Originally posted by XKontour98:
Well it depends on a number of things. How much time/money are you willing to throw into it before its not worth fixing up for yourself? It could be as bad as needing a new engine if the rod bearings went. However for $500CA you really cant complain. I bet you could part it out for a lot more than that. Also a determining factor would be how mechanically inclined are you? If you think you could handle an engine swap and are willing to attempt it and fund it you should definitely jump on it. Search around for problems that would casue these sypmtoms in the trouble shooting forum and you should get a good deal of help. Good luck, I say go for it and part it out if you give up on fixing it.



I realize it could need an entire engine. But its a 1999 so I'm willing to put a reasonable amount of money into it to get it up and running. I'll have to look farther into the problem once I get a chance... there is no noise coming from the bottom end (rod knock), which could be a good sign. I guess hooking an oil pressure gauge up to the engine would be the next step. Swapping the engine out wouldn't be a problem for me, I'm a bit apprehensive about working in that tight engine bay though... I know getting the exhaust manifolds off is going to be a nightmare.

Is there any tips you guys can give me to help diagnose a blown head gasket? I've already done some research on this forum, and I'm probably going to pull the water pump off next time I'm working on the car. If its messed up then I guess its a sure sign that the head gasket(s) went.

Also, how do you do a compression test on these things??? I couldn't get the head of the tester to thread into the cylinder head. Do you need to use some sort of extension fitting?

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

1990 Festiva - 13.3 @ 102mph with a 1.9 60' and 155whp. 1995 Contour GL 2.5L ATX 1998 Contour SE 2.5L ATX 1998 Contour SE 2.0L MTX