1985 Chrysler Town & Country Repair Log
Every repair, diagnosis, upgrade, mistake, and lesson learned while trying to keep the turbo wagon alive.
New Here?
If you're just joining the project, these pages will get you caught up quickly.
Start Here
The fastest way to understand the wagon, the work so far, and why this project exists.
Start with the wagon →Current State of the Wagon
What is working, what is not, and why the wagon is currently off the road.
See the current status →Everything I've Done
The running project tracker, including repairs, failed attempts, and current investigations.
View the full tracker →Cylinder #1 Had Something to Say
The latest video and test results bring the symptoms, spark-plug evidence, compression readings, and coolant behavior together. The engine repair is paused while I work out the plan, help, tools, and cost.
Three cylinders had 140 PSI. One had 61.
The #1 spark plug had clear liquid on its firing tip. During the compression test, cylinder #1 repeatedly measured 61 psi while cylinders #2, #3, and #4 each measured 140 psi. Coolant also surged from the open radiator neck while the engine was cranking. That confirms a serious sealing problem in cylinder #1. A head-gasket or cylinder-head problem is the leading explanation, but the exact leak path is not confirmed yet.
Making It Run Better
Low-Compression Engine Diagnosis
The full video and evidence trail behind the 61 PSI reading in cylinder #1, what it confirms, and what remains unknown.
Watch and read the diagnosis →2.2 Turbo Compression Test
Cylinder #1 measured 61 psi twice. The other three cylinders each measured 140 psi.
See the test results →Spark Plug Inspection
All four plugs were very sooty, and plug #1 had clear liquid on the firing tip.
Read the inspection →Head Gasket Diagnosis
A head-gasket or cylinder-head problem now leads the list, but the exact failed part is not confirmed.
Follow the diagnosis →Throttle Body Cleaning
Cleaning the throttle body while investigating rough running and hard starting.
Read the repair →Fuel Smell After Shutdown
The odor appeared after shutdown alongside hard-start and hot no-start symptoms. Its source has not been confirmed.
Read the investigation →PCV Valve Refresh
Investigating the crankcase-ventilation system and a small maintenance item with a turbo-sized job.
Read the repair →Boost Leak Treasure Hunt
Searching for lost boost, old hoses, and mystery vacuum leaks.
Read the investigation →Vacuum Line Spaghetti
The ongoing adventure of understanding early Chrysler turbo vacuum routing.
Read the investigation →Trying to Keep It Cool
Thermostat Replacement
The thermostat replacement went smoothly, but it did not solve the overheating.
Read the repair →Cooling System Diagnosis
A wet #1 plug, coolant surging from the radiator neck, and low compression narrowed the problem.
Read the diagnosis →The Electrons Have Opinions
Dash Lights & LEDs
White LEDs were chosen to shine through the original green cluster filters and help the dash glow evenly again.
Read the repair →Dimmer Switch Investigation
The dimmer has not been cleaned or proven faulty. It remains one possible part of the unfinished dash-light diagnosis.
Read the investigation →Instrument Cluster Adventure
Half the lights worked, the cluster came out, and the speedometer cable became its own side quest.
Read the repair →Power Door Lock Revival
Lubrication and patience brought the forty-year-old power locks back to life.
Read the repair →Trunk Release Button
The button was never broken. The missing troubleshooting step was putting the key in the ignition.
Read the discovery →Why I Skipped Keyless Entry
Once the factory power locks worked again, adding more wiring felt like an unnecessary new way to break them.
Read the decision →Making It Nicer Inside
Sagging Headliner Fix
An eight-dollar box of twist pins made the headliner look much better without removing it.
Read the repair →Dash Chrome Touch-Up
A chrome paint pen brought some shine back to the faded trim around the dash.
Read the repair →Looking Better Than Yesterday
Paint Mistake Recovery
Sanding the heavy orange peel uncovered primer problems, burn-through, and mystery roof filler.
Read the repair →Rattle Can Paint Prep
Sanding, priming, masking, and learning that preparation takes much longer than spraying paint.
Read the repair →Can the Wagon Be Cold Again?
Air Conditioning Revival Research
The original R-12 system does not provide usable cold air. Its charge, leaks, and component condition still need to be checked.
Read the research →Making It Less Boat-Like
The Coil Spring Situation
The first coil-spacer attempt stopped with the tires still on. The next try needs better access.
Read the repair →Research Library
Fixing the wagon is only half the project. The other half is figuring out how Chrysler built, marketed, sold, and supported these cars when they were new.
Turbo Mopar Resources
Forums, archives, technical references, and communities dedicated to keeping these cars alive.
Explore the resources →Chrysler Brochures & Ads
Original brochures, advertisements, showroom materials, and factory marketing.
Browse the archive →Need the Full Story?
Buyer’s Guide
What I have learned about rust, cooling, electrical issues, trim, and other old-wagon surprises.
Read the buyer’s guide →Journey So Far
How the wagon connects to my first car and eventually found its way into the garage.
Read the journey →2.2 Turbo Survival Guide
General troubleshooting information separated from what the tests have confirmed on this wagon.
Read the survival guide →See Where the Wagon Stands Now
The repair archive shows every chapter. The current-state page explains what is fixed, what is still unresolved, and what I am testing next.