Piston Ring Replacement: Can it be done out the bottom?
 

Got a 2.4L motor in a 2004 Sebring. Compression tests show that the engine got hot and it will need piston rings to run. Can I unbolt the oil pan, unbolt the connecting rod from the crank and pull the piston out the bottom? Is there enough room that the rod and piston will clear the crank? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks!

No. To properly do a ring job, you need to go in from both the top and bottom.

Are you sure it's not bent valves that are causing the lack of compression?

Compression tests are at 60,90,90,90 respectively. When oil is added to the cylinders the psi raises. Also, leak down tests show air from the oil fill cap, which says rings to me. Will the connecting rod and piston not clear the crank?

You can't properly hone the cylinders, remove the ring ridge or use a ring compressor from the bottom. And no, the pistons won't clear the crank shaft nor can the crankshaft be dropped out the bottom without disconnecting the torque converter at the back of the engine and the timing belt at the front of the engine. It's not done that way.

That is what I needed to know. Is there a step by step guide on getting the head off and all the crap that is above the engine?

Also, will a 2005 2.4 Dodge stratus engine be the same as the 2004 2.4?

Invest in a Haynes manual (https://haynes.com/en-us/chrysler/sebring/1995-2005) and read through the sections about rebuilding the engine. It's covered pretty well. Then you can decide whether you and your toolbox are up to the task.

I think there was a change around the middle of 2004 that could make a direct swap problematic. Others here could offer a better insight.

Thanks dcotter for the info. I can get a 05 dodge motor for $250, which is around what I would spend for a rebuild. Just need to know if it is the same motor. Any idea what changes were made?

It has to do with how the computer controls the engine. It results in different sensors, different computer and different wiring harness. I'm not the one who knows the details on that. CHRYSLER TECH here on the forum would know.
If I recall correctly, the computer looks different. If the computer in the donor vehicle looks different than yours, look for another engine.

Chrysler Tech? Please chime in!