I've got a '96 Sebring convertible with a 2.5 and 130k miles. I've finally decided I'm scared to go any further on the original timing belt and have a couple of questions for the experts.

#1 I'm wondering if there is any shortcut to getting that back cover off without having to remove the power steering brackets.

#2 I plan to do the water pump and tensioners while I'm there. I'm also doing all the belts / hoses and valve cover gaskets along with new wires and plugs and all the tuneup stuff. Is there any other "might as wells" that I should go ahead and take care of since I'm already this deep in it.

#2 I hope to remedy my oil leaks while I am there. I'm losing about 2qt per tank right now. I'm doing valve cover gaskets but the old ones really don't look all that bad. I tend to lose most of my oil at the front passenger side of the engine and am wondering if there is anything else in that area that commonly leaks (I can't see where it's coming from).

I've had the car for about a year but only put a couple thousand miles on it for worry of breaking the belt. Can't wait to get out and enjoy the car this summer.

Thanx for your advice
Steve B.

 

#1 no you must take it off I found it is easier to get to the back bolt on the bracket form underneth using a long extention say 2 feet long, Go up on the left side of the exhaust pipe. If you have small hands if you are taking the intake you can get it from the top.

#2 do the tube seals in the valve covers while you got them off.

#2 you will be surprised at how hard the valve cover gaskets will be after 130k they will come in small.

There is a great write up at sebringclub.net search for timing belt/water pump

* Chrysler Sebring/200 Convertible Club * • View topic - How To: Replace Water Pump & Timing Belt 96-00

 

Well I'm still progressing and have a few more questions....

Everything is now apart and the old belt is off the engine. The easiest way I found to get those power steering bracket bolts off was to pull the bolt from the front motor mount then I could drop the engine a few inches which gave me room to get my hand and a wrench back there (with the upper intake removed).

Everything I touch is broken it seems. The motor mounts are in pieces. Some moron filled the overflow tank with stop leak to the point it weighed about two pounds and of course all the hoses and soft things have seen better days..... I have a feeling this is going to be one of those "you should have just sold it" projects by the time I get done.

Questions:
Waterpump is off. I want to replace the tube that runs across the engine but I can't get the damn thing out. I'm to the point of trying vice grips and pulling but I'm wondering if you have to take the lower intake off and that water manifold on the other side to do the job right.

Valve cover gaskets were not bad but cam seals are obviously leaking. How the heck are you supposed to get the old seals out of there? Some special tool needed to get them?