1st Jul 2009, 13:32
1997 Lincoln Town Car - I am on my second PLASTIC intake manifold of the supposed improved version. It did not crack this time but is leaking around a non-threaded hose nipple, which the dealership says cannot be "fixed". The entire $430 (after market) part was needed. The first "improved" version was a Ford part.
2005 first replacement for cracked original equipment $1,000
2009 second replacement for leaking replacement Ford part $850 (used after market replacement part THIS TIME).
I am really disappointed that this substandard part design continues to be marketed. A threaded nipple could be an improvement. Dealership says this is a common problem observed.
I am also really disappointed that Ford has not stepped forward with offer to make this right for all owners suffering significant repair costs, due to this poorly designed part.
Howard Fleming, Greensboro, NC.
26th Jan 2010, 22:09
I too would like to be reimbursed for replacing my intake manifold. I am in California, but the intake manifold went after the class action suit. I was under the impression everyone would be receiving the replacement value of $750.00, even if the manifold had not given up. It cost me more than that to have it replaced. Why wasn't there a recall to replace the plastic manifold? I still have my plastic one in the garage.
1st Feb 2010, 12:47
I am an original owner of a 1997 Signature Town Car.
I just had to replace my intake manifold, which went out on me today. I am just finding out that Ford had a class action suit on this defect, and I was never notified. I am out of pocket $1100. I called Ford and they told me the extended reimbursement period expired in 2006. Has anyone recently experiencing this problem and been able to get reimbursement from Ford? Please respond to my email mwilliams49@gmail.com, and I would greatly appreciate it.
3rd Mar 2010, 16:34
I also have a 97 Town Car. We purchased it in late 97 with 12000 miles on it. Since moving to a really rural area in 2005, it has not been used much and only had 95000 miles on it.
The reason for not using it is most of the roads here are graded dirt, and we use a 4 wheel drive most of the time.
I had to use it yesterday 3/2/2010, and something blew. I made it home, as I was close, and checked it out today and could not believe that I found a cracked PLASTIC intake manifold. I am 70 years old, and have been a mechanic on large trucks for a good part of my life. Plastic parts may be used in Pintos, but not Lincolns.
3rd Mar 2010, 23:30
1996-2001 were the bad years. The 2002+ models don't have this issue thankfully!
26th Apr 2010, 14:32
My 1997 Lincoln Towncar's manifold cracked without warning too. The vehicle only has 82,000 miles too. Is there any recourse with the manufacturer?
23rd Aug 2010, 22:18
I purchased 4 years ago 1997 Lincoln Town Car, and loved it. Now my mechanic at Ford tells me the manifold is leaking and I had better get it fixed soon. It will cost me $1000.00 to replace it. I am on SS, and do not have that kind of money. Did some research regarding the lawsuit, should it not be for all these cars, no matter when you purchased it. They know it was defective, and maybe the original owner had gotten a letter. Has anyone had any luck getting help with this matter?
Lori.
16th Sep 2010, 09:19
I have just found out my 1997 Lincoln with 90,000 miles has a warped intake manifold, which will cost 1300.00 to fix.
Is there a way to get Ford Motor to pay for this repair? Contact me at ssburgess77@yahoo.com
26th Oct 2010, 22:20
Hi! I am glad that there is a website to join together unsatisfied consumers with reasonable complaints.
I intend to e-mail a copy of my letter to each of you who put your e-mail down & had the same problem. I think we need to find a way to join together & get a lawyer to represent us all on contingency. He should collect from Ford. How do they get away with this BS! Each of us could have lost our engines. My car felt like the transmission was slipping. This is the 2nd Lincoln Town Car this happened to. I have a 1997 Lincoln Town Car Signature, & my 1997 Lincoln Town car Executive had the same part blow a few years ago.
I did the same thing all of you did, & received a letter from Ford that the class action lawsuit is up. It was a year after the settlement, but I was not a member to the lawsuit, & I also was not notified to go check out the problem.
Sincerely,
snyderlinda@mac.com
10/26/10
1st one cost $1443. 2nd one today cost $800.
17th Nov 2010, 01:09
Has anyone tried some $5 JB Quick on one of those plastic manifolds to seal the leak? Did it work?
2nd Aug 2011, 23:36
My father-in-law's '97 SS Town Car developed a cracked intake manifold. It cost $1600 to replace. He gave the car to my daughter after fixing it.
About a year and a half later, it cracked in a different place where the heater hose is press-fitted into the manifold. I was able to repair it using PlasticWeld and a hose clamp. 3 years later it's still working good.
I still can't figure out how Ford could have possibly thought using a plastic manifold was a good idea!!!
3rd Aug 2011, 18:01
The manifold itself is not that expensive. Using a good repair manual and patience would have saved thousands of dollars. Paying $1500 labor to install a $50 part can get expensive. The sealer stuff, such as JB Weld, is also an excellent option. If it doesn't work, you're only out $5.
Shops just love to see clueless people coming in. My wife's friend was asked $300 by a major tire chain garage to adjust her brake light switch. It takes 5 seconds and requires turning an easy-to-reach fitting a turn or two. Another friend was charged $275 to replace a tail light bulb (the bulb costs $10 and Auto Zone will install them for nothing). People need to become more car savvy.
10th Aug 2008, 21:25
If you want to get another Lincoln, try a '95 or older model.