1998 Ford Contour Rattling Noise and Stalling

185,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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IRETH0283
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It's been a week since I bought my 1998 Ford Contour and as I was making across the border this morning, I noticed a rattling sound coming from underneath the hood. Not sure specifically sure where it was coming from but I'm sure it's under the hood. When I got a feeling that the car was going to stall on me, I pulled out of line and as put on the brakes to make a stop at the stop sign, the car stalled. I put the car on park and turned the ignition on again fired right up. When I went to accelerate, it stalled again. Fired it up again and drove to the coming traffice light and it stalled again hearing the same rattling noise. Started it back up again and when I came to the next traffic light, it stalled again. This time I saw white smoke coming from the tailpipe when I fired it up once again. What could be happening to the car I thought was in good conditions?
Oct 11, 2010 at 3:32 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
The white smoke usually indicates a bad head gasket. When coolant gets into the combustion chamber, it burns white. Check to see if the coolant level is low or there is any mixing with the engine oil.

Let me know what you find.
Oct 15, 2010 at 3:51 PM
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