You are here: Forums Sedans Dodge Stratus Dodge Stratus Head Gasket Replacement

Dodge Stratus Head Gasket Replacement

11 messages,  Last post on May 11, 2009 at 7:24 PM

You are in the Dodge Stratus Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Dodge Stratus, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#2 of 11 Re: 98 Stratus 2.4 Head Gasket Replacement [dpost] by phast Feb 15, 2007 (1:19 pm)
Replying to: dpost (Feb 09, 2007 10:43 am) Just posted a reply on this very topic. See posting by phast dated Feb. 15, 2007.   Phast
#3 of 11 Re: 98 Stratus 2.4 Head Gasket Replacement [dpost] by phast Feb 15, 2007 (1:28 pm)
Replying to: dpost (Feb 09, 2007 10:43 am) Label every wire you disconnect. To remove the head, first unbolt the exhaust manifold. Replace all head bolts with a new set available from parts store. Ensure you use the metal composite gasket (use spray gasket sealer). Be careful with the cam positioner (gaskets), after pulling head, DO remove and inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks - VERY Likely! replace the front O2 sensor, or bench check. It will be covered with black soot. New timing belt and tensioner (sold as a kit), and take your time setting the timing as it may require several attempts to get it right.....If done right, I wouldn't be surprised if you spin the front tires..... by mistake of course! Hope this helps.
#4 of 11 Re: 98 Stratus 2.4 Head Gasket Replacement [dpost] by dpost Apr 18, 2007 (2:08 pm)
Replying to: dpost (Feb 09, 2007 10:43 am) I replaced the head gasket... My god it was time consuming. I will say this get the multi layer head gasket it is the the recommended. Also remove the head with the exhaust manifold attached just disconnect the pipe below. Much easy job that way. Be careful with the plastic shroud and covers by timing belt. If you destroy the covers the dealer will make purchase the new and improved tensioner and cover $210.00. We purchased the old grenade pin type tensioner $50.00 part store. I had a mechanic friend set the timing belt because if you pull the pin and its wrong then the the tensioner is useless. Its a one time shot. We got it right the first time. Also use the gasket spray sealer (gold color) on the gasket prior to setting it down. I replaced all belts and all hoses to include heater hoses that go in the back.   It is running like a top........... NO LEAKS.... Replies to this message: dpost (Apr 27, 2007 11:15 am)
#5 of 11 Re: 98 Stratus 2.4 Head Gasket Replacement [dpost] by dpost Apr 27, 2007 (11:15 am)
Replying to: dpost (Apr 18, 2007 2:08 pm) Also I replaced the water pump if the pump goes out you have to get another tensioner because the water pump is driven by the timing belt. REPLACE the Water Pump.
#6 of 11 Re: 98 Stratus 2.4 Head Gasket Replacement by dpost May 14, 2007 (7:24 am)
In reference to phast comment about the tensioner and the blet come together as a kit. This is true if you buy from the dealer. Keep in mind you have to purchase the new shroud or plastic covers for that the new tensioner from dealer is a different design and the new covers only match the new tensioner design. Plastic cover/shroud design $210.00 and tensioner and belt from dealer $180.00 So into it for 400.00 from the dealer if you go with new design. I bought a goodyear belt for like $20.00 and the old style original type tensioner for $52.00 from a parts store. I also cracked the plastic shroud/cover but after getting dealers price on all those replacement parts I got a small fiberglass kit and neatly fiberglassed the cracked areas and used a knife and a little sand paper to get rid of rough edges. Total investment with fiberglas kit and original tensioner and belt replacement from parts store $85.00. And it runs like a top 6 weeks later still no problems.
#7 of 11 NEW DEVELOPMENT IT IS LEAKING by dpost May 21, 2007 (10:05 am)
After 7 weeks of no problems I now I noticed it it leaking. A small leak on back corner of block to the ground and oil it is weeping to the in the water. Appears to be oil in water and no water in the oil(crankcase). I realize this is a NO Retorque gasket but could it be a torque issue after 1500 miles. The other vehciles that require retorque say after 1000 miles retorque. WILL I Hurt this engine if I check the torque? It would be easier to check the torque than to pull the head off.
#8 of 11 Heat Exchanger in Radiator was leaking! by dpost Jun 01, 2007 (6:39 am)
We didn't retorque after several mechanic friends telling the head gasket appeared to be installed correctly. We found an additional problem tranny fluid seeping into collant we replaced the radiator it is fixed Replies to this message: stratus17399 (Aug 10, 2007 11:03 am)
#9 of 11 Re: Heat Exchanger in Radiator was leaking! [dpost] by stratus17399 Aug 10, 2007 (11:03 am)
Replying to: dpost (Jun 01, 2007 6:39 am) dpost I have a 99 stratus 2.4L and I have oil in my coolant reservoir.Can this be caused by a bad headgasket?I read while searching for more info that oil in the coolant tank(no coolant in engine oil,or transmission) can only be caused by a leaking radiator? Is that correct?It sounds like thats what happened to you with the tranny fluid.
#10 of 11 stupid me by gvirginia Nov 08, 2008 (5:16 am)
I got a 2006 Stratus, put the pedal to the metal a couple of times because it was slow on pickup going onto highway. Sooo now the mileage is poor, 22 mpg and I am wondering, did I harm the engine?/ no engine lights just poor mileage. I think I got about 28 mpg first fillup Replies to this message: toysaveddodge (May 11, 2009 7:24 pm)
#11 of 11 Re: stupid me [gvirginia] by toysaveddodge May 11, 2009 (7:24 pm)
Replying to: gvirginia (Nov 08, 2008 5:16 am) I will let you know one of the tricks of the trade to a 16 valve DOHC ....you should use at least 89 grade octane as gasoline to give that extra boost and just maybe your gas miles. As, you might notice that a Stratus is rated to get only 22-23 miles to the gallon anyway.

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Sedans Dodge Stratus Dodge Stratus Head Gasket Replacement