At 39k miles I randomly started my engine and heard knocking. Puzzled I revved the engine a little and to my surprise the noise increased. I then turned of the engine and restarted, this time my oil light seemed to stay on a little longer than normal. The knock was still there. I again killed the engine, and checked my oil level, it was normal and clean. I started home from the mall which was about 15 miles away. Durning the trip the engine noise got worse and worse. At red lights the engine also idled lower than normal. Close to home my service engine light came on (this was at 7 o'clock on sat so no service till mon). I left the jeep in the garage until mon morning.

Called my local service center and scheduled an immediate service appt. Unfortunatly because of dealerships being shut down it was an hour drive. By the time I got there I could smell hot oil the oil light was on and last 1000' or so the service engine light was flashing.

The guys pulled the oil pan and found a rod bolt and a lot of misc metal. Upon further inspection the entire engine was trashed. Main and rod bearing spun, cam bearings shot, valves shot. Basically if it moved it was ruined. After some talking with Chrysler the engine was replaced under the lifetime power train warranty!

They had to order a short block, bare heads, cam shaft, and misc parts. Then assemble everything themselves. They said there was no real way to order a long block or complete engine.

Long story short blew my engine at 39k. Was found that I was not at fault. Dealership replaced under the lifetime powertrain warranty

2k miles later no problems whatsoever!!!!

 

That's good to hear. Is it stock or did you do any tire or lift mods?

 

Glad to hear the warranty took care of you on this one!

Did they offer up any thoughts on what the initial cause of all of this was?

 

Mine was toast at 18K. I don't think this is the last we'll see of this. I think the 3.8 is a crappy design from the start.

 

Great excuse for a Hemi! Hummm....

 

I would love to blow an engine BEFORE the warranty. It's like a fresh start. I will own this Jeep for the rest of my days. It may become a trailer queen though.

 

Damn, I cant believe they gave you a new engine. Way to go, its about time dealerships honor the warranties.

 

Glad to hear they replaced the short block for you. They said there was no way to get a complete motor? Wonder what they will say to me when I take my JK in 30 years from now and want service on the "lifetime" warrantee parts!!!!
Im still driving my 1868 Jeepster Commando. They are going to loose their shirt on me!

 

1868 Jeepster ?????? Is it horse drawn?