Sebring 2.7 Tips to save $$$$

[doitmyself]

Based on my poor experiences taking care of my daughters 2004 Sebring with 2.7 engine, I would like to pass on some tips to save others frustration and $$$$$.

Minor to massive oil leakage: Check the oil temperature sensor located on the back lower engine behind a heat shield. It is a common problem and an easy/cheap diy fix.

Minor to massive coolant leakage: replace the "water outlet housing" OEM #4792630AA that sits on top of the engine(this is not the thermostat housing). E-bay has them under "Sebring air bleeder". Google will lead you to cookbook instructions and it can be changed without removing the intake manifold (except newest models). A very common problem and best to catch it while it is seeping, before it lets loose (two piece GLUED assembly).

$50 on e-bay, $106 at dealer, $65 +/- at Carquest. Some claim AZ and O'Reilly have the part sans temp. sensor for under $25. Dealer wants $300 to $400 to install.

 

[[email protected]]

I had a 2004 Sebring Touring with the 2.7l. Bought it new with 17 miles on the odometer.

The best cost savings measure I did with that car was to sell it before I even owned it for a year. I had so many problems with that car from day 1, I was afraid to even know what the reliability was going to be years down the road!!

 

[vtb]

I did the water housing thing on an 02 in a parking lot. Super easy, but one bolt is difficult to get to without a swivel. It let go on the interstate. Big steam problem while driving, LOL. I currently have an 01 which has given next to no problems. Once had a leaking transmission cooler line, easy fix. Once had the flickering oil light, 5K OCI's of PP have fixed that. Very little evidence of sludge, but if I stay vigilant, it should be OK. (fingers crossed)

Thanks for posting money saving tips. It's appreciated.

 

[rshaw125]

I had a 2.7 in an Intrepid. It was a maintenance hog. I kept the PCV system clean and ran synthetic oil. never really trusted it on long trips (over 200 miles).

 

[StevieC]

The early 2.7's were a nightmare but once Chrysler worked out the bugs they turned into a half-decent engine.

They just rushed things to market IMO.

 

[Cutehumor]

Originally Posted By: [email protected]
I had a 2004 Sebring Touring with the 2.7l. Bought it new with 17 miles on the odometer.

The best cost savings measure I did with that car was to sell it before I even owned it for a year. I had so many problems with that car from day 1, I was afraid to even know what the reliability was going to be years down the road!!


I rather have a GM or Ford anyday than a Chrysler

 

[StevieC]

I would take a Ford over a Chrysler but definitely a Chrysler over a GM. Heck I would probably walk before I would buy a GM product for my various reasons.

I will leave it at that so as to not start a war.

Comments PM me, don't derail this thread.