Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 12/7/2010

Question
I recently had my water pump and timing chain replaced on my 02 chrystler concorde. I have a 2.7 engine, and I now understand that those engines are known for excessive sludge build-up. When I took my car into the shop, the mechanic never told me that this was a very risky job, and if there is sludge build-up in my engine, it could loosen, fall in my engine and clog my oil pump, causing my engine to lock up. He informed me AFTER he did the job that there WAS sludge in my engine, he vacuumed out what he could and it should be ok. On my way home from picking my car up, 3 miles down the road, my engine locked up. Should the mechanic be liable for this damage because he failed to informe me of these risks before doing the job?

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

No. The mechanic is not liable. The engine problem is a known issue but you had to have the water pump and time chain replaced anyway. There was nothing that could be done other than what the mechanic did to try to clean up the sludge.

The only good thing that came out of this is that you know not to buy a Chrysler product again. Thay are the worst vehices on the road.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh