96 beretta engine problems

[red96beretta]

ok my dads 96 beretta 3.1 is in pretty sad shape....
A) He eats coolant
B) His heater sucks ... which i would think is head gaskets but it never overheats
C) His oil is REALLY dirty... didn't necssarily look like coolant though it could be
D) One of his lifters is causing a ping
E) His tranny slips gears occasionally
F) His ses light came on but we haven't scanned it yet

I've never really opened an engine and worked on it but what things do you think need help? I think it's either or all of: lower intake manifold... head gaskets... lifters and who knows about the tranny. How many hours will it take a person to do this? (first time experience) Do you think he should just trade in the car or maybe get a junkyard engine and tranny instead? Your opinions / advice are wanted... thanks
-Nick

[MENEGENE]

Is it leaking coolant and can you see where it is leaking? The coolant level is probably low causing the poor heater output or the heater core is plugged. You should find out where this coolant is going so you have a good idea of what you need to fix. There's a good chance the lower intake gasket is leaking. When was the last time the oil was changed? A "ping" noise from a lifter? Never heard that one before. If the tranny is slipping that's probably causing the SES Light assuming that the engine runs fine and its not some emissions crap.

Overall, for a first time experience, replacing the lower intake gaskets may be a stretch depending on what tools you have and how well you work with mechanical objects. If you follow the service manual its not too bad. As far as a transmission problem that should go to a professional, no doubt about it.