2002 Chrysler Sebring 2002 Chrysler Sebring Oil Leak

CHARMEDLIFE

MEMBER
2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

Hi, My Sebring has been leaking oil for quite awhile now. Dlr. Has "fixed" it twice. The first time (in Feb.) They resealed the oil pan, nothing changed. Didn't get it back in until recently when they replaced the oil sending unit. That did stop the burning smell, but the oil is still leaking quite a bit. Yesterday they steamed cleaned the engine and then put dye into it somewhere, now they say that the leak is from the "front timing cover gasket", and they want over $500.00 to fix it. That seems pretty questionable to me since the part looks like it only costs about $17.00, plus they have not actually fixed the problem to this point. (Unfortunately it just went out of extended warranty in Sept, so I am kicking myself for not dealing with this sooner.) At any rate, I have 2 questions: 1) If the only problem this causes is a little leaking oil, can I just add oil occasionally and keep my $500 for a new laptop? :) 2) Does the diagnosis sound plausible? Thanks for your help.

1 Reply

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

If they put in the die then ask them to show you the leak. They will use the black light and have where the glasses needed and show it to you. If it is leaking bad enough to get on the exhaust and smell then I would fix it as this could one day start a fire. If you feel comfortable enough with it then get a repair manual and do it yourself. Otherwise if it is the timing cover make sure that they replace all the seals like front crank seal and so on as there is no more labor at this point to do that.