I'd suspect the block before the head. We sent the head to a shop to have it rebuilt...I suppose they could not know what they were doing, but it looked pretty good when we got it back. Poo. Time for a block swap...

 

When removing the 2.4L engine from a Stratus, is it easier to pull the motor out of the top, or pull the car off of the motor? We are leaning towards using our picker to pick the car up off of the motor...

 

It doesn't fit through the top unless you take the trans out first. Its easiest to drop the engine and transmission out through the bottom together.

 

That's what we thought. Out the bottom it is...

Any advice before we start the teardown (again)? Tips to make it buttery smooth...

 

Got a 2.4L Crate engine in today. So nice and clean. I've got a fun project for the Thanksgiving holidays....

 

Bringing a post back from the dead. I still have not addressed my issues. Hoping to get going this weekend. Was wondering if anyone has ever used or heard of success with this "Steel Seal" stuff that is suppoed to be able to repair blown head gaskets? I saw a link to it in the original post and was wondering if this is worth a try?

 

Nope,

Only one way to fix a motor, and that is to do it right the first time.
Miracle cures are only for people that listen to salesman, not mechanics.

2cents
Vince

 

Thx B_52, I figured this stuff was a long shot. Just had to ask though..Hopefully when I get the car in the garage, everything will go smoothly:-).