96 Lincoln Town Car Engine
The 96 Lincoln Town Car came with two engine options:
- 4.6L V8
- 4.6L V8 SOHC
4.6L V8
The 4.6L V8 was the standard engine in the 1996 Lincoln Town Car. It produced 205 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm. This engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
4.6L V8 SOHC
The 4.6L V8 SOHC was optional in the 1996 Lincoln Town Car. It produced 215 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm. This engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | 4.6L V8 | 4.6L V8 SOHC |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4.6L (281 cu in) | 4.6L (281 cu in) |
| Horsepower | 205 hp at 4200 rpm | 215 hp at 4400 rpm |
| Torque | 265 lb-ft at 2800 rpm | 265 lb-ft at 2800 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Bore | 3.543 in | 3.543 in |
| Stroke | 3.898 in | 3.898 in |
Engine Problems
Both the 4.6L V8 and 4.6L V8 SOHC engines in the 1996 Lincoln Town Car were known for a few common problems:
- Intake manifold gasket failure
- Spark plug blowouts
- Head gasket failure
- Timing chain failure
Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
The intake manifold gasket is a critical component that seals the intake manifold to the cylinder head. When the intake manifold gasket fails, it can cause a loss of coolant and/or oil, as well as a decrease in engine performance. In severe cases, intake manifold gasket failure can lead to engine damage.
Spark Plug Blowouts
Spark plug blowouts occur when the spark plug is forced out of the cylinder head. This can be caused by a number of factors, including improper spark plug installation, detonation, or a defective spark plug. Spark plug blowouts can cause a loss of engine power and can also damage the cylinder head.
Head Gasket Failure
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the cylinder head to the engine block. When the head gasket fails, it can cause a loss of coolant and/or oil, as well as a decrease in engine performance. In severe cases, head gasket failure can lead to engine damage.
Timing Chain Failure
The timing chain is a critical component that synchronizes the timing of the engine’s valves and pistons. When the timing chain fails, it can cause the engine to run erratically or even stall. In severe cases, timing chain failure can lead to engine damage.
Conclusion
The 4.6L V8 and 4.6L V8 SOHC engines in the 1996 Lincoln Town Car were both powerful and reliable. However, they were known for a few common problems, including intake manifold gasket failure, spark plug blowouts, head gasket failure, and timing chain failure. If you are considering buying a 1996 Lincoln Town Car, be sure to have the engine inspected by a qualified mechanic to check for these potential problems.
