I have changed the timing belt on my 2002 Chrysler Sebring LXI coupe and the car runs great when it stays running. When I shut the car off and start it back up it just starts and dies but if i unhook the battery the hook it back up and start the car it runs fine. Could you give me some things that could possible be causing this to happen. And the service engine light doesnt come on.

casper489,

I just bought a 2001 2.7L Sebring Sedan and I want to check the timing belt. You said you changed yours. I am a shade tree mechanic- only worked on my own cars but have never changed a timing belt and have never worked on a 2.7. Suggestions?

FYI, the reason I want to check the timing belt is I bought the car but it does not run (well). Personally, I have not started but am going on what the previous owner(s) told me. I did hear it run for a few moments when I bought it, but I had them shut it down right away. I didn't want to do more damage until I could figure out what the problem(s) is/are. They told me it will start but makes clattering noise (not rod-knocking noise). I have read about the sludge problems and the timing belt tension spring failing due to low oil pressure in the 2.7 engine. The oil pressure light came on when it was started (but not always) the time I heard it start and they reported it had done so previously, as well. However, when it was delivered the tow tuck driver told me he had driven it on to the truck (hadn't been told not to) and the oil pressure light did not come on.

Suggestions? casper489, I just bought a 2001 2.7L Sebring Sedan and I want to check the timing belt. You said you changed yours. I am a shade tree mechanic- only worked on my own cars but have never changed a timing belt and have never worked on a 2.7. Suggestions? FYI, the reason I want to check the timing belt is I bought the car but it does not run (well). Personally, I have not started but am going on what the previous owner(s) told me. I did hear it run for a few moments when I bought it, but I had them shut it down right away. I didn't want to do more damage until I could figure out what the problem(s) is/are. They told me it will start but makes clattering noise (not rod-knocking noise). I have read about the sludge problems and the timing belt tension spring failing due to low oil pressure in the 2.7 engine. The oil pressure light came on when it was started (but not always) the time I heard it start and they reported it had done so previously, as well. However, when it was delivered the tow tuck driver told me he had driven it on to the truck (hadn't been told not to) and the oil pressure light did not come on. Suggestions?

A 2.7L engine doesn’t use timing belts they use timing chains. There is guides the chain does slide up against. These guides are metal with Teflon molded on that the chains slide against, the Teflon does wear and sometime brake. One of the guides do have a tensioner on it and does use oil pressure. There is 3 timing chains, one chain to drive both inner cams and one chain each side that drives the outer cams from the inner cams. Examine this chain and guides carefully too. I have run into problems with these chains but assume that’s what is causing the noise start the engine after you get all the belts off. The timing chain does drive the water pump. The oil pressure bothers me that’s a lot of work and money to find out there is something else major wrong with then engine. Check the oil, how dirty is it, how thick, does it smell burnt, and does it look like antifreeze might be mixed in the oil? Look at the oil filter is it rusty? Check the antifreeze level and for contamination. Then the tough decision should I do an oil pressure test? You said you had him shut the engine down due to the noise and worried more damage might happen but then on the other hand the tow truck driver run the engine. Tough call. I would send you a picture of the timing chain but this section of Fixya won’t let me. Sorry. I’m not going to be available for 1 ½ week but I’ll be glad to help you more when I get back if you need more help. A 2.7L engine doesn’t use timing belts they use timing chains. There is guides the chain does slide up against. These guides are metal with Teflon molded on that the chains slide against, the Teflon does wear and sometime brake. One of the guides do have a tensioner on it and does use oil pressure. There is 3 timing chains, one chain to drive both inner cams and one chain each side that drives the outer cams from the inner cams. Examine this chain and guides carefully too. I have run into problems with these chains but assume that’s what is causing the noise start the engine after you get all the belts off. The timing chain does drive the water pump. The oil pressure bothers me that’s a lot of work and money to find out there is something else major wrong with then engine. Check the oil, how dirty is it, how thick, does it smell burnt, and does it look like antifreeze might be mixed in the oil? Look at the oil filter is it rusty? Check the antifreeze level and for contamination. Then the tough decision should I do an oil pressure test? You said you had him shut the engine down due to the noise and worried more damage might happen but then on the other hand the tow truck driver run the engine. Tough call. I would send you a picture of the timing chain but this section of Fixya won’t let me. Sorry. I’m not going to be available for 1 ½ week but I’ll be glad to help you more when I get back if you need more help.