I have a 2004 Stratus RT sedan.
I'm leaking water like crazy. I lose a half gallon in a mile or so. Can't really pin point the leak but it seems to be coming from a hole on the engine which I would guess is a weep hole for the water pump. My local Dodge dealer said they always leak internally and they have never heard of one leaking externally. They also said when this happens you can lose the bottom end of the motor. I have no water in my oil at all. Can anyone give me some input on this? I really need to get this car back on the road. Can they leak externally without leaking internally?
Thanks,
Frank

 

yes they can leak externally there reputation is to leak internally on earlier 2.7 's model years, causing sludge buildup then engine failure ,mine was leaking they wanted to much to fix(close to 1500.00 dollars a lot of labor charges water pump timing chain(said they couldn't reuse) etc.) ended up trading it in

 

Guess I'll be changing it as soon as Dodge can get me the parts then. Thanks!

 

Do it all. The chains, guides and most importantly the primary chain tensioner.

 

I ordered it all today. It's pricy, but I can't afford to buy another car and this one only has 60,000 miles on it. I have to do what I have to do and hopefully it will be fine from here on.
Thanks for the advice.
Frank

 

Got everything from Dodge and tore into the job. They gave me the wrong water pump twice. Hopefully they have the 3rd one in stock. I'm having trouble getting the gear off the crank though. Do I need a puller for this?
Thanks,
Frank

 

Still can't budge the gear on the crank. Does anyone know how to get it off? Ii need this car running. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Frank