This is the second engine swap I have performed on a town and country. WHAT A NIGHTMARE the first van was. The second van went a bit smoother but holy crap, never again.

If you ever find yourself eye balls deep into one of these piles of junk, the balancer needs to come off " no way around it". The torque converter needs to be completely seated, you may think its in there but its probably not so double check. And when you install the starter make sure you put it in straight, do not swing it in with the wires on because the spacer will probably get smashed by the starter nose. DO NOT pull the power steering pump out with the motor. You may look at the radiator and front bumper cover and think, hmm i bet if i took all that out it would give me a ton of room to work, NOPE leave it together and just disconnect the radiator hoses. My boss talked to his Chrysler tech buddy about the best way to get the motor out and he said through the top. I think it took 13 hours for me to get it done right. I am now accepting challengers.

I feel like I have a love hate relationship with Chrysler. I love all the business they give me but hell I hate working on their backward ass piles of junk

quote Originally posted by Chris Hodson: I hate working on their backward ass piles of junk

I can agree with that! (I haven't worked on one in years, doubt I'd ever willingly touch a van!)

quote Originally posted by Chris Hodson: I hate working on their backward ass piles of junk

:Agree:
+2

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 08-31-2011).]

Intrepids are really what frequent my shop. I swear everyone and their grandma owns one. Most all Ive been around either smoke or ticks or both. Heck, I own a 98. Threw a timing belt at 60k. I had to get new cylinder heads and everything that goes along with replacing them. whatever, i could go on for days about these cars.

Look on the bright side. As long as they're around---you'll always have a job.

Hence the reason I will never own a Chrysler vehicle. Working on them and pulling parts from them in the scrapyard was enough for me (closest thing I've ever come to a Chrysler, and ever will come to one is an early 90's DSM)

quote Originally posted by maryjane: Look on the bright side. As long as they're around---you'll always have a job.

The ole' man does have a point here

What engine were you replacing? 3.0, 3.3, 3.8 etc.

I do it everyday...12yr Certified Chrysler tech.. Oh, and LH (Intrepid, Concorde, LHS, 300M) cars are my favorite money makers. Especially the 2.7's KA-CHING!
-Jason

My cousin bought his wife an '04 Sebring convertible (58K on the clock) three years ago for $4500.00

He had to replace the engine at around 65K, the transmission at 69K. After that he said "screw this" and bought her a Lexus.

He says he wouldn't have another Chrysler in his garage even if you paid him to take it.

try doing a 300 6 cilinder out of a ford f 150,

you have to remover EVERY motor assesory. and then and only then you have to turn the motor 90 degrese sidewase or it will not come out, no way in hell..

steve

[This message has been edited by fierowitch (edited 09-01-2011).]

Fierofreak00, you are my hero lol. The sad thing is that ive worked on so many Chryslers im starting to get very good at it :/

Everyone has opinions thats why there are different cars. Ive never had any of the problems you describe, mostly because nothing on them broke. Problems more usually come from the owners poor maintanence. My 04 Sebring conv, with 96,000 miles .... and the 2.7 engine. Has never given me any problem at all. All its needed was oil changes, a heater fan switch, and a couple of batteries. Still looks and runs perfect with 32 mpg. Still has original Continental tires and brakes. I made a mistake and got a vinyl top instead of the Stafast cloth. Looks like ill have to replace it in 3 or 4 years. Doesnt leak a drop of anything and doesnt smoke...even on startup. The Caravans ive had with 3.8s ran great for a few hundred thousand miles each. Now lets change and talk about GM flagship Corvettes. Both of mine leaked water like submerged submarines and needed a $200-$300 repair every month...whether I moved it at all that month or not. Im perfectly happy with my Sebring and the only car that surpassed it for reliability was my Ferrari kit. Of course I personally built that one from front to rear bumper myself. Another year or two and the Sebring will pass that. Ive been offered more than I paid for it from the dealer 5 years ago but I wont sell it. Cant say that about many late model cars.

You might try starting with more than a $1000 ragged out car to start with next time because Im betting you got the van dirt cheap because something was wrong with it in the first place..............right ?

A few customers of mine brought the Vans to me. It seems there is an issue with the cylinder heads up front. Its a 3.8 Btw. Most of the vans in the junkyards had the front cylinder head removed. Odd.

Ive noticed the intrepids go through steering and suspension components quickly.


Agreed - Proper maintenance goes a long way

Interesting video here.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...hH4I&feature=related

Ive heard of lots of head problems in the 4 cyls, not so much the 3.8s. I also hear lots of people talking about premature wear on Sebring brakes and suspension. Mine is totally untouched other than my own occasional inspections. My 66 Dodge still has all its original suspension parts as far as I know. I should replace the upper A arm rubber bushings though. Im just going to wait till theyre worn clear out because a brand new arm with bushings is cheaper than having them replaced.

[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 09-02-2011).]

The cars ive had in from the 60's seem to either be in decent shape or very bad. You can for sure see who has taken care of their cars. I haven't messed with a whole lot of 60's cars but ive noticed most of the welds are terrible and stock body gaps are really not good.

Ahh geeze I feel like a negative Nancy.

quote Originally posted by Fierofreak00: I do it everyday...12yr Certified Chrysler tech.. Oh, and LH (Intrepid, Concorde, LHS, 300M) cars are my favorite money makers. Especially the 2.7's KA-CHING! -Jason

Timing Chain, Water Pump, Tensioner. If this is the same one I heard the chain rattles like its falling apart at first start up. I kept everything apart, valve covers and all, held the chain tight with a large screwdriver while my son cranked it over. I watched oil squirt out of the heads working its way to the front, as soon as it reached the tensioner it went snap.

I have owned many cars and the most reliable car I ever owned was a 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan w/3.3. This was the first year of the 3.3 and the Ultradrive (Chryslers first electronically controlled 4 speed auto, a known problematic transmission). I ran my car to 225,000 miles and finally ditched it when the fuel rails began to leak (a common problem). The only repair (other than tires and brakes) that I had to pay for was a starter. The trans was rebuilt under warranty at 68K miles, just short of the end of the warranty. It was a great car, much better than the 2005 T&C I now own. I view the T&C as a plain Jane rounded square box that hauls things well and bought it only because of the Stow and Go seats, otherwise it would not be worth purchasing.
Jim

[This message has been edited by bowrapennocks (edited 09-04-2011).]

Lucky! Must admit that they do make some sharp looking, borderline bad ass cars

4 cylinder diesel Cherokee jeep. Starter motor Nightmare I would NEVER touch another!!!!!!!!
UGH!
Nick