So my 2010 Dodge Journey 2.4l se ed3 engine code... with 98k mi started overheating, and had a ticking noise as like with many things I proceeded to diagnose the problem. After finding a couple issues bad thermostats and cap. It was still over heating. So I ran a leak down test as well as pressure test on the cooling system followed by a combustion gas test in the cooling system which said bad head gasket leak. Due to not having a garage I opted to take it to the dealership. I explained how I came to my diagnosis asked them To confirm the diagnosis and investigate the tick noise. Well at check in they found several codes relating to misfire overheating and timing. The check engine light was Not on at this time. Well the tech got (almost a month later) the paperwork for my car on Monday, which said “customer requests head gasket replacement” no diagnosis for the tick or reconfirming of the head gasket prior to tear down. when I checked in on the car because I wanted to see the pistons and head condition, the tech informed me he was only allowed to tear down, and drove the car 40’ before he did so but it was obvious that the head gasket was one of the problems.Well I got the car back yesterday when I went to pick it up, the dealership told me
that the cam phasers are bad after fully reassembled the engine. The dealership then proceeds to quote me $1200 for this repair which includes $900 in labor both phasers and sensors for the cam and crankshafts. When I got out to my car turned it on the check engine light was on p0016 code was found. I drove it around town yesterday and seemed semi sluggish especially compared to when I dropped it off. Today I tried to put it on the highway no surprise it is in limp mode and would not accelerate past 50mph flooring it. My question is would it not be a common procedure to attempt to move the cams prior to removing the timing as if there is motion it would tell you the phasers are bad, especially given the misfire code and presence of cam crank position mismatch code? In addition to this would you not test for motion upon reassembly of the motor to ensure appropriate timing function. I always thought checking for timing problems included ensuring position and rotating the belt/chain two full rotations was common practice prior to closing everything up or am I mistaken. Now the dealership wants another $1200 to fix the phasers which could Could have been fixed for parts only if they tested correct?
Are there any techs willing to weigh in given the codes on the vehicle?
keep in mind I do most of my repairs and likely will repair the phasers myself as it is not that bad. I am just annoyed that it wasn’t found when they fixed the head gasket (which I opted not to fix due to high winds and not having a garage to work in) the good News is it’s not overheating anymore the bad is the timing is screwie.
