Q&A

 Rookie

I have a 2002 sebring with thw dreaded 2.7l engine. I have had it for a year and a half and have gotten routine maintenance done on it . I went for my 60,000 mile check and evreything looked great. They replaced two belts and did the brake s. Everything checked out fine. Just about a month or two layter i suddenly had a knocking noise. I took it in they listend to it with the hood up and adjusted the throttle to hear it and said it is my rod bearing. I have had threee other mechanics tell me the sam e thing. I stopped driving it as soo n as the first mechanic told me it was rod bearing. The other day i had a compression test done on it and was told it was good . So that means no piston damage? Not sure what it means . I noticed a plug that was coated with a white residue and looked like a hook at the tip. Now I do not know a lot about cars but I was reading the book and did research online and it seems like maybe it is not my rod bearing? or at least could be something else? spark knocking or another cause...not sure ?? I was first told to replace the engine then saw how expensive it would be . then I was going to have mine rebuilt but if it is only the rod then it can be replaced with the engine still in the car. At this point is there more I can test that will not cost me much or do further damage to the engine?? This engine is prone to oil sludge even with regular maintenance .