Chrysler 300 - The Saga Continues

[GCinSC2]

Crunchy vs Smooth Peanut Butter, Harley vs non Harley, Auto vs Manual. Propane vs charcoal. Kinda similar discussions. To define which is better, needs criteria almost like judging Olympic Figure Skating and one or two of us might be biased.

Manual transmissions are on the decline in pass car and light truck.

Let's see mstephens get back on the road and we all go camping.

BTW, any of those above comparisons deserve it's own thread, IMHO YMMV ETC.

I'm hooking up for a test drive of some new goodies, separate thread later.

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by mstephens

The new heads are a new design. The old had a design flaw.

Is the new design going to really resolve the issue? (that seemed to be in doubt...unless I misunderstood).
And what of all that inventory of old-flawed heads lurking out there in the used-car inventory...makes me sad.
What do you suppose it would cost to have this repair done "out of warrantee"?

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by Chuck

Is the new design going to really resolve the issue? (that seemed to be in doubt...unless I misunderstood).
And what of all that inventory of old-flawed heads lurking out there in the used-car inventory...makes me sad.
What do you suppose it would cost to have this repair done "out of warrantee"?

I have not found any web site complaints about the "new heads." I therefore assume that it solves the problem. Chrysler says it only affects 1% of the V6 motors. I have never found a precise explanation of the defect or design error. Lot's of weasel words are offered by Chrysler.

As to repair costs, I am not expert and wouldn't know. If I had to guess, I would think $2,500 or more. Maybe a lot more. I recently paid $1600 to have my catalytic converters replaced on the Suburban. Nothing but a Y-pipe with two small boxes on it. I was shocked out of my gourd at the price. I will never, ever, ever keep another car past it's power train warranty period. Ever. Ever. Ever. I had 104,000 on the Burb. The cats were covered up to 100,000. I should have known better.

[dznf0g]

Cats were covered 8 and 80,000...federally mandated warranty. Not a 5/100 powertrain warranty item. Cats contain platinum. That = $$$$$$$. BTW, theft rate is high on cats for that reason.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Data extracted from Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue (April 2014), for Chrysler 300 (V6), "Used Car Verdict", by model year:

Here's the text of their "model summary", to put it more in focus (they complained the V8 was too thirsty):

But the 3.6-liter V6, with its smooth eight-speed automatic, stately ride, and responsive handling, is a bargain luxury sedan and our preferred choice. It averaged a good 22 mpg overall in our tests. Inside, the cabin is roomy and nicely trimmed.

They also liked the "Uconnect touch-screen infotainment system", and called it one of the best in the industry.

I agree, recent models are expected to have average reliability.

[subfan1]

So yesterday was the day Chrysler was supposed to determine if your car is getting new heads or a new engine if I remember right?
Have you been notified which way the manufacture is going to proceed Mark?

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by subfan1

So yesterday was the day Chrysler was supposed to determine if your car is getting new heads or a new engine if I remember right?
Have you been notified which way the manufacture is going to proceed Mark?

Just new heads.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ml#post1421561

[mstephens]

I got my car back this evening. I took it for a small torture test around town and the temp stayed good. While crawling slow for 10 minutes it will get to 215, and when driving fast it goes down to 203. They replaced both heads and somehow manage to get it back together, which amazes me.

Everything feels good. I will take it on a trip tomorrow with no trailer. I have a gentle 2800 foot pass to go over, and it is a 150 mile trip. That should be a final test before we hook and tow once more on Friday. Gee whiz, I hope this is it this time.

[jcl]

Congratulations!

I know it has been frustrating. Good luck on your trip.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by mstephens

I got my car back this evening. I took it for a small torture test around town and the temp stayed good. While crawling slow for 10 minutes it will get to 215, and when driving fast it goes down to 203. They replaced both heads and somehow manage to get it back together, which amazes me.

Everything feels good. I will take it on a trip tomorrow with no trailer. I have a gentle 2800 foot pass to go over, and it is a 150 mile trip. That should be a final test before we hook and tow once more on Friday. Gee whiz, I hope this is it this time.

Great news. Gently does it; I'm sure it'll all work as you want it to.

[crispyboy]

Mstephens,
Does the dealer have to retork the head bolts after a few heating/cooling cycles?

[subfan1]

That's great news. Any break in period for the heads to seat?

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

Mstephens,
Does the dealer have to retork the head bolts after a few heating/cooling cycles?

I specifically asked that TWICE to be sure. They said no firmly. Maybe they do that before handing over the car?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

Mstephens,
Does the dealer have to retork the head bolts after a few heating/cooling cycles?

Originally Posted by mstephens

I specifically asked that TWICE to be sure. They said no firmly. Maybe they do that before handing over the car?

Hi, most newer cars have "torque to yield" or stretch head bolts; You only torque them once and only use them once.

[xrvr]

Hope your problems are now over. Enjoy your AS. Jim

[Chuck]

now...how does one avoid an un-modified 3.6 if one is poking around in the used Chrysler market?

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, most newer cars have "torque to yield" or stretch head bolts; You only torque them once and only use them once.

Ahhh, that would explain the line on the repair order "Head Bolt Kit"

Cool.

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by Chuck

now...how does one avoid an un-modified 3.6 if one is poking around in the used Chrysler market?

Good question. I am sure there are ID numbers or something. But when you open the hood, man oh man, it is jam packed in there and very hard to see much in the way of numbers.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Chuck

now...how does one avoid an un-modified 3.6 if one is poking around in the used Chrysler market?

Thinking the only way is to buy one is from a reputable Chrysler dealer where the complete vehicle service history can be reviewed on their system. Then go from there. The other option is to consider another make/model of vehicle that has a positive vehicle reliability record and has a Can Am recommendation for use as a TV.

[GCinSC2]

Mstephens,

Hope this is a start for good times, but you might carefully consider driving it HARD NOW! Find out if it's fixed . Be careful be safe but does that dog hunt, yes or no?

Gary