Hello,

I have a 2006 SXT, 4dr, 2.7L V6 (non flex fuel). I bought the car new for my wife. Since we had a couple kids she opted for a minivan (no really, she wants a minivan!) and I have been using the Stratus as my daily driver for the last couple years.

This has been an extremely reliable car for me! I do all my own maintenance. Valvoline 5w-20 changed every 5,000 miles, switched to the max-life flavor of that oil at 100,000. I change the trans fluid/filter and accessory belts every 60K, PCV valve every 30K. The only non-maintenance items I have changed was the drivers door front window motor.

My question is this:

At what mileage interval should I service the timing chain?

I see that the water pump is in that area, so I would change it too while there.

The car currently has 150K on it and still runs great! Needs a little seafoam in the gas tank here and there to keep the injectors from sticking.

I know the timing chain can't last forever, but there is no recommended service interval in the owners manual for it.

Also, should I just replace the tensioners, or should I consider replacing all 3 chains too?

I hate to spend $$ on parts I don't need. The car is running very well, no timing issues. But, i do want to keep driving this car to work for a few more years. A broken timing chain is something I dont need.

How do I know when it is time to replace this? Are there warning signs I should be looking for?

Lastly, isn't there some sort of inspection window on the rear head; if you remove the valve cover? Something to observe to see how stretched the chain is and/or worn the adjusters are?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

Matt

 

Maybe I wrote too much stuff in my earlier post to gather any replies..

In short:

Does anybody know of a recommended mileage service interval for the timing chain on a 2.7 V6? It is in a 2006 SXT stratus

How long do these seem to last for most folks? Any symptoms that are usually noticed prior to their failure?

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

Matt

 

From what I've heard they will develope a lopey idle from slack in the chain. Mine was starting to make some noise from the chain rubbing the guides. Getting one done is not cheap or easy.