dasbulliwagen Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Many of you may have already heard about Chryslers problems with early build 3.6 engines in the new Jeeps, minivans and cars. Ive recently had the displeasure to try to fix one of these engines. If you don't know about the problems, it involves the improper macining of the cylinder head valve guides causing valves to burn well witin 36000 miles causing a misfire, usually on the 2,4,6 cyl head. In order to change the head you need to pull the front cover, in order to pull the front cover, you need to drop the oil pan, in order to drop the oil pan, you need to remove both axle half shafts, front diff, right side strut, and steering rack assy. And on top of all that, the 3-Bond Mopar adhesive RTV has to be heated up a lot before you can get it to let go and take the covers and pans off without destroying them. And I'm not even going to start on all the hidden fasteners. I'm not sure this posting can really convey the frustration I'm having doing this job. Bad thing too is I have another one sitting right next to it waiting on parts. Warranty time for all this only pays 12.1 hours..... needless to say, my butt hurts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComancheKid45 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 O Joy O joy......sorry to hear this, but i do feel your pain. Glad to be in a small shop atmosphere over a dealership right about now :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJRemi Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 About two months ago I bought a used 2011 Dodge Journey BECAUSE it had the 3.6, thinking this was one of the best modern engines. Within a couple weeks I was experiencing idle and surging issues and the engine light was on. The problem turned out to be exactly as described above. They had the vehicle for four days before it was "fixed". The car had 19K on the odometer and even now I get sporadic surging and idle fluctuations after short trips. I should have done more research before buying. :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Warrior Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 That seems like an awful lot of extra work to pull the head. It does make sense since they 'shoehorn' everything into automobiles these days. Is there any info on where the machining was fixed? My wife and I keep looking at vehicles for her but haven't looked real close at any of the newer Chrysler stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Many of you may have already heard about Chryslers problems with early build 3.6 engines in the new Jeeps, minivans and cars.Thanks for reminding me about this. My JK's a late 2012. I'd heard about this and had forgotten to check the cylinder head numbers and Julian dates. Will do tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exgrayxj Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I had not heard anything about this. Over on Moparts all they can do is brag on the 3.6 Pentastar. Is it only the early builds? What would that be, 2011s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a1500ram Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 In 2011 I drove a Durango with a 3.6 traveling with 5 adult men and their luggage. I was very very impressed with the highway fuel mileage mpg. Apr 2012 I bought a new Chrysler 200 S not being use to driving a front wheel drive vehicle with the hp and torque that motor puts out takes a bit to get use to. 25000 miles later and less then a year old, I am pleased to say I have not had any issues. Are there any initial quirks about the motor you notice first? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadinator Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 What years / months are these issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Even some 2013 models have this problem. It depends on which cylinder head part numbers were used when assembling the engine. Symptoms are a ticking valve train noise, especially on the right side. Also blue smoke out the exhaust on cold morning startups. I'm not especially worried as we are under warranty except for the inconvenience. Also there is a reported shortage of new cylinder heads. Case Number: S1209000022Release Date: 10/16/2012Symptom/Vehicle Issue: Identifying Service Replacement Cylinder HeadsDiagnosis:3.6L cylinders have been improved for durability by upgrading the valve seat and valve guide material. In order to verify that the latest upgrade is incorporated in to the cylinder head received from service parts verify the part number and Julian build date of the cylinder headPart Number- RL141353AC or higher - left side headPart Number -RL141352AD or higher– right side headAnd a Julian build date of 2062 (206th of 2012) or higher .The build date is stamped on the outboard side of head at the center just below the rocker cover sealing rail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knever3 Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Wow, it's always something. That's just one more reason NOT to buy the newest thing out until they get the bugs worked out. I'd rather not be the first one on the block with that brand new vehicle (IN THE SHOP)!!! I love the new 3.6L just because of the new technology that comes along with it, just give it time and a chance to prove itself. Ya know, you could be stuck with that doggy 3.7L or the minivan 3.8L in your Jeep! By the way I love my HEMI... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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