[stillalivenwell]

Picked up silver 300C late July. Quickly noticed oil leak in driveway! Chrysler replaced spark plug tube seal. Still leaking. Chrysler replaced same seal and valve cover and gasket. Still leaking. Now I'm waiting on parts, again, for them to replace the HEAD! which they suspect is porous.

A porous head on a brand new car. Great quality control Chrysler. This is why I have never owned a Chrysler product and laughed at those who did. I figured the Germans probably set them straight, but I guess not. Hey, at least the catastrophic engine or transmission problem didnt hit like it usually does with Chrysler products: 3 months after the warranty expiration. At least I had the common sense to lease (36 months, of course - not one day longer than the warranty).

Not good for Chrysler's rep. When people say how do you like the new car I tell them great, except for that persistent oil leak. Pathetic really.

 

[II kings 9:20]

You did not say where the oil leak is, with the aero belly pan it is hard to say based on a ground drip, please tell me the service monkeys checked the simple things like the oil filter.

 

[stillalivenwell]

of course.

the porous head is leaking oil into one of the spark plug tubes, which fills with oil after a day or so. First they thought it was the tube seal, and then maybe the valve cover (a new valve cover was rolled out for the 300's 4 months ago, and they replaced it even though mine was supposed to have the newer design). Process of elimination tells them the head is porous.

 

[Vanilla]

wow, i bet that's a billion to one that you have a porous head..... did they use a floresent dye to find the leak, or are they just milking the factory and tearing through your car to make it a good revenue month in the service dept?

 

[05Hemi]

Bummer. I had similar problems from a rear main seal on a new 1989 Dodge van...it developed into a painful saga that lasted almost 45 days (during which I had the van on the road a total of 4 days). I went for the buy-back but their counter-offer just didn't make sense. They eventually got it fixed and I got a good 8 years out of the rig, but talk about "the thrill is GONE!". Best of luck, and I suggest you go with Vanilla's orientation...fix it immediately, give me a 300 to drive while you are screwing around, or buy it back today!

 

[stillalivenwell]

Bummer. I had similar problems from a rear main seal on a new 1989 Dodge van...it developed into a painful saga that lasted almost 45 days (during which I had the van on the road a total of 4 days). I went for the buy-back but their counter-offer just didn't make sense. They eventually got it fixed and I got a good 8 years out of the rig, but talk about "the thrill is GONE!". Best of luck, and I suggest you go with Vanilla's orientation...fix it immediately, give me a 300 to drive while you are screwing around, or buy it back today!

why would the buy back not make since. maybe chrysler wouldnt give you enough to cover your cost if you paid dealer markup like me.

dropped car off today to get cylinder head replaced - we'll see!

if they screw me, they'll get a ton of bad word of mouth from me. I'll go out of my way to tell everybody and on every forum. Those bastards will wish they didnt @#!% me.

Of course, maybe this repair (#3) will fix it.

 

[II kings 9:20]

I have firsthand experience with the RX8 buyback, every penny including tax and fees was refunded regardless of miles. It did need to be in good condition and a pre return inspection was done much like a lease return. If DC does a buyback for you, I hope they are as pleasant and honest as Mazda was with me.

 

[Redman]

It's sad when the competition has to send its shills here to the 300C Forum - the place where REAL American cars live.
Have noticed a rash of this trash recently.
Now go away, mr. "stillashillforthecompetition"

 

[stillalivenwell]

Listen Flameman, I'm just telling you my experience with my new Chrysler. It is a forum about Chrysler 300C problems isnt it. If you dont want to reada bout Chrysler problems, then dont. And dont wave the flag in MY fac punk.

 

[Redman]

Can't see your face....

..., but I know you dont own a Chrysler.

It is a forum about Chrysler 300C problems isnt it. If you dont want to reada bout Chrysler problems, then dont.

Problems, problems, problems,...., I see you 5 cents and RAISE you 10 dollars, "mr stillashill"

 

[stillalivenwell]

It's all good

Actually, I love my silver C. I'm 6'6" and have a hard time finding cars that fit comfortably on the headroom. I replaced my Grand Marquis with this because: 1) the styling is killer compared to the pawpaw car, and 2) the power is "more than sufficient." I have been waiting for a few years for Lincoln to update the TownCar, but they have failed to be competitive on interior trim quality (although a little better recently) and on power (still about 240 hp).

And i like the post in another thread about the C's gas mileage where the guy said, "mileage be damned, i just drive it" - my thoughts exactly, even tho i get around 10mpg in the city and no more than about 20 hwy. So what.

I also like the luxury extras on this car, and the ride/handling. Especially for the price. I'm just disappointed because i got stung on a quality problem with a brand new car when I've been paranoid about Chrysler for this reason. I just want to drive man, so if they fix it, it's all good.

I'm not a Chrysler hate-a, i just want my car back fixed.

 

[Redman]

Fair enuff.

 

[II kings 9:20]

How soon do they get it back to you?

 

[stillalivenwell]

Dropped it off yesterday (Tuesday) and he said it would be ready Wed. nite, but would like to keep it another day. With the 2 prior repairs, they would run the engine for a couple hours, see no leak, and then I'd pick it up and would see the leak the next day. They want to take it out on the road a bit and get it up to speed and see if it leaks. Also, where they suspect the head is porous, it may take a little while (more than running at idle for a couple hours) to fill up the spark plug tube to overflowinging to notice the leak.

I must say, especially with the knock dealer service frequently takes, that my service advisor is excellent. He at least appears to have my interest at heart(i made my interest clear, of course, immediately upon discovering the engine oil leak on a brand new car), has been very good about keeping me in the loop, and says that given the nature of this problem, its pretty much in Chryslers hands what to do. I think Chrysler has gone about this reasonable (process of elimination) step by step. You dont have an oil leak and say "replace the engine" as first step, so I understand that they are just now getting to the cylinder head replacement. God I just hope that fixes it. The service advisor did say he put an early warning in to Chrysler for potential lemon law if this does not get it. He said generally its 5 strikes and your out. This is strike #3. He's been pretty cool and says he be a lot more PO'd than I have been. I've been much more vocal in this forum, frustration-wise, than I have at the dealer. The internet is great to share this frustration with other C owners, plus, I dont think its very positive to get upset with people in person. Maybe I'm getting old and mellower, I dont know.

Fortunately the leak has not been bad enough to keep me from driving it between repair attempts/ordering parts.

I just want to drive, man.

 

[stillalivenwell]

Sorry bout that "punk" comment Redman. Watched Dirty Harry the other nite and still must be carrying it with me.

 

[Redman]

Understood.
I'm back on my medication now myself.

 

[stillalivenwell]

Picked up car yesterday. Replaced cylinder head. No oil under car today.
Still kinda holding my breath, but what a relief that was.

 

[LWOOD]

Keepin our fingers crossed.