Wait - let me guess - you have oil in your coolant and/or coolant in your oil, right? And the mechanic thus claims it is a blow head gasket. :coolgleam
Before you pop for a head gasket, read all of the threads on this forum related to bad oil coolers. Many mechanics who are unaware of the Catera's coolant/oil heat exchanger make an unwarranted jump to the bad head gasket conclusion. If you have not had the oil cooler replaced, look there first. It's somewhat time consuming to replace, but not beyond the capabilities of most mechanically-inclined persons. One of the threads on this subject has a link to a collection of photos showing the step-by-step procedure. You can judge for yourself if this is too large of a task.
I have a 97, that I bought new in 2000. It has 40,000 miles on it now. It has been a pretty good car. Problems - it doesn't seem to hold wheel alignment very well, and eats tires like crazy. I'm on my third set. And, there there is trying to replace a headlamp! You pretty much have to remove the grill! It cost me $137 to replace a headlight, and I provided the bulb. Otherwise, it's comfortable, fairly quiet, and (so far!) more-or-less trouble free.
I have a 1997 Catera with approx 75,000 miles on it. She has been in the shop all winter getting a whole new look. NOS was installed, a killer Alpine sound system, paint job, rims, some body work, new custom exhaust, the list goes on and on. As soon as she rolls out of the shop, I will take lots of pictures. I can't wait!
Talking about paint jobs, any one knows any good paint shop here in New York. Sorry for the interruptions. Anyway, my Catera is a 97, i had the timing belt recall done after i got it.It had 78000 miles then. It seems that the previous owner already had some of the more common problems because there is not much left for me, well except for some minor ones that I did the fixing myself, like the Heater control valve leak, no heat in passenger side, a very noisy blower when it's switched to 3rd speed setting and loud in 4th, the possessed sunroof which acted on me during a winter morning when snow is actually falling and I am in the middle of a 65 mile trip, and the secret of the foglight relay which until now I haven't discovered yet which i probably won't anymore since i installed a new set of HID foglights, so far the car is running fine and the last thing i will do i guess is get it a fresh job paint. The only thing that worries me is that i have no choice but to street park which is not paint friendly specially when you are in a busy corner where cars come and go. Maybe one day, i'll get the Catera a good house to go home to. Hmmm, this is sounding like a soap opera already. Anyways, this site has been so helpful and to the moderators and to those who are always willing to share their experiences, my hats off.
Last month i bought one (Even after reading and going through almost this forum)just couldnt resist the looks and nice ride of the car .Mine is dreaded 97 black with 110ks on it ,this weekend i am getting valve cover gaskets,plugs,serpentine belt and will have timing belt looked at.Already got the motor oil changed (regular oil) and in few days will get the tranny fluid and filter changed too .I hope i be alright after all this
Cheers
Not to mentioned that i am glad that i found this forum with very nice people onboard and if i can help anybody with Pc hardware or software problems i be more than happy because my knowledge in cars is very very limited
I have a 1997 Catera with approx 75,000 miles on it. She has been in the shop all winter getting a whole new look. NOS was installed, a killer Alpine sound system, paint job, rims, some body work, new custom exhaust, the list goes on and on. As soon as she rolls out of the shop, I will take lots of pictures. I can't wait!
Well I guess I should have posted here a while ago. This is the kewilst forum I have ever seen! Everyone is so helpfull & I have saved a ton of $$$ from all of your help many Kudos all, epsecially Jeffery....aka (Crazzzzy Train). 2001 Catera Sport Blood-red /Marron 67K miles been a good ride so far with just a few probs. that this forum helped solve. I love the ride, lotz of zip & zing. Everyone loves to ride in this cat. Got it in Nove 04 for $9,795.00 w/ 60k miles. (bought it from a Ford dealer, one owner lease return) Klean Karfax. Hunted 2 yrs. for the right one @ the right price.
Got the car no t shirt. Had it a couple of years. Never left me stranded, but has made me late a few times. The car does not start for 20 min or so after stopping or when hot. But in the winter it starts every time. Has check engine light on. Dealers can't figure it out. They even kept it overnight 2 times. Love the car hate the price of parts/repairs. Any one have a clue what my car issue might be?
I have a 98 Catera and have same problem, just started happening. Dies after up to temp and will start after a little while. No codes and otherwise runs great. Did you resolve your problem? Or has anyone ideas as this appears to be common and should have a known solution. I do not want to let the dealer experiment at my expense.
My email is Noakes.HM@telus.net if anyone is interested. ZigZag
Re: Who owns a Catera? 
Looks like I have some competition! :coolgleam 
