Hi everyone. My 06 stratus has a major oil leak. Its been in the shop for 6 weeks now and they can not figure out how to fix it. They said the seal keeps popping out. Anyone else have this problem?

 

What engine? Which seal?

 

Yes i have, If its the seal you are asking about. The crankshaft seal, Replace the engine block which is also called a short block. The crankshaft has a selective shim, that fall out and lands in the bottom of the pan.This allows the crankshaft to walk and pushes out the crankshaft front seal. It also causes damage inside the block too.

 

Yes that's the seal I'm talking about. I do have to replace the engine block?

 

Are you saying the thrust bearing is falling out?

 

From everything I have read is that these cars are prone for this and even after you replace the the engine, 20k miles it will happen again, and again.

 

What engine is doing this?

 

Yes the engine block need to be replaced, and yes its the thrust bearing and this is a common problem on the stratus, pt and the neon's with a 2.4L engine. And yes i have seen this, Because i work for a dodge dealer as a transmission and engine tech.

 

What years are most susceptable? We are thinking of buying an 01 PT with a 2.4. No problems (we know the original owner).

Doesn't Chrysler build anything decent anymore? They were really good about building great engines (slant 6, 318, 440, 3.3, even the 2.2 was a lot better for reliability)

Now they have 2.7 POS!!, 4.7 that dropps valve seats, 2.0 head gasket issues (14+ revisions), and 2.4's falling apart. Maybe it's time to find another manufacturer to support.

 

Damn I hate knowing I have to replace the engine on such a young car. Anything that can be done to prevent it from happening again?