Dodge Plymouth Chrysler 2.4L Head Gasket&Timing Belt - Part 1 Disassemble

Step by step howto. Also, water pump and front main seal. Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, Chrysler Cirrus. Part 1 of 3. Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth 2.4L DOHC 4 cylinder engine. This motor is notorious for a failed head gasket causing a severe oil leak down the back side of the engine. Buy parts and install yourself to save money and have fun by working on your own car!
Buy the parts here:
Head gasket set:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
Timing belt kit with water pump & pulleys:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004...
Front main seal:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006...
Head bolt set:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
Tools:
3Pc 3-jaw gear puller set:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
Harmonic balancer/crank sprocket puller:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001...
This engine is found in the following cars:
Chrysler Cirrus
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler Voyager
Dodge Caravan
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Neon SRT-4
Dodge Stratus
Plymouth Breeze
Plymouth Voyager
Plymouth Grand Voyager
Jeep Liberty Renegade
Jeep Liberty Sport
Jeep Wrangler SE
Thanks for watching! Be sure to share, comment, Like and subscribe!
"DIY videos provided for reference/entertainment purposes only. Only work on your car if you have the right tools and are comfortable doing so. If in doubt, consult a professional. Mod MINI is not responsible for any 'mistakes' or 'incidents' arising out of your working on your own vehicle. Have fun and stay safe!" Follow #ModMINI on Twitter to get notified of new video uploads! / modminiyoutube Thanks for watching!
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[@donaldmurray4350]

Splendid video, really helped this ole man, who had success thanks to you, dear sir. Never would I have attempted this set of procedures, without you. Very Gratefully...

[@andyenyart6363]

Excellent how to video. Thorough and moves along pretty quick given the number of details covered.

[@brucete3605]

Excellent video. clear audio and visual. Thorough

[@caliwild1967]

Hello and thank you for getting back to me so quickly.I live in Willis Texas so I guess it would be impossible for you to do the work or even suggest someone my way.You gave me some useful advice and I thank you.Just knowing I don't need that extra of shaving the heads is wonderful news.I just want to find someone reputable to do the work.Most people just see a female and see dollar signs.I knew something was up though when he did a pressure test and it barely registered.So now I will go from here.Thank you once again and keep on doing what you do.

[@majordog85]

My man! Thank you for your video, i have the same job coming up and thanks to you now i have some sort of knowledge. You got yourself a new subscriber 🎉

[@Ramonnperez0330]

Thank you for be professional, quick and easy.

[@hectorrodriguez-qn3pp]

Thanks a lot for the video correctly explyed step by step, awesome work and pretty helpful.

[@tpforyeshuapain3685]

I actually have a 2006 2.4L Chrysler Sebring. They are pretty similar, some small differences.Your video helped me by seeing what tools you used on the pulleys and how you removed and installed the seal. I've never don one of these before. It's nice knowing beforehand what you're gettin in to. Thanks

[@ModMINI]

Glad the video is helpful!

[@BOLANBOSNABOSS]

What a grate video. Man, you are more then a professional. This is what I am calling youtube video. Hate to say that video like this is so beneficial to people like us who doesn't make enough money to pay for mechanics. Thanks for posting this video baddy . Ok, here is the thing. I bought the head gasket for my dodge neon ( BY MISTAKE ) I intended to buy valve cylinder gasket but like I mentioned , by mistake I have now a head gasket. Maybe it was a God's wish or award to find this video so I will replace head gasket on my neon by myself and valve cylinder gasket as well. You have no idea what this video means to me, because , the head gasket I payed $47 and it's not returnable if opened . I opened my to see what the hell is inside , so here I am. Once again, thanks a lot.

[@ModMINI]

Thank you for the kind words. This appears to be a very common problem for this engine. You're going to need a whole pile of gaskets to complete this job and use your head to figure out how to undo some of the harder bolts. (Hint - raise and lower the engine on your jack for easier access) ...but I wouldn't change this until you start to see signs of oil leakage out back side of engine. I don't think it's worth the grief.

[@BOLANBOSNABOSS]

Almost every night I am watching this video . I am waiting for more parts to come to replace in my Dodge Neon SE 2003. Also, collecting tools and making list of thing that may come unexpectedly.. I ordered all gaskets that you told me and water pump, timing belt, valve steam seal, intake manifold gasket, and more. During this freezing weather things had changed extremely bad for my Neon. The car started in the morning (was in garage) but, around 11 am could'n start on parking lot in front of the job site . It was -5 F. I called towing .No way to start. I replaced battery with brand new one. Changed oil 5/30 instead 10/40. and , battery clamps. I also cleaned intake manifold and replaced gas pressure regulator , spark plug cables and spark plugs as well. When I tried to start my car it hesitated and after many times of trying it started finally but temperature outside was around 27.Then a lot of white smoke came out of exhaust pipe and right in front of the catalytic converter. Also I found a lot of coolant coming from exhaust and under the engine. Now , i cant find coolant under the car , but it's smoking again. Is it head gasket, and valves are damaged ?Please, tell me what could cause a lot of white smoke , shaking engine when cold start, coolant leaking from exhaust and catalytic close to the wall. You are my only guide so far.

[@ModMINI]

***** White smoke is coolant leaking into combustion chamber and burning/turning into steam.

[@008mik]

you sure make it look easy, very good presentation...thanks...

[@ModMINI]

008mik Thanks for watching. Just take your time, think before doing, have the right tools and mindset and anyone can do it!

[@willifordmike53]

great instructional video

[@foggiapainting]

Great job. Very professional.

[@adamrobledo3996]

You sir are awesome. that's all I can say.

[@mattisyrtos5434]

Thank so much for this vidéo :)

[@LORDMASTERER]

THANK YOU FOR HIS VIDEO, VERY INFORMATIVE!

[@caliwild1967]

Had the pleasure of watching the video and I must say it was great and I wish I had hands like that.I have a 1999 chrysler 300m and machinics tell me its a blown head.They want to charge about 975.00 this is for a gasket kit shaving down the heads and adding some bushings on front passenger tire because of rocking and clinking noise and to tighten the steering. I hope I'm making sense after all this is what I was told.Just need some advice or if u make house calks come on over.No but truly any advice would be greatly appreciated. The car is making a hissing noise like when u pour water on something hot like when your camping and you make a fire pit.It is about where the six spark plugs are..The water leaks from the tail pipe a little bit. There is no oil in the water nor water in oil.I want to try an do this myself if possible but if not can u fill me in on a decent price amount. Well thank you for your time and that wonderful video keep on putting them out.

[@mileswatkins6472]

you make these look like its not that bad of a job !

[@jacobadam4556]

dont ya just love how they make this shit to work on?

[@tomboytomgirl5356]

Thank you much! Very straightforward and informative video. You done good buddy!

[@MrRubenz72]

thanks a lot!!! MOD mini.

[@MrRubenz72]

Thank you for your fast response, and yes it looks like a round aluminum cover. it has two on the rear side of the engine block and didn't pop out but it leaks exactly there and the driving was like 11 hours non stop. to insert a new one is just to push it in? so they don't have threads or anything? I guess to remove it, I could probably need to poke a hole and remove it with a hook or a flat head screw driver and insert a new one and also replace the radiator cap. thanks any ideas?

[@ModMINI]

Ruben Perez It needs to be pressed in. Google is your friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWWmXqeraqqAqpI

[@chrisbellevue]

DAMN! This shit is labor intensive!

[@danielhodges297]

Thanks for the video, very informative. Can you tell me what size socket you used to remove the crank pulley bolt? The largest one I have is 19mm and if it's larger I'll have to purchase it before I get started.

[@ModMINI]

Sorry, don't remember.

[@otoernest]

I have the same exact leak on my stratys o2 ' :(

[@Brees1986]

Did I miss the exhaust manifold being unbolted from the exhaust?

[@jy8696]

Hello Mod MINI, Perhaps you can provide me with more insight on the "common cause" of the head gasket failure on this particular engine. For example, is it a bad head gasket design, thermostat, head bolts, head bolt threads (like the northstar engines). Any additional information is appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[@ModMINI]

abcd zyx This isn't my car, I didn't do much in depth research but I think it's a bad head gasket design. The head gasket I took out of this car was an older style gasket.

[@chilifenatic639]

watch your video it helped but I still can not get the timing chain cover off so I can reach the last 2 head bolts I have a 99 Pontiac Sunfire 2.4 I have all the bolts off the timing cover, dog bone loose but still can budge the timing cover? what am I doing wrong?

[@ModMINI]

Do Pontiacs use a Dodge engine? On this car I raised and lowered the engine to find the right clearance to remove the bolts. Sometimes you even need to grind down a socket a little to make things fit. Also check for any bolts that you missed. There are always one or two

[@alancowart4418]

Great video and INSTRUCTIONS!! Unfortunately I skipped a Major portion in my work !! I forgot to remove the pulleys (timing belt uppers) and was wondering if I should put the timing belt back on and start over? Or have I messed up totally!!???

[@ModMINI]

Alan Cowart Not sure what you mean. The most important thing is verifying crank and cam sprocket position so you know it is correctly timed. If you have to reassemble to do this, do it. There are marks that allow you to do this but it is more foolproof to put marks on the old belt as well, sometimes it is a little hard to see the marks straight on and absolutely verify timing.

[@alancowart4418]

***** Took the top part apart before removing the top sprockets on the intake and exhaust cams!!

[@ModMINI]

Alan Cowart Just snug up bolts enough that you can remove the cam sprockets without anything moving.

[@MrRubenz72]

Yesterday I came back from a long trip from Spokane Washington, I live in Ogden Utah and my Stratus 1998 2.4 l engine ran as good as always no overheating or nothing at all, but minutes after we arrived I was carrying the luggage inside my apartment suddenly under the engine a big flood like like started leaking antifreeze. and today I raised the car and behind the motor two inches to the left of the oil sending unit on the engine block there is a hole with an aluminum like cover where the leak comes from. any ideas how to repair that or aproximate cost? any reply will be pretty much appreciated. thanks for your great video!!!!!

[@ModMINI]

Ruben Perez What do you mean by aluminum - like cover? I guess you mean the freeze plug? It could cost a little or a lot, depending on how many parts need to be removed to reinstall the plug. Those are designed to prevent block damage in case the system freezes. I would not expect one to pop out under normal operating conditions. You want to check your radiator cap to verify it's still opening at the correct pressure. They sell replacement freeze plugs for like USD3.00 - you basically just pound them back in to the hole in the block.

[@treborrelluf]

Great clip. you say it may be possible to re-install the timing belt crankshaft gear too far. Suggest to your viewers then they measure the gap somewhere against the block before removal. Also, does the accessory pulley snug up against the timing belt gear or does it bottom out first?

[@ModMINI]

treborrelluf Accessory pulley bottoms out against the crank timing sprocket.

[@zkillz8816]

You think the neon srt4 and the Plymouth have the same piston diameter and stuff like to use the bottom block to put it on a neon the both have the 2.4 litter

[@ModMINI]

I have no idea.

[@hoganfan924]

Hi Modmini. This (and the 2.0l neon engine) is the reason that the Mini engine moved the cylinder head oil feed to between cyl 2&3 and went with a multi-layer stainless steel head gasket. The Neon engine eventually switch to a SS gasket as well but I can't remember what year. Maybe 2003?

[@ModMINI]

+hoganfan924 Good thing, the MINI tritec engine head gasket has been very reliable - I am only aware of a handful of actual gasket failures.

[@hoganfan924]

+Mod MINI It definitely should be! I'm very proud of the work we did on the Tritec engine. Toughest but most rewarding job I ever had! The Tritec engine is pretty bulletproof as long as you do the maintenance. If you're interested in knowing more of the history of the development of the engine, send me a FB friend request and I'd be happy to share what I know: /AlejandroRegueiro In Michigan. Here's my SAE profile: profiles.sae.org/79829490006/ I'd definitely be interested in hearing your perspective on it, since you have so much experience working on high mileage Gen1 Minis.

[@laweezjohn8876]

y did u have to take off the cams, is it to get at the head bolts?

[@ModMINI]

Yes, I believe there was interference.

[@MrWmike01]

What if the belt came off while driving, How do I set the engine back in time to install a new belt so I can do a compression test ? I know there can be engine damage already.

[@ModMINI]

+Mike Wankowski Follow timing procedure for the engine. Sorry, I don't know what it is as I marked the belt. A quick google search should turn it up ("1996 Dodge 2.4L timing" etc.)

[@luisvera4504]

I have 2.4l on my srt4 neon and I pulled everything out to install timing and cams but I forgot to mark my timing belt before removing?

[@ModMINI]

You'll have to carefully look at any and all timing marks and make sure they are all aligned, and also ensure there is absolutely no slack in the belt anywhere other than the tensioner side.

[@luisvera4504]

Would it be better if I pull the motor out or should go pretty smooth with just like you did it?

[@thebigz198506]

Great video, excellent directions. Was this made with a GoPro? How long did this entire job take you about? Im doing this tomorrow, just curious.

[@ModMINI]

Hello. Yes, GoPro. Looks like the job took about 11 hours and I replaced all of the following. I have done several head gaskets/timing belts but I had never worked on this particular engine or car model before. Second time around I could probably do it in 8-9 hours? Head gasket Head bolts Timing belt Front main seal Water pump Coolant AC/alternator belt Power steering belt Antifreeze Exhaust manifold gasket Intake manifold gasket Thermostat gasket EGR valve gasket Throttle body gasket Valve cover gasket Spark plug tube gaskets Valve cover bolt seals Cam position sensor seal

[@thebigz198506]

***** Thanks for responding so quickly. I am not doing the head gasket or main seal, just the timing belt, but the car that I'm working on, its belt snapped, so I cant mark the belt (I do that on every timing belt job I do, when I can). Ill let you know how long overall this takes me. Yesterday I got caught up with other work and only put in maybe an hour on this. I was able to remove the coil without lowering the engine but got to the cover and yeah, that top bolt is impossible to get to without lifting the engine. Today Ill be removing the mounts, timing covers, and hopefully get the new belt installed at least. I don't think I billed this guy enough hours though if your saying close to 11 hours. Minus the head gasket and the main seal I might save 3-4 hours, Im only charging him for 6 hours. :/ Love the video.

[@ModMINI]

thebigz198506 For just the belt, you can probably hammer it out in about 6 hours. You don't need to remove intake/exhaust manifolds which is a huge pain. There should be marks on all three pulleys. Also, I hope there is no internal engine damage. Most engines these days are interference engines...

[@autoparts3217]

what do you think of using the impact gun to remove the head bolts?

[@ModMINI]

Removal, maybe. Reassembly, no.

[@m8neak]

is that sealant you put on the cam end seal??

[@ModMINI]

Sealant on aluminum mating surfaces. No sealant on a rubber round seal.

[@STANDUP4SURVIVAL]

stupid question Mod MINI~,if i only have to replace head gasket on the2.4 L. dohc do i still need to remove cam shafts ,to access head bolts i just recently 2 months ago replaced, radiator, water pump,timming belt, tentionner,.hoses,rad. cap, thermostat,ran good since . 3 days ago it boils over almost immediately,making me think its a blown/warped head.i did timming belt and all the above myself how can it run good for 2 months and now overheating?and suggestion and ill be indeted to you many thanks good tutorial thank you!

[@ModMINI]

+STANDUP4SURVIVAL It's been a while since I did this job but I'm pretty sure you will need to remove the camshafts. Honestly that's one of the easier part of the job. Timing belt and overheating due to blown head gasket are unrelated.

[@hollynites445]

My timing belt broke going down the interstate. Had it towed to a repair shop. I was told it would probably cost about $1800.00 to repair. They told me I had possibly bent some valves. Is there a way to check this before repairing the timing belt and water pump?

[@ModMINI]

I am not sure if this is an interference engine but if it is, you most likely do have bent valves. You might try removing the plugs and put a scope camera down each piston and look for signs of valves contacting the piston tops.

[@marioandmuffin]

The same thing happens to my car but I did it myself for like 300 to 400 dollars way cheaper than 1800

[@hollynites445]

Mario Garcia Wish you were my neighbor Mario. lol

[@marioandmuffin]

Holly Nites haha ya I would help since I know what to do. But good luck on the car

[@laweezjohn8876]

head gasket failure oil comes out valve cover gaskets too as it did on my :(

[@laweezjohn8876]

laweez john which is a v6 2.7 dohc

[@BOLANBOSNABOSS]

Mod MINI, I replaced water pump. timing belt , head gasket and all gaskets for intake and exhaust manifold. Grind valves etc. Huuuuuuuuuge difference is obvious when I turn the key. The car starts like brand new. Thanks God. . The only problem now is the laud sound that comes from bottom of the car where exhaust manifold is bolted to catalytic converter. The car still shaking at stop while in D position but not a big deal since mounts are very bad. My suspicion goes to bad catalytic converter even though there is no code error . Since I know how good mechanic you are (proof is this video ) I am asking you for advice what should I do to make this car quiet like it was. When driving up hill i can feel it loss of power...

[@ModMINI]

***** Double check all bolts and gaskets. There might be a loose bolt or leak somewhere... if the leak is before or between the O2 sensors the engine control unit (ECU) may have trouble calculating air/fuel ratio and that would impact power.

[@BOLANBOSNABOSS]

***** Yeah, you are right. Last night I did some quick check to see what have I done wrong. This Saturday I will re-open (separate ) exhaust manifold, catalytic converter and silencer all the way back. Also, I will get some new gasket and will do this again. Thank you very much for reply.

[@1978import]

This motor is also in the 90's Mitsubishi eclipse.

[@averyalexander2303]

Some of the Eclipses had a 2.4L engine too, but it was made by Mitsubishi and is totally different than this Chrysler 2.4.

[@edwardjmayer87]

Would this be the same for a 2012 2.4 avenger

[@ModMINI]

Extremely unlikely

[@williamhiggins7947]

How do you keep the bolts organized

[@ModMINI]

Remember with experience or put in smaller trays together with each removed part. Take photos.

[@laweezjohn8876]

can the oil come out of the valve cover if the head gasket is junk

[@laweezjohn8876]

cuz the blow by could get into oil gallys and come out the top of the head, right or wrong

[@ModMINI]

Oil would only come out of the valve cover if you have bad valve cover gasket.

[@laweezjohn8876]

it gets in the coolant without leaking on the outside of the motor. i had a mix of everything, darn cars

[@ModMINI]

That is head gasket.

[@kevinledford815]

i believe id oull the engine

[@ModMINI]

Much easier to work on it like this than all the extra work to pull out of the car. Wiring harness, fuel line, injectors, axles, sensors, etc. etc.

[@Rodoadrenalina]

I'm def selling my stratus and getting a car that doesn't need to remove half the car to repair common failures.

[@ModMINI]

Most front wheel drive cars will be pretty darn similar. Also , a head gasket is not a common failure. Much less disassembly needed for just the timing belt.

[@moudaguy2191]

do you live in cali?

[@ModMINI]

No, sorry

[@laweezjohn8876]

12:55 u didnt reoil after cleaning and installing seal.

[@ModMINI]

laweez john I oiled the seal off camera. Probably should have mentioned it.

[@autoparts3217]

What is your normal job/ profession? are you a mechanic or former mechanic?

[@ModMINI]

Not professional mechanic

[@styga1969]

You said a bad word @20:19. I would of been mother f-en that also.

[@ModMINI]

J- Styga I'm pretty sure I said "it's stuck" :-)

[@TheDjUnstopable]

VOLUME

[@ModMINI]

Sorry, didn't know how quiet it was until uploading.

[@mhiscott4925]

Good job but goddamn I'll.nevee buy one if these cars, as much of a pain in the ass it is to work on.

[@corywbartlett]

I am in Ritzville, WA and I have a 1996 Dodge Stratus with a recently blown head gasket. The unfortunate part of this is that a shop JUST repaired the timing belt and water pump two weeks ago, but did not check or replace the head gasket at that time. Should they have? It seems like they should have. I need a mechanic who knows what they're doing like you do. I'm pretty handy, but I'm intimidated to try this thing at home. My email: [e-mail]

[@ModMINI]

Sorry to hear about that. Unless it was leaking fairly badly at that time, a shop may not have noticed and thought to check. (The car in this video was losing significant amounts of oil and marking its territory.) If you can get the car here to Seattle area I'd be happy to work on it for much cheaper than shop rates...

[@corywbartlett]

***** Thanks for your quick response! If you want to email me a quote then I would consider trailoring the car and spending a night in Seattle to make this happen. This is my commuter car (I drive 80 hwy miles a day) and it's been very reliable until this. Like I previously mentioned, I had the water pump, front main seal and timing belt just replaced and had only driven it 3 days when it overheated on me and blew the head gasket - so apparently all it needs is that head gasket. Let me know! Thanks.

[@ModMINI]

Cory Bartlett Quote emailed.

[@corywbartlett]

***** Thanks, got your quote - VERY reasonable. I'll be in touch via email later today/tomorrow.

[@ModMINI]

Cory Bartlett One thing to note - if the car overheated, there is a risk of head warpage, depending on how hot it got. In the worse case that would require a new head. You might consider replacing the head at the same time if there is any doubt, with a junkyard or a rebuilt head. The labor cost is unchanged. A machined head can be bought on eBay for around $385 and that includes shipping and a 1yr warranty.