Hi all,
First time poster here. I have had 5 jeeps over the years, Comanches and full size Cherokee/wagoneers, but it has been 15 years since owning one. I bought a very clean 2003 Liberty with 95K a week ago and was really enjoying it until it died as i was going about 40. There was a "loose chain" rattle for a few seconds before it died. After stopping I looked under the hood and nothing looked out or the ordinary. I tried to start it and it would fire but not run, like a 350 chevy that had jumped time. The dealer I bought it from, a friend and neighbor, had just put a new head gasket on it as there was some vapor coming out of the tailpipe. The guy he had it fix is our local Chrysler specialist (it is a 3.7) and replaced the timing chain/gears when he did the head gasket. I had it towed to him and he has diagnosed it as a broken valve spring and no other damage was the report. I will not talk to him specifically until Monday as he is on vacation. the dealer is covering this repair even though it had no warranty. Should I have all of the valve springs replaced while it is apart? Is this a common issue? I did a search and the valve spring posts seem to have to do with the diesel engines. Lastly the dealer offered me a warranty I could buy within 30 days of purchase, is this a good idea? I can do most of my own work, but time is short and I would rather not do any major engine work.
Thanks for any ideas.
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI