I have a 98 Contour with the 2.0L Zetec. The car has been consuming about a quart of oil for every 300 miles! No smoke from the exhaust. I pulled the month old plugs yesterday and noticed that the middle two (2+3) were again coated with crud, while the two outer plugs (1+4) were like new. When I replaced the plugs 4 weeks ago, I noticed oil on the threads of the center two.
I have a serious case of pinging and now I'm sure it's related to carbon buildup from this oil leak.
Somewhere I read that sometimes just retorguing the intake manifold bolts will stop a leak. Any thoughts? It is possible for this to be a crack in the head??
