99 Oil Leak

[ehuerbin]

I have a 1999 Intrepid, 2.7 motor, with 59,000 miles. Bought it at 53,000 miles. (A sucker born every minute) Just counting the days until it pukes. Anyhow, I have a very minor oil leak that appears to be coming from the timing chain cover area. I change the oil every 3000 and use Mobil 1. The good thing is that I only put about 6,000, fairly easy miles on my vehicle a year. Any use in trying to proactively repair the timing chain cover gasket and replace the timing chain while I'm in there? Looking down the road, what's a decent, used 3.2 run?

Also, on these cold mornings when I start it, I hear a metal sounding, spinning noise for a second or so when it first starts. Bearings? Other than that, it is running fine. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[wafrederick]

The bottom end of the 2.7 is weak.I have put crankshaft kits in the 2.7s.The 2.7 is expensive to fix,about $118.00 for the timing chain and from the dealer only.The best thing you can do is put a 3.2 or 3.5 in its place.Find a donor car is the best thing to do instead of the kit.Advantage of the donor car is you have the parts on hand.