles · FL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 lincoln town car. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine overheated and a large amount of white smoke expelled from the exhaust. The warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected under the hood. He noticed that the coolant was extremely low and allowed the engine to cool completely. He then added water to the radiator reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and he stated that the failure was related to a blown head gasket. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000 and current mileage was 107,000. Updated 10-29-08 *bf updated 10/30/08.

Filed Oct 16, 2006 · Engine · 99,000 miles · LA

I am the owner of a 1997 lincoln town car. My wife was driving the car today with her mother and 2 children, ages 2 1/2 yrs & 4 wks. The engine suddenly began to loose coolant fluid rapidly and overheated. This left all of them stranded. After having the vehicle towed into a repair shop, we were notified it had a cracked intake manifold. It only has 99k miles. Then I was informed that this was normal considering it had a plastic manifold. After researching this issue, I have found thousands with the same problem, but of course ford is willing to handle the big guys (I.e.; government fleets and taxis services) and get their problems fixed. Of course us little guys must spend the money to replace some guys project with plastic. They would loose money if they didn't take care of their money bag, the big guys. So tell me why I have to pay $1000 to fix their screw up. I think their needs to be another class action to make ford pay for their mistake. I am paying for mine, buying a ford.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Engine · 96,500 miles · NH

I am not covered by the recent settlement on my 1997 town car both because of it's age is just outside the covered range, and because the manifold only failed yesterday. The manifold cracked on interstate 293 in manchester, nh. When the car shifted into overdrive after accelerating slightly steam came from under the car due to coolant loss. The engine did not overheat, because I was able to stop and call for help quickly. I am the second owner of the car. It has 96,000 miles on it, has been well maintained, and otherwise has never had a mechanical problem. I have been quoted $900 to repair this problem. The intake manifold should be considered a lifetime part, mine cracked without being abused.

Filed Mar 25, 2005 · Engine, Seat belts · KY

Driver noticed that both frontal seat belts do not retract back. While driving driver noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. *ak updated 12-12-07. *kb the consumer stated while driving, coolant leaked from the vehicle. The consumer was informed the vehicle had a defective intake manifold. The ball joints were defective and one of them had already failed. Updated

Filed Mar 12, 2005 · Engine · 117,952 miles · TX

I have 1997 lincoln town car, 4.6l. The plastic intake cracked, causing the engine to overheat and shutdown. Towed the vehicle costs 180.00. Engine is clattering and moisture coming from the tailpipe. Possible cracked cyclinders heads at mininumum. Cost to replace is $2000 t0 2500. Total engine may be as much as $5,000. From what I can determine this is a major problem with this engine. Ford issued a notification to dealers (97m91). I was never notified during the warraty period or since. Ford should have recalled this part. As an engineer my self I would have never purchased such an expensive vehicle with such a poor design. Plastic and heat don't go together. I have searched the internet and there are hundreds if not thousand of such cases.

Filed Feb 12, 2005 · Engine · 80,500 miles · VA

Coolant leakage, then plastic intake manifold broke, causing engine to overheat. Had manifold replaced by repair shop who notified me that ford recalled the manifolds for gov. And corporate vehicles, but not consumer vehicles, and release a service bulletin advising of problem to dealers and to replace with new aluminum manifold that won't crack, a $1,100 repair! If ford admits the defect, why are they allowed to get away with fixing only the cars of the government and corporations. What about the consumer's rights? I am thinking of filing a class action lawsuit to get our rights back.

Filed Jan 20, 2005 · Engine · 113,000 miles · VA

Coolant leakage, then plastic intake manifold broke, causing engine to stall. Had manifold replaced by repair shop who notified me that ford recalled the manifolds for gov. And corporate vehicles, but not consumer vehicles, and release a service bulletin advising of problem to dealers and to replace with new aluminum manifold that won't crack, a $700 repair! If ford admits the defect, why are they allowed to get away with fixing only the cars of the government and corporations. What about the consumer's rights?

Filed Aug 16, 2004 · Engine · 102,372 miles · FL

The manifold crack while driving, the condition caused a coolant leak and over heating. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jul 31, 2004 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TN

I had been driving some 20 miles @ 50mph on a rural highway when the overheat warning sounded. Stopping and raising the hood revealed that coolant was spraying from the front of the engine. I had the vehicle towed to the place of a certified technician who advised me that the intake manifold was cracked and that it was a common occurence on my type vehicle and that ford motor company would cover the repairs. The local ford dealer denied the coverage and a call to ford customer service confirmed their decision. I learned from other sources that they would warrant this repair on vehicles in police or taxi service but no others. This is a clear admission that the produce is defective and blatant discrimination against a vast group of owners. I was able to purchase genuine parts and get the repairs made at one half the cost quoted by my local ford agency. I am aware that thousands of customers have expirenced the same treatment as I have. It would be very possible for this failure to be responsible for accidents and personal injury.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Engine · 82,169 miles · PA

While driving at 65 MPH vehicle overheated. Vehicle was taken to an independent shop, and mechanic determined that intake manifold cracked. And coolant spilled inside the engine. *ak the manufacturer was contacted but refused to provide and financial assistance (intake manifold #1l2z9439aa).

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Engine · 90,000 miles · FL

While driving 45-50 MPH vehicle overheated. The consumer pulled to the side, raised the hood, and saw water coming from the intake manifold. The consumer left the vehicle by the side of the road and called a tow truck. At the dealer mechanic determined that the intake manifold busted and water was leaking. *ak

Filed Nov 6, 2003 · Engine · 68,018 miles · GA

Lincoln towncar 1997- intake manifold;cross over made of plastic cracked while driving on interstate hwy in ga, causing the antifreeze to leak out and endanger the driver of stalling . Vehicle w/o antifreeze started to overheat was close to an exit and got off interstate in time. There are numereous customers that have this same problem. Manufacturer knew that plastic was not the appropriate material for a cooling system cross-over device in a vehicles engine such as the lincoln.... This is a high end car..... Such inferior materials should not be used. Ford should replace this part at no cost to consumer when it fails..this is a dangerous flaw.. Could cost serious accidents and injury when vehicle overheats and stops on a interstate high speed. Consumer should not have to pay for manufacturers poor judgement and mistakes.