(MP- Philly) wrote in message . com>...
> I have a 98 Dodge Stratus, with the 2.4 DOHC engine. It has about 73K
> miles on it. I've been told by the dealer that my head gasket is
> leaking. The estimate for repair is $700 - $1000. Is it worth fixing?
> At 73K miles, if I fix this, will there be any other big repairs
> waiting in the wings? Or should this be the last of it? Is it
> reasonable to expect to get another year out of this car?
>
> I don't understand how the head gasket can go, as the car has never
> over heated the entire 6 years I had her. And I've always kept up with
> recommended maintenance with the vehicle.
>
> On another note, I must admit that my experience with this Stratus
> precludes me from ever buying another Dodge vehicle. Has Chrysler
> cleaned up its act since Daimler bought them out? I'd like to still
> buy American, but if I have to buy an import I will.

My 1998 Stratus did the same thing at 53,000 mi. This was a common
problem with the 2.0 and 2.4 litre engines until an updated
multi-layered steel (MLS) gasket was introduced midway though the 1999
model year. I decided to have mine fixed, since the car was in good
shape otherwise. I also figured that the car would have diminished
resale value with a blown gasket.

If you decide to have it repaired, make certain that the shop uses the
correct Chrysler made gasket with the recommended sealer. The price
they quoted you is consistent with what I paid. It is a labor
intensive procedure.

I bought my Stratus when it was a year old. I purchased a third-party
extended warranty that covered most of the repair costs.

According to a Chrysler repair tech that I spoke with, the new gasket
will solve the problem so long as the surfaces are properly cleaned,
and the gasket is installed according to the instructions supplied
with the gasket.

-Kirk Matheson