anybody have experience w/02 stratus 2.4L DOHC

Not totally on topic but perhaps helpful.

Until last week, I had a 2.4 in a 03 PT Cruiser. I liked the car and it ran great.

At 139,000 miles it started using water.

It would idle for over an hour without getting hot.

It would drive 15-20 miles OK, then start creeping up in temp.

By the time it cooled down it was 3 quarts low.

No oil in water, no water in oil. No obvious leaks, no mist out tailpipe.

Was told everything from clogged radiator to head gasket.

Never figured it out, too cramped for me to work on, and expensive to throw parts at on a $1000 car at best.