ignition coil will run roughly at idle?

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
85,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CFRUSH1
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#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?
Feb 16, 2025 at 1:04 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Feb 16, 2025 at 9:08 PM
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CFRUSH1
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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
Feb 17, 2025 at 7:19 AM
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CFRUSH1
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Hi Joe, are you still on this question?
Feb 19, 2025 at 6:45 AM
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STRAILER
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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.
Feb 19, 2025 at 11:04 AM
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CFRUSH1
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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
Feb 20, 2025 at 6:34 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, you should be able to, but I cannot guarantee it.
Feb 20, 2025 at 10:16 AM
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CFRUSH1
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Thanks Ken,
I ordered a new coil and spark plug. I'll see if that will help.

Charlie
Feb 20, 2025 at 10:22 AM
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STRAILER
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It should fix the problem which is common on those cars.
Feb 21, 2025 at 9:22 AM
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CFRUSH1
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Ken,

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

Thank you,
Charlie
Feb 21, 2025 at 9:57 AM
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CFRUSH1
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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
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:02 AM
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STRAILER
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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
Mar 5, 2025 at 9:21 AM
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CFRUSH1
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thanks.
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:03 PM