Quote:
Originally Posted by Xmcdog
Third engine! Wow i I take it that this is common to your model?
Hope it is covered by warranty. You must be be very patient. I'm not sure I could be.
So what happens? The timing chain let go? Cam wear? I'm interested because I was considering a Jeep as a tow. Bought a 2500 HD GMC diesel instead and went with a fifth.
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There is a well-known cam/lifter issue with the 5.7 hemi, not to mention a few computer issues in the early years of the transition to the totally integrated power module (TIPM) style of PCM control. These can work in tandem or alone to cause destructive engine malfunctions. For instance, the TIPM module can turn on or off the cooling fan at will which can cause catastrophic engine failure without the driver having any fair warning. The valve lifters are hydraulic roller rockers, but anecdotal evidence now suggests that they have about a max life span of 70,000 miles and should be replaced just line one would replace a cam timing belt on some vehicles. The needle bearings on the rollers wear down causing play and ultimately a frozen roller, which in turn grinds down the cam lobes. This is first seen as a CEL for a cylinder mis-fire. Many people go to all sorts of lengths to cure the mis-fire when it is actually the camshaft being ground away.
In my case, the first engine was from the camshaft/lifter problem and several of the cam lobes were worn down to the base circle. I decided to replace the engine (102K miles) with a used one (40K miles) because I figured the only real alternative was a total rebuild as all the oil ports would have been clogged with metal filings (oil pan drain looked like I struck a gold mine!). But, the engine from the salvage blew a head gasket on the first lengthy outing (I had been driving it around town for a month) and it locked up. I had a lengthy warranty battle with the salvage yard company and ended up threatening small claims court. They finally replaced that engine with the 3rd.
Having now become educated in the issues with this engine I decided to do a partial rebuild before re-installing. I pulled both heads, replaced the valve lifters and head gaskets curing two of the main faults for quite some time.
OTHERWISE, the Grand Cherokee is an awesome package, great fun to drive with close to 400 hemi horsepower on tap, fully loaded, and with the factory class 4 towing package is rated to 7200 pounds. Can't wait to get it back on the road in the next week or so.
And, NO... No vehicle warranty to cover any of this stuff. I'm into this ride for $4000 above purchase price at this point. We bought it used and it is a mint vehicle except the engine issues.
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