Can a 1998 Ford Contour run without a thermostat?

Answer 1

Yes, it can, but it won't be running properly. Modern engines are tightly controlled by the computer that governs fuel flow. To do this, it senses a number of different things, and among them is the coolant temperature. If the temperature of the coolant is not being properly controlled by a thermostat, the computer will get readings that will cause it to deliver an incorrect fuel-air mixture to the engine, causing poor fuel mileage, excessive emissions, and poor overall operation. I strongly recommend that, if you are having cooling system problems, that you take your car to a good shop to have it diagnosed and properly repaired.