Hi all,
I have a 99 Stratus with the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder motor. I'm hearing a noise that is somewhat like what I had with my 99 Caravan 3.3 when the water pump bearing was roaring away.
The Stratus was brought to the dealer because of recall notices, and while there I asked them to investigate that noise. I have a week to go on a 3rd party extended warranty, so I figured that whatever was wrong would be taken care of with a minimum out of pocket cost.
I got a call from the dealer with the bad news. They say that my exhaust manifold is cracked, and the gasket is blown, and the cost is $800 for the repair (parts and labor). My extended warranty does not cover exhaust system problems. I then said that there is no exhaust smell, or smoke, and he agreed. I asked him if this was dangerous, and he said no. I asked him if this will get worse, and he said no. So I told him to skip the repair, and he said that I owe them $90 for labor.
I haven't picked the car up yet, but the situation does not make since to me. My experience with underhood exhaust leaks is that they always get worse, and you can smell them under the hood.
Comments?
Jim