So Ive read a lot about the 07-08's engines having oil consumption and even spun bearing issues. I am wondering if anyone with '10's having issues, and if Chrysler made any changes knowing there is a problem? Thanks.

 

Well I would think the number of engines that have these problems would be relatively low compared to the number of engines on the road, so I don't know if I would call it a lot. Of course without any empirical data of a study conducted to find a percentage only makes this a guess on my part.
I would think that if there were significant problems with the 3.8, you would be able to pull up all kinds of info the same way you can for the notorious dodge 2.7l. (Just for the record, I don't even think the 2.7l deserved the rap it got. It was an engine design that demanded regular maintenance though.)
I find that if you go to any forum dedicated to any vehicle that you will find what seems like a lot of problems if you look hard enough.

 

I may be totally wrong but...Since the main difference between the Jeep and the mini van engine is the front cover having the oil filter where the van engine does not. The van engine has been reliable. Could it be the angle of the oil filter allows it to drain back into the sump? If it sits overnight seems there is a slight knock for just a second or two until the system pressurizes. Over several dry startups the bearings would take a beating. Just my suspicion. Bring on the flames!

 

I have an '07 with 45,000 miles, no oil issues, no knocking at startup, no spun bearings. Food for thought.

 

there is nothing perfect in this world, including the 2k10 JK, but we can also add that a 2k10 JK should have less issue than a 2k07 JK if Chrysler do is homework...

 

Because of bad filters of all kinds including mopar filters with drain back problems, and the the oil itself 5/20 they should put an oil primer pump in the system on an timed agastat before starting the engine. OK who's going to take the ball and run with it ? I'll buy one


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2007 JK here. Approaching 79000 km. No problems. Regular oil changes. It's not babied otherwise, meaning I rev it up to 4500 rpm at times when I need to get it rolling quickly!

 

No problems with oil consumption on my 2010. It only has 6500 miles but all good so far.

 

Try a Motorcraft FL400S oil filter. Seems to have a good anti drain back valve.

 

I do know (as posted here on this forum) that several JK owners who have either had spun bearings (due to the sump running dry) or high oil consumption have found, upon their motors being pulled down for investigation, that both compression rings and oil expander rings on the pistons had been installed incorrectly at the Mexican engine plant (compression rings with all the gaps lined up, & oil rings intalled upside down). I suspect that that these incorrectly assembled motors were limited to a few batches before quality control identified the problem and fired Gonzales the line worker for being smashed on tequila during his shift (a reasonable scenario considering relevations that workers at their US plant were getting drunk and stoned on their lunch breaks).

The fact that Chrysler covered the cost or half the cost of re-build/replacement of these motors even when out of warranty (according to the people who posted their experiences here) suggests that Chrysler is well aware of the problem. Hopefully this means that they have already dealt with the issues at the plant, so that motors rolling of the assembly line now should at least have their pistons assembled correctly.

Certainly anyone with a spun bearing or extremely high oil usage should have the motors pulled down and all findings documented, even if they have to pay for it themselves. The evidence of incorrect component assembly can then be used in evidence; I'm sure Chrysler would come to the party quick smart when faced with this if they are not being co-operative.

Having said all that, I agree with others that the spun bearing issue is not, based on percentages, a common problem. In comparasin, an example of a statistically common problem with JKs would be steering clunk due to faulty steering boxes/intermediate shafts, which it seems a large percentage of owners (myself included) have or the issue of overheating automatic transmissions.