[dittoner]

Now antifreeze is leaking all over the ground, a guy looked at it and said that it is probably my water pump- which doesn't surprise me, I know they go out quite often on alot of cars- especially Intrepids. Does this mean that my timing belt will also be bad? I heard that when the water pump goes out, antifreeze can leak onto the timing belt and corrode it. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how much does it cost- I'm guessing about $400 with labor. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Mopar4U]

you must have the 3.5. I think the reason they do the timing belt the same time as the water pump is because it is there. It will save labor down the road. Labor is the big expense on this fix so you might as well do both for the cost of one labor. Both have a good chance to fail around 100,000 miles, although I didn't do either of mine until 115,000 miles. If you go to the dealer it will cost around $500.

 

[ATFCharger]

*kisses intake plenum on his 3.3L because of better engineering designs*

I had a similar problem, but in my case some mornings when I shut the car off I'd notice steam coming from the front of the car (really small amounts). Turned out the top radiator hose was junk. Replaced it in about 40 minutes and it hasn't happened since.

 

[Starscream]

I had that same problem, well almost. My car would overheat, often, and for some reason, only when my mom would drive it??

Anyways. When I took it to the shop to get it fixed, he replaced the radiator hose, and water pump. He said while he was down there, he might as well replace the timing belt. Good thing he did because it was about to go anyways and was scraping the cover!! Thank god he did check and replace the timing belt and cover and fix it so it wouldn't happen again. So I strongly suggest you replace the timing belt or at least have it checked while the car is opened up.

 

[dittoner]

Starscream- How much did it cost you? I was told about $450.

 

[Wildcat]

It cost me $600, for a new water pump, timing belt, tensioner, and a cooling system flush and refill.


I STRONGLY suggest replacing the tensioner as well, i had a nasty scare with my car when it broke, poping the timing belt off, while driving on the highway. Can be nasty on an intereference motor like the 3.5

 

[Mopar4U]

Originally posted by Wildcat:
It cost me $600, for a new water pump, timing belt, tensioner, and a cooling system flush and refill.


I STRONGLY suggest replacing the tensioner as well, i had a nasty scare with my car when it broke, poping the timing belt off, while driving on the highway. Can be nasty on an intereference motor like the 3.5

oohh, the dreaded conflict...I thought and was told the 3.5 is NOT an interference motor.??????????

 

[Djnrg]

I believe the 3.5 is a free-spinning engine...

Just my 2 cents.....

 

[Lafrad]

yea, 3.5 is not an interference motor.....

 

[Valhalla 21340]

haha the 3.5 is DEFINITELY an interference motor...every time i turn around, some NEW mechanical suprise interferes with my day...