Engine Work Out of Warranty - Leaking Head, Recommendations

[Mike Brunton]

Did you have the car inspected when you got it? If you just bought it, I personally wouldn't feel bad using the warranty to get it fixed - if if "preexisted" for only days before the warranty came info effect.

On the other hand, if it had been like that for a while, I would probably replace the head gaskets and bolts myself - shouldn't be too expensive. Then, if it fails again, I'd have it fixed correctly under warranty with an Arrow rebuild. Dodge knows some of the GenI motors had this problem, and I think anyone who experiences it should be entitled to an Arrow rebuild, even if the mileage is way out of warranty - like up to 100k miles perhaps.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Suggest you contact Dodge Customer Service, start GENTLY exploring the situation...and discuss same with YOUR Viper Tech/ dealer/Zone Rep as needed...may need a little help from local VCA President. I have occasionally heard of a case in which the repair was done past warranty ("hidden warranty" ???). In MY opinion, the key is staying cool, being nice (but firm in your commitment), etc. Good luck to you!!

 

[Tomcat]

Mike and Steve, I will give it a try. I bought the car from a dealer in Charlotte, NC. They may be willing to work with me. It is worth a try.

 

[Don Hiltz]

After reading of your dilemma, I reviewed the pamphlet which describes DC's extended warranties for pre-owned vehicles. On page 2, it reads as follows: "Plan coverage starts on the date you purchase the Plan and continues......."

I too have an Added Care Plus warranty and it was always my understanding that coverage began immediately.

I've never heard of a waiting period.

 

[FRANK]

I second 1badgts's thoughts...

For crying out loud just r&r the head gaskets and in 90% of the cars that experience weeping or leaking will be cured with the upgraded gaskets. Why pull a motor, chance scratching /busting up the car for a simple head gasket job? It is crazy. It is ridiculous. For someone like myself it is a weekend job to r&r the gaskets. I'll never understand why Viper guys make mountains out of molehills...

 

[Tomcat]

I recently purchased an extended warranty (Added Care Plus) for my 94 about 10 days ago (does not go into effect for another 20 days) and have since found both sides of the head gasket leaking as suspected. I have had the car for three months, oh well. This is a pre-existing problem to the warranty and I feel I need to pay to fix "this" problem. I have read the posts that reflect all that the "Arrow Rebuild" entails, which for me is costly. Others reflect that the head gasket and head bolts could be replaced with new DC parts and that would likely fix the problem. I understand that cylinder creep upward is the cause of many of the problems for this year.

Can you help me with some details of what I should have done?

What besides the head gasket and bolts (no added performance parts being considered at this time, budget you know) would you ask the shop to replace, H20 gasket, etc?

Would this repair void the warranty I purchased for other parts of the engine?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tomcat]

It might help if I told you that there is 18,000 miles on the car.

 

[Tomcat]

Thanks to all who replied on-line and off-line. I will call some of you and thank all of your input. Just an aside. It was never my intent to get this Board to provide me a way to have DC pay for an existing problem when I purchased the DC extended warranty. Timing in life is everything.

 

[Dolph Williams]

Frank,

Two points...........

First, I agree. Replacing head gaskets is just a weekend job, providing you have the time, place, tools, and knowledge.

Second, "Don't be makin' fun of my bottle of Ripple and paper cups in the glove box, Willis"!!!!!!

Dolph (

~~~~~~~~

 

[Roland L-Ocala FL]

When I had mine checked for oil leaks, the Tech was only going to replace the head gaskets. However, he tried to get them from Mother Mopar, and guess what, they were back ordered and not even available at that time. Mopar head gaskets for the Gen I engines seem to be very hard to find. Anyway, if the engine needs to be taken out for a rebuild (this is decided by the STAR Center at Chrysler anyway, and only after talking to the Viper Tech). Why not get it done now, while you either can't drive the car at all, or only have limited times when you can. That way, it will be ready for spring and all brandy new! I do not remember a waiting period on my warranty from Chrysler, it went into effect immediately. From what I have learned now, oil leaks at the heads mean a possible shift in the cast iron sleeves inside the block (not a good thing), and when the car was up on the lift, we found where antifreeze had also been leaking at the head gasket area as well.

 

[GTS Dean]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tomcat:
Others reflect that the head gasket and head bolts could be replaced with new DC parts and that would likely fix the problem. I understand that cylinder creep upward is the cause of many of the problems for this year.

Can you help me with some details of what I should have done?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

See this link and you will learn much, Gra**hopper.

 

[Tomcat]

Thanks for all the advice. It has been a great help.