Originally posted by Michael Rossini:
.... I purchased a used '98 Ford Contour SE last August .... the thing overheated on me a couple days ago, and after having a local shop look at it, they said I have a blown head gasket.
Welcome onboard.
As you can see fron the replies so far, there is more than a little skepticism here re the diagnosis. Presumably you have the v6 engine which is prone to having waterpump impeller shatter which, within minutes, causes overheating. Continuing to drive a car in this condition can of course cause engine damage.
Perhaps more details of your actual overheat symptoms, circumstances thereafter and the tests, if any, performed by the mechanic would help us more fully understand your car's status. Your car's mileage?
Getting a Haynes manual for the car would be helpful to you regardless of current problem outcome.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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