Pentastar Engine Problem

[nwoods]

I have had great experience with the service side of Donavee Jeep in Fullerton, CA. They did a total rebuild of my motor once when it ate a valve, under 7 year 70,000 warranty. No questions asked, just did it. 2005 LJ with 4.0L straightblock. If I ever recover financially enough to get another Jeep, I think it will be a 2012 (or newer!) JKU, from Donavee.

 

[nwoods]

I have had great experience with the service side of Donavee Jeep in Fullerton, CA. They did a total rebuild of my motor once when it ate a valve, under 7 year 70,000 warranty. No questions asked, just did it. Highly modified 2005 LJ with 4.0L straightblock. If I ever recover financially enough to get another Jeep, I think it will be a 2012 (or newer!) JKU, from Donavee.

 

[JJBiggs]

Update - Spoke to Chrysler Customer Affairs. Went through the whole scenario with them. They told me they would contact the dealer and let me know. Fast forward to Friday. Said to drive the Jeep over the weekend. If it still had the issue (see tick) Monday to bring the vehicle in after the holiday.

Today - Still ticking. Went to dealer. They acknowledged the situation and that they spoke to the CCA. The diagnosed the head and we now have the parts on order. I am scheduled to go in this Friday and get the head swapped out.

Note - there is now a newer part number. The driver's side head # now has an "AC" at the end. I also asked if I should keep an eye on the other head due to it also having a "restricted status". He said yes.

Hope that helps some of you. Stick to it and don't settle. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope this works out well.

JJ

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

^ that is good news indeed.

 

[bobnealy]

My heads are on order no questions ask by the dealer. I was in for a oil change and ask about it they walked out to hear it and said we will have you a new head in a week. It did not sound bad to me no lights gas milage over 20 it seamed fine to me.

 

[TexasTJ]

Out of curiosity; having 2012 bought in November of last year; what should a Pentastar owner be looking for to know if they have a problem?

 

[GHR]

Out of curiosity; having 2012 bought in November of last year; what should a Pentastar owner be looking for to know if they have a problem?

Here is a link from earlier in the thread that might help. An initial sign seems to be a loud ticking/valve clatter sound on the driver side of the engine. Lots of discussion on the wrangler forum that adds more details along with several videos. New or rebuilt head is solution for some.



http://www.wranglerforum.com/external-link/?link=http://youtu.be/2s3GW-2gS-4

 

[monkeyplunger]

Sometimes there are issues when new products launch. It happens to all OEM's. Heck, even Toyota was replacing full 5.7 l engines in the tundra due to a casting issue with the cam shaft when the 2007 model launched. They took care of the issue and moved on. Hopefully Chrysler will be fair with the customers, fix the issue and move on.

I really like the wrangler and hope it stays true to its function and is fun for everyone who owns one.

 

[JJBiggs]

The JK is scheduled for a head replacement this Thurs. Looking forward to having this solved.

C.

 

[GHR]

I have had great experience with the service side of Donavee Jeep in Fullerton, CA. They did a total rebuild of my motor once when it ate a valve, under 7 year 70,000 warranty. No questions asked, just did it. Highly modified 2005 LJ with 4.0L straightblock. If I ever recover financially enough to get another Jeep, I think it will be a 2012 (or newer!) JKU, from Donavee.

instead of a LR3/4? You sound like such a passionate LR guy!

 

[nwoods]

instead of a LR3/4? You sound like such a passionate LR guy!

Love the LR3, not wild about the LR4. Can't buy a new LR3 anymore, and not too interested in buying one with a lot of miles on them. They are extremely capable, but require expensive component service compared to Heeps. Transmissions, suspension bushings, differentials, etc... That first 75,000 to 100,000 miles are excellent, the next chunk of miles is pricey. Engines are pretty amazing though, and the electronics appear to be holding up well. It's just the running gear that wears a lot and costs a fortune to recondition.

 

[JJBiggs]

I loved my LR3 as well. Hard to find a more capable, roomy vehicle in that class. That said - maintenance proved to be very expensive. I finally got rid of mine after we had a rear diff scare when the warranty went bye-bye.

C.

 

[JJBiggs]

Jet got back from picking up the Jeep. AMAZING difference. Ticking is completely gone. Smoother power delivery and got 20.3 mpg all the way back versus 14.2 mpg on the way to drop it off. Very pleased. Hopefully, I won't have to go throug this again.

The difference was so noticeable, I called the dealership on the way home and thanked them.

C.

 

[Ryanmb21]

^nuts! Congrats!