420a common problems

[wyv344]

I just recently bought a 98 Eclipse GS with a 420a engine with automatic transmission with 156,000 miles. I was curious to know what are some the common problems I should expect to find on a 420a engine

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Leaky valve cover gasket is the only recurring issue I've had. Otherwise it seems like a strong and reliable engine. I've heard of people spinning rod bearings but as long as you keep the oil changed and leave the stock rev limiter in place you shouldn't have this issue. Oh and the EGR can clog up the intake components.

 

[motomattx]

The head gasket is one of the more serious problems the the 420a seems to get from time to time, the bolt holes in the block apparently were not deep enough in some spots and that caused the bolts to bottom out before applying the right clamping force to the head, things can be done about that though. Coil packs also seem to burn up on them on a regular basis, keep a spare with you.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

The main problem with the headgaskets was undertorquing from the factory. They torqued the bolts to 35ftlbs. When you replace them they get torqued to 50ftlbs. And if you use headstuds 85ftlbs. And the main reason the coil packs burned up is because people use cheap ones for replacement. I'm still running the OEM one from '98 (technically '97). But I do have a BlueStreak one in the parts pile waiting for the stock one to go out.

 

[motomattx]

The main problem with the headgaskets was undertorquing from the factory. They torqued the bolts to 35ftlbs. When you replace them they get torqued to 50ftlbs. And if you use headstuds 85ftlbs. And the main reason the coil packs burned up is because people use cheap ones for replacement. I'm still running the OEM one from '98 (technically '97). But I do have a BlueStreak one in the parts pile waiting for the stock one to go out.

We burned up a stock one and an aftermarket one in my buddies 420a within a short time of one another, others have had the same issues, the Mini Cooper has the same coils and the same problems.

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/did-chrysler-fix-the-notorious-420a-headgasket-leak.442980/