One problem related to engine overheat has been reported for the 1997 Lincoln Town Car. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have 1997 Lincoln Town Car, 4. 6l. The plastic intake cracked, causing the engine to overheat and shutdown. Towed the vehicle costs 180. 00. Engine is clattering and moisture coming from the tailpipe. Possible cracked cyclinders heads at mininumum. Cost to replace is $2000 t0 2500. Total engine may be as much as $5,000. From what I can determine this is a major problem with this engine. Ford issued a notification to dealers (97m91). I was never notified during the warraty period or since. Ford should have recalled this part. As an engineer my self I would have never purchased such an expensive vehicle with such a poor design. Plastic and heat don't go together. I have searched the internet and there are hundreds if not thousand of such cases.