1997 Lincoln Mark VIII will not idle when first started, like no gas is getting to it.

crank sensor, next to the air conditioning compressor-try unplugging it and plugging it back in again, if not it is a common failure on these cars. to replace it you need to remove the serpentine belt, loosen the long bolts (there are 4) that hold the ac compressor to the block, and remove the plug to the crank sensor-then remove the 2 bolts that hold the sensor into the block. They cost around $50., it is not a difficult job if you have a jack and decent tools.

Get your radiator flushed

sounds like your is stuck off.does it run ok after it warms up.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/kenneth_3efc1f8510674f04

Sounds like a pump. Check pressure. It should be 40 psi.

Is the theft light flashing while your trying to start it? Try a different key,maybe the theft unit in the key got damaged. Has to be one that came with the car. Also if someone has a code scanner, you will see a code like p1260 theft detected if it can read your key.

Sounds like lack of lubrication on the camshaft, especially if the sound goes away after 10 sec. or so.
If you are on a cold climate, shift to a lighter oil weight, such as 5W-30. Other option is to use commonly available oil superlubricants/ additives. Origin of problem is that oil gets drained down during the night, camshaft gets dried up, and on first start in the morning, oil pump works hard to pump the heavy oil to the top of the engine. On hotter climates, some oil stays attached to the camshaft and valve lifters.

test battery(amp load test) if ok, replace battery cables

It usually mans your vehicle speed sensor is not working. Ask Autozone to perform free scan and get fault codes.

change the idle air control valve, this controls idling

try crankshaft position sensor. had one go bad on me