97 DOHC question

[cfriedman67]

On my maiden voyage I noticed a small leak coming out of the area circled on the picture. This is obviously not a new engine. When I received it I had the tube powder coated black and replaced it with a new gasket. The leak is small but noticeable. Does anyone know if I can use some type of permatex gasket maker to seal it? 86403

Craig

[Railroad]

There is an O-ring on each end of that cross over pipe. There is also an O-ring inside of the slip joint.
You will probably need a new o-ring. The key to not pinching the o-ring is getting the width of the pipe right before pressing into the engine. I pinched mine also, the first time. The slip joint is too tight to adjust itself when you press it in. Use a lot of lube, your choice. Liquid soap works good.

[Joecobr]

Hi Craig,

I have the same engine. There are o rings on both legs on this crossover tube. I assume you replaced those? Did you lubricate them a bit before installing? One may have been damaged. There are also bolt down brackets on both legs. You might try tightening these a bit. Failing this, I would remove it and find the problem. It is not hard to do.

Joe

[cfriedman67]

Thanks. I did replace the O rings but don’t remeber if I used lube. If I need new O rings where would I get them? I remember having a hard time finding them.

Thank you

[abdw-wcw]

Hi.
I have the same engine and the same name. Ha.
I just replaced the o-rings a few weeks ago. Found them on ebay. Set of three. Each down-leg and the center slip joint.
I lubricated them with a light grease before installation. Don't do it dry. Craig

[abdw-wcw]

interesting....just found this on the other forum:

Use coolant as recommended in the manual. They might leak even with a good install for the first run. I've had a leak first run about half the time but it has always cleared up while I burp the system. Good luck.

NOTE: Wipe the O-ring sealing surface on the cylinder heads with a soft cloth, if necessary and lubricate the O-ring seal. Use premium engine coolant.

The wording is better for the water pump install reference using coolant as a lube.

CAUTION: Do not rotate the coolant pump housing once installed in the engine. Damage to the O-ring seal can occur, causing the coolant pump to leak. NOTE: Install a new O-ring seal and lubricate with the same clean engine coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

[abdw-wcw]

Link for what I bought:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-1998-Lincoln-Mark-VIII-Coolant-Cross-Over-Pipe-Seal-Kit-O-Rings-32V-4-6L/222797781425?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

[cfriedman67]

Thanks everyone.