Water Pump

Ok yeah, yeah I know all about the sludge fuss and how bad these engines are but......my sister has a 2001 dodge intrepid with the 2.7 in it and the other day she said she had the oil changed and on her way home the power started dropping until finally when she got home it just died. Well my brother who lives near her pulled the dipstick out and said there was water in her oil, so I am figuring with all that I have heard about the water pumps going south on these and leaking coolant into the crankcase with the oil it is more than likely the water pump. So my question is is there a way to check and be absolutly positive its the water pump before i tear this motor all the way apart to get to it you know like is there a way to see if its whats pouring water in the oil not a blown head or something? Just wondering Thanks for any replys............................ Da Boot

On any fwd dodge engine I found the water pump bolted on the block and driven by the timing belt so anti freeze isn't leaking into the engine this way.
Take it to a good radiator shop and they can do a gas analysis. If you have a pressure tester put it on pump about 8psi on it and run the engine if the gage goes back and forth pull the head. Take it to a machine shop and get it pressure tested.

On any fwd dodge engine I found the water pump bolted on the block and driven by the timing belt so anti freeze isn't leaking into the engine this way.
Take it to a good radiator shop and they can do a gas analysis. If you have a pressure tester put it on pump about 8psi on it and run the engine if the gage goes back and forth pull the head. Take it to a machine shop and get it pressure tested.

Well its rear wheel drive and the water pump is internal behind the timing chain but thanks anyway.

Even if its rear wheel drive it doesn't make sense to put a water pump in with the oil as all pumps leak eventually and anti freeze will wipe the bearings.
The gas analysis checks for combustion particles in the anti freeze. The other test with the gage will also work as it will show pressure getting to the antifreeze.
When I was working as a mechanic dodge stopped producing rear wheel drive cars around 1984.

Even if its rear wheel drive it doesn't make sense to put a water pump in with the oil as all pumps leak eventually and anti freeze will wipe the bearings.
The gas analysis checks for combustion particles in the anti freeze. The other test with the gage will also work as it will show pressure getting to the antifreeze.
When I was working as a mechanic dodge stopped producing rear wheel drive cars around 1984.

I found this http://www.foobert.com/blog/2006/12/11/water-pump-replacement-in-a-chrysler-27l-engine/ the rear wheel thing is a brain fart its ok

Its a shame our auto companies do this type of engineering as the foreign car companies are taking over. This hurts all of us as it tends to lower salaries for everybody.

Chrysler has improved the water pump for the 2.7 numerous times.Replace the timing chain and tenshoiner at the same time,those a problem too and will bend valves if not done.The 2.7 is also known for eating crankshafts too,has a weak bottom end and I have seen this happen.If it needs an engine,get a reman from Jasper and they have the best warranty.You need to keep the reciepts for every oil change and change the oil every 3,000 miles.Jasper puts in updated bearings and pistons.They do away with the wieght on the right cam,Jasper says it is not needed.Put in synthetic oil oil in from Mobil 1 if doing an oil change.

96 intrepid water pump where is it cant find it on the motor does anybody know thank you.

Look at the link about 3 columns up from your posting. It has pictures and diagrams. This is very informative.