I also posted this on the Chrysler forums since I actually have a 2000 Cirrus, but since it's so similar to a Stratus and more people view this forum I wanted to ask here too.

A shady mechanic just told me that if my water pump leaks it will coat the timing belt with coolant, which will cause the belt to slip, and could ruin my whole engine. He also said this would happen very quickly and tried to pressure me into a VERY expensive replacement pump and belt job.

Doesn't the weep hole prevent this kind of thing from happening? And isn't the belt usually etched so it won't slip like this?

I'm already never going back to this mechanic, but I just wanted a second opinion from some of you Dodge/Chrysler guys.

Thanks!

 

If you have the 2.5v6 (and yes, the Breeze, Cirrus, Stratus are essentially the EXACT same car), than a slipping timing belt could cause the engine to break. This is due to the interference engine design. Top of the piston will smack against the valves if they aren't times out properly (ie: if intake or exhaust valves are open when the piston comes back to the top, they get mangled). I haven't heard of the timing belt causing problems from slipping, but if you're looking at replacing the water pump, the timing belt has to come off anyways, might as well replace it now, rather than later on.

Was there a reason you had your car at the mechanic? Knowing more of your situation (as well as your vehicles specs) could help us to help you more.