Chrysler Repair: coolant leak-96 Chrysler Concorde 2.7 li, coolant leaks, chrysler concorde

Question
I have a coolant leak located approx. front middle of vehicle..took to Firestone and they said it was a leaky "transfer tube"-they couldn't repair (i.e. they couldn't get an aftermarket part), then took to Chrysler dealership-they said "freezer plugs", several, bad and would have to drop engine to access them (only way) to tune of $1,300. B.S. or what? any suggestions

Answer
Hi Carle,
I have a bit of a problem answering your question. First, are you sure it is a 2.7L engine? I can't be sure but the resources I have suggest that engine didn't go into the Concorde until '98 or so. Maybe it was substituted for what was originally a 3.3 or 3.5L? If it is indeed a 2.7L then I also have to plead ignorance of the cooling system design of that engine (I have focussed upon the 80's to mid-late 90's so I don't have any Chrysler manuals later than a '96 Cirrus/Stratus which didn't use the 2.7 either). However, in any case, I would be inclined to examine the pipe that returns coolant from the heater core and lower radiator hose to the water pump, which often in these designs runs along the middle of V and is under the intake manifold, so that if a leak develops in the pipe you have to remove the manifold to get to it. The 3.0L (Mitsubishi designed) engine has in fact a sectioned pipe with o-ring seals in that location and those are often a source of coolant leaks.
I would suggest going to an independent cooling system shop which has mechanics who are knowledgeable about the engine that is in the car and can give you a real evaluation. The
'freeze plug' concept seems dubious unless you get a second opinion from a competent mechanic who corroborates that.
Let me know if you have an engine other than the 2.7L.
Roland