My contour has been out of action for a couple of weeks now. Its a '96 GL (I4 z-tec) The codes have been run showing thermostat problems and the left bank is running lean. The heater doesn't work and the car has been overheating. I'd been taking it easy, trying a couple of things. The week before it was the maf sensor (fixed). The car now produces a white smoke and idles very roughly. Its been sitting in my driveway ever since and hasn't moved. Can anybody help??? I've come up with a some possible causes, but not being a mechanic (I'm trying to do as much as I can myself), I don't know for sure.
Overheating: Thermo, Water pump?
Smoke: bad valve???
I've thought about just trading her in, but I love my contour too much. Besides, the thought of trading her out for a rice car just doesn't seem right.
Also, if it comes down to dropping a new motor, is it possible to drop the V6 in place of the I4. What would have to be done? Is it worth it?
