Chrysler Repair: 1999 Dodge Stratus 2.5L engine - distributor, crankshaft sensor, chrysler cirrus

Question
QUESTION: Question: While driving my 1999 Dodge Stratus, the engine suddenly quit while I was driving. The dealer says distributor has to be replaced and that I have oil residue on top of the front valve cover. What is your opinion and/or suggestions?


Question: How do you change the gasket in the center manifold on 2.5 liter v6 Chrysler Cirrus?

ANSWER: Hi Traci,
You can verify whether the distributor does or does not have to be replaced due to a faulty cam sensor by having another shop/store readout the fault codes from the memory of the engine controller. An Autozone parts store will do that for free or an independent garage might charge you $40. In the code is 0340 then that would say the cam sensor is bad, if the code is 0320 then that would say that the crankshaft sensor is bad (and that is much less expensive a part to replace). One of those sensors is probably going bad as the symptom you describe often the first sign of such failure. That is how I would go on this question.
Oil residue can of course be wiped off and a visual check of why would then be of interest.
On the gasket for the "center" manifold I presume you mean the intake manifold. There is a 3-page instruction for that in the Chrysler shop manual which I can xerox and postal mail to you.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab to get back to me with any further questions or to give me a postal mailing address. There is a space for comments, to which I will respond.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for all of your help with my car. You can send the 3 page instruction for the center manifold to me at:
Traci MacDonald
2000 2nd Ave
1258 WCB
Detroit, MI 48226

Answer
Hi Traci,
I was wondering if you solved the distributor and manifold gasket problem, or if you still needed some help?
Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me if so. And while you are there if you would consider entering a 'yes' where you see the question about a "nomination of me for expert of the month" I would be most appreciative. Thanks in advance. I am in a 'tight' race for the recognition.