Ignition coil will run roughly at idle?

Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
#8 ignition coil was loose causing rough idle. When I removed it there was oil on the rubber boot, I tried to get it to snap back in, but still loose Car will run roughly at idle better at speed. Any ideas?
Sunday, February 16th, 2025 AT 1:04 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

If oil is in the spark plug tube, the valve cover gasket must be replaced. Also, based on how long it ran this way may determine if the spark plug needs replaced as well as the coil.

Now, if you are unable to have the coil snap into place on the spark plug, there is a good chance it is simply damaged and should be replaced.

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, February 16th, 2025 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Thanks Joe,
Can I drive the car to my job?
2 miles each way?
How do I replace the valve cover gasket?
Thanks for your advice,
Charlie
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Monday, February 17th, 2025 AT 7:19 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Hi Joe, are you still on this question?
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Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 AT 6:45 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,193 POSTS
Chances are if you use a paper towel and a long screwdriver you can clean the oil out, install a new spark plug and coil and the problem will be fixed, here is how to change the valve cover gasket out.
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Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Can I drive the car short distances until I can get it to a shop, approximately 3 miles each way to work and back?
Thank you,
Charlie
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Thursday, February 20th, 2025 AT 6:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,193 POSTS
Yep, you should be able to, but I cannot guarantee it.
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Thursday, February 20th, 2025 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Thanks Ken,
I ordered a new coil and spark plug. I'll see if that will help.

Charlie
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Thursday, February 20th, 2025 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,193 POSTS
It should fix the problem which is common on those cars.
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Friday, February 21st, 2025 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Ken,

I will let you know how it goes after I install the coil and spark plug.

Thank you,
Charlie
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Friday, February 21st, 2025 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Ken,

Replaced the ignition coil and car runs great again.
I noticed rust stains and water near the thermostat housing.
Do you think the gasket needs to be replaced, or should I use stop leak?
Thanks for the great advice,
Charlie
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 4:02 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,193 POSTS
Good to hear you got the problem fixed, sorry, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Thanks.
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 3:03 PM

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