Anyone ever owned or a mechanical expert with dodge intrepids? Is it true that the engines are bad and that you can't change the timing chain. I have a 1999.
I'm no expert on that car, but, if you change the oil and filter regularly, you won't likely have to replace the timing chain. This is especially true, if you use full-synthetic engine oil; e.g., Mobil 1. Personally, I think most cars today are very good, provided they are maintained properly.
The 2.7L engine is known to have a sludging problem. Again, if you use a full-synthetic engine oil, and change the oil and filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), you greatly reduce the odds of sludge developing.
How many miles are on your vehicle? If you have quite a few thousand and haven't been using synthetic, do not switch now. It's going to come out of every little crack and crease and you're going to have bigger issues.
I just bought it and it has 113000 miles on it. I'm sure you can understand i need to do anythng i can to keep it running.. i was told by one mechanice that the timing chain cannot be changed, which i believe is faulse.
MrsMorrison, I've never heard of a timing chain that can't be replaced. A call to a Dodge service department should be able to answer that question quickly.
Besides changing the engine oil and filter, I recommend that the transmission fluid be changed. Have the dealer drop and clean the pan, change the filter, and refill with ATF+4 transmission fluid, which is a full-synthetic product. If you take care of the engine and transmission, everything else that goes wrong will be relatively minor, in comparison. Be sure to change the coolant every 3 years with a 50/50 mixture of G-05 antifreeze and distilled water. Finally, change the brake fluid, with an ABS-approved product, for safety and to properly maintain the brake system.
MrsMorrison, if you would like additional opinions on the adviseability of using a full-synthetic oil in your Dodge Intrepid, post a question on BOBISTHEOILGUY.COM. Their site has tribologists and members, who will be glad to give you their opinion. Additionally, you can call Mobil Oil Corporation, 1-800-ASK-MOBIL, or Amsoil's Technical Department, 715/399-TECH. Just explain your situation to them.
If you have a MAJOR sludge problem already, look into Auto-RX. It's an ester-based product for severe engine and transmission sludge problems. Afterwards, start using a full-synthetic engine oil. If you don't have a MAJOR sludge problem, just start using a full-synthetic engine oil and change the filter regularly.
If it is the 2.7, the labor guide estimates the timing chain replacement to be in the 6 hour neighborhood. Although this isn't something you change just for fun. If you are having timing chain, tensioner, guide issues, due to engine noise, this is a good indication that your engine is near the end of the road due to sludge and lack of maintenance.
Linear Mode
