1999 Dodge Intrepid Engine Dies

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STLOUIS1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
First time on the forum and have already learned some great information about Intrepid engine problems. I have a 2.7l engine with 139000 miles. A week ago we had the battery replaced. The battery was dead. But the kicker, two days later, the engine stops completely as I am going down hill--approximately a 15 minute drive. I coast off to the side of the road and it will not turn over. I had it towed to a mechanic that I never use on reccommendation on my regular mechanic. He thought it was the fuel pump and he can't do the pump because of city regs. The guy who towed it in diagnosed fuel pump. I trust him as well since he does repairs for insurance companies in two states and I work with his wife. The mechanic who has the car said the engine went out. He said that he let it run 15 minutes on idle when the rod started knocking. I never heard a valve, rod, anything coming out of the engine when it quit on me. My regular mechanic said he went out and listened to it and it was a rod.

My question: can it possibly be a timing belt based on other responses from the forum? Should I be looking into other possible explainations :oops: ?

Also, I have been told since then that the 2.7l engine was a throw-away--not built to last long. Can the 3.5l engine be interchanged without having to change the wiring and harnesses? Thank you in advance.
Feb 24, 2007 at 9:34 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,375 POSTS
yes there were alot of problems with alot of 2.7s i read everything you said and i would also suspect a rod bearing , you can always have you tech pull the pan to make sure wont cost you much , the engine swap even if it were possible would outweigh the reman 2.7 just check out who has the best warranty on one and what they cover before you shell out you money , hope this helped

jim
Feb 24, 2007 at 9:54 AM

Suggested Repair

Suspect a failed rod bearing. Have a technician drop the oil pan to confirm before replacing the engine. A 3.5L swap would likely cost more than a remanufactured 2.7L; compare reman warranties and coverage before buying.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Dodge Intrepid 2.7L with 139,000 miles died while driving shortly after a battery replacement and would not restart. A tow operator suspected the fuel pump, but the shop later reported rod knock after idling the engine. The owner asked whether a timing belt could be the cause and whether a 3.5L engine could be swapped without changing the wiring. The expert also suspected a rod bearing, recommended pulling the oil pan to confirm, and said a 3.5L swap would likely cost more than a remanufactured 2.7L with a good warranty.

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