Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Rod knock??

Hello All,

Iâ??m looking for some advice for my dying car.

I have a â??96 Contour SE (V6, MTX). It has about 75,600 miles on it. I bought the car about three years ago with 18,000 miles on it. The car is my daily driver. I have enjoyed driving it. Itâ??s fairly quick and handles well.

The car has started to lose oil over the past 18 months. I know that at least some of the loss has been leaks because I find oil all over the pan and part of the block. I have always done my own oil changes. I have always used synthetic oil and good filters (either Motorcraft, Mobil1, or K&N). I have never been able to completely eliminate the start-up rattle in this engine. I have been concerned about this but I thought I had done all the practical things to eliminate the noise.

Now, I have a much louder noise that varies with engine load and RPM. It occurs at almost any engine speed above about 2000 RPM. I suspect that it is caused by a failing connecting rod or bearing (I think itâ??s near the bottom of the engine, but Iâ??m not entirely sure). [I hate to admit it, but I failed to check my oil level often enough.]

I would like to repair the engine up to and including replacing it. I lack the time, equipment or space to replace the engine myself. Iâ??m wondering if anybody can estimate what this may cost me. I did an internet search for used engines and I found a 2001 Cougar engine for $1450. The SHO Shop wants $2000 for its prepped 3.0 liter block. I donâ??t know how many labor hours either of these options would consume. Can anybody help me here with an estimate?

My real dilemma in all this is the low value of my car. Edmunds values my car at about $4000 in good condition. I canâ??t really justify spending more on a repair than my car is worth.

Does anybody have any suggestions for me? I really like my car. I donâ??t really want to get rid of it.

Can any of you recommend a mechanic or shop in the Los Angeles area for at least some diagnosis?

Thanks for your time.

Mike