I don't understand how because this rocker lifter issue is so common there isn't some kind of class action or recall. Definitely not ok for a customer to have to pay for this expensive repair out of pocket because of a design flaw. Thanks for the recent uploads Alex!
Yes, Alex is a good mechanic, but they wil not tell you the rest of the story for obvios reason. I a retired mechanic, I own a 2016 Dodge Ram with that infamous 3.6 Pentastar engine, right now the truck has 120.000 miles on it, and only do the oil, spark plug, air filter change. Jog the engine EVERY MORNING ! Avoid that dry start, AND USE A GOOD QUALITY OIL, i use Royal Purple oil, and put a baxter oil adapter at at 100,00 miles ! 😂😂😂 Let me tell you, the dry start vanished for ever !!!
Alex, This engine has great design and they mess it up with rockers that do not hold up and plastic oil coolers and a bunch of plastic everywhere...thank you for sharing your knowledge. For owners that drive $65,000 Rubicons it is disappointing to see plastic oil coolers that can crack. Even the 2024 models still have that same installation. That is so unjustified and is called manufacturer greed and carelessness. Alex, keep up your wonderful work. Thank you.
I wish you were my mechanic! Your personality shines through! Around my way the mechanics are robbers and snakes! The good honest mechanics, you have to wait weeks to get work done. I just subscribed!
Is aftermarket brand of rocker arms and lifters ok??? I have a 2020 Dodge Durango GT 3.6. Replacement Rocker arm is part number 5047896 AD brand is APDTY or should I go to factory replacement set? What do you recommend??? Thank you
A P0128 may set in cold weather conditions especially if your oil level is high. The code will pop up when the computer detects that the engine hasn't reached operating temperature fast enough, it doesn't necessarily mean the thermostat itself is bad, but means the engine hasn't gotten hot fast enough for the computers liking. If the oil is up high within the hash mark then let your engine heat up a bit longer before putting it in gear. If the oil level is above the hash mark on the dipstick then be sure to remove some oil or get a proper oil change as too much oil can be bad. Also, if you have one of those aluminum oil filter adapter housings then it may take longer for your engine to warm up as the oil cooler is just a simple heat transfer device, the flow of coolant and oil through the oil cooler may keep your engine cold long enough on a cold start to set this code. But that is just another thing to take note of because, of course, the thermostat could be stuck partially or fully open, too.
I found your channel because my wife wants to purchase a used Grand Cherokee. I know nothing about the Pentastar and started watching your videos. Your engine advice is fantastic and well-stated. Even more than your engine advice I hope I can pick up some tips on how to be as calm and light-hearted as you. Thanks for being such a great example.
@@CTSCAPER me and my wife. Just bought a 2013 grand Cherokee with 140k miles. Runs drives and sounds smooth as the day it was built. My guess is either the rocker arms and lifters were replaced before we bought it or it has yet to happen. At the end of the day literally any engine can develop this problem. If you like how it drives buy it. We love ours.
@@618Mowing Thanks for sharing, 618. Sometimes, I get lost in the weeds. We've had the Grand Cherokee for over a year now, and so far, there have been no problems.
@@CTSCAPER glad to hear that. Keep fresh oil in it and drive it til it breaks. When it breaks, fix it. Im In a Honda crv group on Facebook and I see complaints and problems there every day also.
This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for the excellent breakdown Alex. I'm considering getting a used V6 Durango with 40-60k miles and this gives me an idea on what type of work it would need to be done to it. I'm guessing that if these 5 issues are addresses preemptively, the car should be reliable right?
Are you replacing the parts with the same type of lifters and camshaft with the ones used by the manufacturer? Or parts better than the manufacturer issued parts?
I have never bought into the longer oil changes. At the end of the day you have alot of heat and alot of friction in an engine. No matter the alloys used. I bought a used jepp wrangler 6 months ago and have been changing the oil every 3000 miles. Plus i had the ol' oil housing leak so it got an extra oil change for the miles. I've always done my oil changes when required or slightly earlier due to driving condition and never have had an engine failure in any vehicle I have ever owned. CHANGE YOUR DAMN OIL!
The P0128 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for malfunction in coolant thermostat - coolant temperature below the thermostat regulating temperature. In simple terms, when the code shows up, there's a problem with your car's coolant thermostat.
The big problem with this engine is oil starvation, cheap stupid Walmart oil and people doing extreme hard aceleration, this engine like to rev. up a lot. First, USE A GOOD OIL, second, install a Baxter oil filter adapter. Another thing i do in my Ram is to jog the engine every morning, avoid that extreme dry start ! Roller rocker is made to ride the cam lobe, no to hammer the cam lobe. Went you do a dry start in the morning, those lifter and the whole engine is bone dry i means, it a bad factory problem, so the engine start bone dry for about 4 second !! Enoght to destroy anything !! INSTALL A BAXTER OIL ADAPTER RIGHT NOW !!
The oil coolers usually go out from Lazy Mechanics and Kids at Oil change places using Impact guns on the cap! Rocker arms must be to thin oil. I have owned 5 Pentastar cars now 3 changers, 2 in Durangos never a problem, Over 150,000 miles on 2, And well over 200k on the other 3. I live in Montana and the weather is cooler so I can only guess it has to be the cooler running engine keeping the oil temp lower. All the Ticking engines seem to be in Hot climate, And Dodge engineers have said it was designed for 5-30 oil, Not the 5-20.
I have a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6 VVT Pentastar motor. I have got a code P0128 and seen that it was the thermostate that went out, I replaced it myself in about 20 minutes and ran the motor and added more coolant. After about 20 minutes of driving the vehicle the Check engine went out on its own, I wish I knew about the metal thermostat replacement but maybe next time. Also, the Oil All aluminum constrution Oil cooler, I have to get one of those not knowing what it will cost to replace the one in there already. The transmission, I change the Fluid every 60,000 Miles with the best fluid on the market, also oil changes every 5,500 miles full synthetic high mileage. Please note this vehicle is driven 80% freeways speeds 70 miles daily. This van is my daily driver and currently have 119,712 Miles on it. Runs great and I do not have the Pentastar Tick in the motor as it sits idiling. No other problems with my Dodge, this is the first Mopar vehicle I have ever owned, I'm a Ford Man, but since Ford priced were too high and the overpriced vehicles, they have had so many factory recalls and hazards, I just went and paid cash for the new much cheaper Dodge grand caravan all paid off. I'm glad I didn't buy the Ford Vehical because of the major recalls and the overly high price they want for a vehicle that will destroy itself in the firs 10,000 miles, also transmission breaking or Engines catching on fire. No thank you Ford.
The rocker arms for the 2020 Dodge Durango GT looks and is different from other models apparently they changed these in later models??? What’s your experience???
Hi Alex from Španělsku we have a Dodge Durango 3.6 2014. We have developed a miss fire on start UP giving a PO171 code fualt. After stopping the engine and restarting it There is no miss fire and it starts and runs normal but the fuel consumtion has gone really excessive. It would be appriecated if you could advice as There is not much hele here in Spain
Did all 24 followers and lifters. Cam lobes were fine. Made sure that I used Melling followers and lifters. Oil soaked all parts for a few days prior to doing the job.
Ok i was wondering why it only misfires and idles rough at idle when stopped at a red light. Im praying its the rocker and not the cylinder head Im 4 hours in and stuck on the bracket bolt lol
I just swapped out the plastic oil cooler on my 2015 200c. I did put an aluminum one on it. Viewers, if you start seeing small oil leak and or the smell of antifreeze when you turn it off, I bet the oil cooler is probably leaking.
I have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with 170,000 miles and a 3.6L Pentastar V6. I use synthetic oil, changed every 6,000 miles, and never had a problem with the Jeep. I own a 2015 Chr4yler 300c with the same engine, but I only have 9,560 miles on the car. How many miles are on these vehicles you are working on?
So my 2014 Durango v6 has cylinder 6 misfire / multiple misfires when I put my scanner, and the breaks are locked up, does this mean the heads are blown? 😢
Alex, you’re so passionate and knowledgeable about this stuff! I’m deciding on buying a 2017 Charger SXT right now and have seen so many of your videos to help me decide on if this is the car I plan to keep for the next 5-10 years
Another problem is the factory coolant thermostat, replace it with a 170 degree one, need to do some modification. Those engine run hot from the factory !
👍🏿# 13! I bought the lifetime powertrain warranty when I purchased my 2016 wrangler new. I don't know if changing the oil cooler housing or the thermostat housing would void the warranty. I have 22,400 mi and haven't had any problems. After watching your videos I don't want to wait until these parts fail but I don't want any issues with mopar honoring the warranty if there's a problem.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep will use any excuse to void your warranty the dealerships are the most dishonest disgusting crooks on the planet. When you're Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep breaks and it will break go to a good private mechanic like this guy.
Very informative. So cool to have your wife and crew there part of the whole thing! 😇 You got a great vibe and your knowledge of everything is impressive and helpful. New like and subbed 👍 😎 I love seeing a homegrown channel, or any homegrown endeavor, for that matter, do well and get support!! I have a 2023 wrangler with the 3.6 so it's good to be able to find info on the Pentastar Now do these cautions and info apply to the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 3.6??. Good luck with all, and God Bless you and your fam ✌️
p0128 in the thermostat code... at least that was mine. I recommend the Dorman replacement (honestly, I know I know) but that thermostat works dead on. Love the videos guys and Mrs. Car Doc is already picking up all the car lingo!
So how many miles can you get out of a 3.6?? I have replaced the cam shaft twice with the lifters on mine.. we have 120k and now need AC compressor should I trade mine in
I’ve seen some of these with 300k miles so I guess it would depend. You’ll run into coolant issues. Oil Cooler, Radiator, and Thermostat housings go out. What car are you thinking about trading it in for?
Man those are no problems. Start fixing BMW's and you will find a whole fuckin new world of disasters. A pentastar is a great engine in comparison to BMW's N55 or n57 or n63 or n53 or n52 well almost any engine between 2005 and now.
Hello sir, i have a question if you could recommend a family SUV that’s reliable but has all the bells n whistles. What do you recommend? Currently finished replacing a oil cooler on a jeep wrangler 3.6 looking for a honest expert advice 😅
Alex if I cash app u 50 can you post a detailed replacement video on harmonic balancer ? I have 2016 sxt charger an I cannot find a good video on how to do it
I was ready to give up my Chrysler 200 at 87k miles to junk yard cause of the slapping bad tick is was worse then a tic sounded like the motor was gonna go I replaced rockers and lifters now it’s quite as a kitten with the same camshafts lobe was worn a bit I just ran it and crossed my fingers
Due to the cartridge type oil filter lacking an anti drain back valve like a spin-on type has, there is a momentary lack of lubrication at start-up to the valve components. A company known as Baxter Performance sells an oil filter adapter to allow the use of a spin-on oil filter. There are two models available… one to keep the oil filter up top, the other is to remote mount an oil filter connected by oil lines. I went with the remote mount and guess what ?? No more “clatter” noise at start-up!
we got our new durango in 2017 and paid $2800 for 10 year 100k miles bumper to bumper warranty from dodge! 33k miles now (we dont drive far!) lol retired lol so far new main and auxiliary batteries we have bought they're not covered! lol
Hi Alex, could u plz help? I have dodge durango 3.6 - 2011, which chirps when i shift the gear from D to R or vice versa. What could be the problem? Could you plz help? That sound doesn`t come when engine is cold.
What people don't know and car manufacturers don't tell you is that oil companies no longer add zinc to oils causing premature wear on engine internals shorting life expectancy! Why? It's all about money
very informative show, love it. 2 questions for you. #1, what average mileage do the rockers tend to fail? #2, do you replace the lifters/rockers with aftermarket replacements or just oem? Keep up the good work!
Around how many miles does the lifter/rocker issue tend to happen ? I think i may have this issue at 89k miles. Along with a coolant leak. Lord pray for me
Thanks for the thermostat info, I got to change it myself with your “blind” tutorial 😂, of course nothing but extremely grateful for you and your knowledge and videos , wish you lived closer to me . ✌🏽
Wish I saw this sooner - yes, I think I've hit each and every one of those with my 2014 Durango Limited. Damned Oil Cooler.. (twice?), thermostat, etc.. can't wait to get rid of this money pit.
I have a Dodge Durango. Pricey to keep it maintained…. Had smoke and burning smell come thru the ac system and come to find out it was valve gasket covers that were deteriorating and leaking oil smh
HOUSING VALVE MAY PRESENT A COLANT LIQUID LEAKAGE, ON TOP OF THE ENGINE, AND WHERE DO YOU LOCATE THE COLANT LIQUID SAFETY SEALS? I HAVE A 2013 DURANGO 3.6 PENTASTAR ENGINE WITH A WATER LEAK BEHIND THE THERMOSTAT VALVE. GUYS I AM FROM BRASIL,
Have you seen many Durango front heater core leaks? Is it the 2 o-ring seals that leak or the actual core that leaks? Is there an easier way to replace them. I've seen people have to remove the whole dash to get to them. That's just insane.. what a crappy design. I ask because when i turn on the engine when cold i smell coolant. But not when hot. I suspect it could be the seals leaking when cold but they seal as engine warms up. And your top 5 is spot on. Our Durango has 91k miles and its on its 3rd thermostat. I've had to replace both the oil cooler and driver side enpine mount. I didn't let the mount get as bad as in your video. I felt a weird slipping like sensation on acceleration. When pushing gas while in drive is when you could see engine lift a bit.
I had the 3.6 motor in my 2012 grand cherokee, i just kept up on the oil changes and upgraded the oil cooler before it had a problem, those motors are a hit or miss but preventative maintenance can help not develop those issues
So I have a 2013 Durango stx that I need to replace the left cylinder head on, when I look up the cylinder head it says it's just for 2014 and up. Did the design change where I can't use a newer one?
Harmonic balance that's the only thing I haven't done to my 2011 dodge durango other than that I did everything else you mentioned already even my transmission 176000 miles
This is for the lifters the ticking , when the pentastar block is being made they blow hot sand thru the ports , the cylinder walls to assure smooth flow , but before building the motor they have to clear the sand , but not all the sand gets out and eventually it makes it across the lifters some stay on the lifters some will later pass later
My car turns on but it won't move even in the dashboard it shows but nothing... should I change the transmission or could it be low transmission fluid i can't check because it doesn't have a dipstick
