6.4 hemi Lifter failure

[Joeeffinger]

I took my truck back to the dealer I purchased it from to check the Exhaust Manifold bolts. All were intact with no exhaust leaks. The dealer stated they need to open the engine up next. If they fine bad lifters or cam issues this is all covered 100% under warranty. If they do not find anything damaged they I will have to pay for the labor in evolved. Has anyone else run into this?

Its a shame to buy a heavy duty off-road truck costing $60K and the weak ling is the engine.

 

[69GWC]

That does not sound right to me.

 

[Kap1]

I took my truck back to the dealer I purchased it from to check the Exhaust Manifold bolts. All were intact with no exhaust leaks. The dealer stated they need to open the engine up next. If they fine bad lifters or cam issues this is all covered 100% under warranty. If they do not find anything damaged they I will have to pay for the labor in evolved. Has anyone else run into this?

Its a shame to buy a heavy duty off-road truck costing $60K and the weak ling is the engine.

Open a separate thread for your issue so you'll get more feedback.

I've heard this before... Sounds like an aggressive dealer who wants to cover his ass at your expense. You still have bumper to bumper warranty so you should not accept ANY risk for warranty work. You've followed the maintenance recommendations, have oil change receipts, no mods done to truck - so you didn't do anything wrong and they can't give you any of these bs conditions. What if they'll have an inexperienced or lazy mechanic tear it down, and he feels like nothing is wrong with the engine, and puts it back together .. Do you have to pay labor of a few grand? Doesn't work like this during bumper to bumper warranty

I'd argue with them the following way:

1. Your engine sounds bad and abnormal as if something is broken inside.

2. Since it sounds very bad and abnormal, the engine is not operating properly and has a problem inside of it. They agree that it has a problem since they're recommending a tear down. Otherwise, they would just tell you it's normal and go away...

3. It's their job to fix problems in your truck at no cost to you while your warranty is in effect and you have proof or performing the required maintenance as per manual

Check reviews of this dealer to make sure they got competent mechanics. You can also check out another dealership if this one digs in. They're supposed to take care of you as you fit full warranty coverage.


It's not good to tear down a new engine that early, but unfortunately you don't have much choice besides selling the truck or ignoring it until engine blows up. Although if repair is done properly then it should be fine. Research dealerships in your area, check reviews, this is a big job and you want to make sure you take it to the dealer with most experienced techs in your area. My truck has continuous issues for few years because dealer did a poor job.


Keep us posted.

 

[SyN]

Not trying to start a word war!
This is one of the main reasons I didn't choose the 6.4L.

Yes I know the 6.7L has its own gremlins,but mainly emissions related, (very painless 1 Time fix with $$$ - If done properly/correctly) not internal engine weakness issues.

I bought my Ram with the thought of my last truck!
Lasting 10-20 more years with very little problems to deal with.

I have nothing against the 6.4L.
Just didn't want the worry or concerns of this matter ever happening.

With that said: I don't mind paying the extra costs for the small minor maintenance items & Diesel fuel! Towing 12K-15K lbs safely without breaking a sweat is a awesome personal experience!

It all boils down to each owners personal wants & needs!

Good luck to those with the 6.4L!
I only wish you 100K-300K trouble free miles!

 

[indept]

Along the same lines as Kap1 said, No Way In Hell should you pay 1 cent. They acknowledged a problem and they're saying that if they're too incompetent to figure it out they want you to pay for it... Bullcrap on that, go to a different dealer.

 

[huntergreen]

I took my truck back to the dealer I purchased it from to check the Exhaust Manifold bolts. All were intact with no exhaust leaks. The dealer stated they need to open the engine up next. If they fine bad lifters or cam issues this is all covered 100% under warranty. If they do not find anything damaged they I will have to pay for the labor in evolved. Has anyone else run into this?

Its a shame to buy a heavy duty off-road truck costing $60K and the weak ling is the engine.

I have heard of this, seems common.

 

[huntergreen]

Along the same lines as Kap1 said, No Way In Hell should you pay 1 cent. They acknowledged a problem and they're saying that if they're too incompetent to figure it out they want you to pay for it... Bullcrap on that, go to a different dealer.

It will be the same at at every dealer.

 

[huntergreen]

Open a separate thread for your issue so you'll get more feedback.

I've heard this before... Sounds like an aggressive dealer who wants to cover his ass at your expense. You still have bumper to bumper warranty so you should not accept ANY risk for warranty work. You've followed the maintenance recommendations, have oil change receipts, no mods done to truck - so you didn't do anything wrong and they can't give you any of these bs conditions. What if they'll have an inexperienced or lazy mechanic tear it down, and he feels like nothing is wrong with the engine, and puts it back together .. Do you have to pay labor of a few grand? Doesn't work like this during bumper to bumper warranty

I'd argue with them the following way:

1. Your engine sounds bad and abnormal as if something is broken inside.

2. Since it sounds very bad and abnormal, the engine is not operating properly and has a problem inside of it. They agree that it has a problem since they're recommending a tear down. Otherwise, they would just tell you it's normal and go away...

3. It's their job to fix problems in your truck at no cost to you while your warranty is in effect and you have proof or performing the required maintenance as per manual

Check reviews of this dealer to make sure they got competent mechanics. You can also check out another dealership if this one digs in. They're supposed to take care of you as you fit full warranty coverage.


It's not good to tear down a new engine that early, but unfortunately you don't have much choice besides selling the truck or ignoring it until engine blows up. Although if repair is done properly then it should be fine. Research dealerships in your area, check reviews, this is a big job and you want to make sure you take it to the dealer with most experienced techs in your area. My truck has continuous issues for few years because dealer did a poor job.


Keep us posted.

Agree completely, but you put it in writing better than I can.

 

[indept]

It will be the same at at every dealer.

Why? He brought it in with a problem, they acknowledged a problem so if they can't find the problem then sorry we were wrong, so you pay us for our mistake. Kind of tough to swallow.

 

[69GWC]

Yeap if they think there is a problem as well then if they cant find the problem then its their fault and he should not have to pay a dime.

 

[huntergreen]

Why? He brought it in with a problem, they acknowledged a problem so if they can't find the problem then sorry we were wrong, so you pay us for our mistake. Kind of tough to swallow.

I don't disagree, but there have been more than a few threads on this from folks all over the country. If it were me, I would drive it until they have to tow it in.

 

[indept]

If the dealer is any good they will figure out which lifter(s) it is and replace them under warranty even if it's a slight tap. I agree drive it til it dies as long as Thats still under the 3/36

 

[huntergreen]

Why? He brought it in with a problem, they acknowledged a problem so if they can't find the problem then sorry we were wrong, so you pay us for our mistake. Kind of tough to swallow.

I agree completely. Over the years folks have posted the same thing from around the country. Seems to be the new way for dealers to cover their ass. If it were me I would refuse and drive it till the engine stops and then they can replace the engine.


Sorry, thought post didn't show.

 

[R.L.K.]

It will be the same at at every dealer.

Maybe .....maybe not ??[emoji848][emoji848]

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Kap1]

During the numerous times that I took my truck to the dealer, on few occasions, they did tell me this "cover their ass" condition that if they won't find any problems, I'm responsible for paying them the $95 diagnostics fee. And it did happen to me couple of times, although they said that if I can reproduce the issue later on, and show it to them, then I don't have to pay the diagnostics fee again. A couple times they also waived that diagnostics fee due to various reasons.

As my bumper to bumper warranty ran out, on two occasions they did tell me that I'll be responsible for repairs if the problem isn't covered by the Powertrain warranty. Which i agreed to, but luckily it was always engine related.

However, I don't recall them ever telling me that I'll be responsible for something major like an engine teardown, even though my bumper to bumper warranty was out.

So yea ... If this dealer plays hardball then look around

 

[JackalopeWagon]

I have a 2017 Power Wagon with the 6.4 only has 20K miles on it and it has the deadly hemi lifter tapping. I am running 56PSI running down the road with an oil temp averaging 208 Degrees F. At idle my oil pressure drops down to 35PSI.

I have a 17 power wagon as well. My lifters were making noise at under 1000 miles, took until 27k and taking it to another dealer to get them done. The second dealer could not believe the first dealer let it go, 28 days later I got it back. Now with 800 miles on the new lifters it is back in the dealer again with the same lifter issue. Also did I mention the truck will blow blue smoke on start up?

It blows me away that folks in here say "i would just drive it till you have to tow it in" yea, just what i wanted with buying a new truck. Something you are super confident to take cross country..

Mine may be a extreme case but after seeing many with similar experiences it is not reassuring..

 

[huntergreen]

I have a 17 power wagon as well. My lifters were making noise at under 1000 miles, took until 27k and taking it to another dealer to get them done. The second dealer could not believe the first dealer let it go, 28 days later I got it back. Now with 800 miles on the new lifters it is back in the dealer again with the same lifter issue. Also did I mention the truck will blow blue smoke on start up?

It blows me away that folks in here say "i would just drive it till you have to tow it in" yea, just what i wanted with buying a new truck. Something you are super confident to take cross country..

Mine may be a extreme case but after seeing many with similar experiences it is not reassuring..

When the dealer or dealers won't/can't fix, what are your options ?

 

[crackerjack1957]

I have a 17 power wagon as well. My lifters were making noise at under 1000 miles, took until 27k and taking it to another dealer to get them done. The second dealer could not believe the first dealer let it go, 28 days later I got it back. Now with 800 miles on the new lifters it is back in the dealer again with the same lifter issue. Also did I mention the truck will blow blue smoke on start up?

It blows me away that folks in here say "i would just drive it till you have to tow it in" yea, just what i wanted with buying a new truck. Something you are super confident to take cross country..

Mine may be a extreme case but after seeing many with similar experiences it is not reassuring..

I would demand new engine....its obvious metal junk has penetrated other parts of engine if smoking.
If they don't install new engine trade in on another after repair.

 

[Ramnewbie]

I would demand new engine....its obvious metal junk has penetrated other parts of engine if smoking.
If they don't install new engine trade in on another after repair.

The only problem with that is youre gonna loose youre ass on a trade, and trade on what, hopefully a better one.

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

 

[crackerjack1957]

The only problem with that is youre gonna loose youre ass on a trade, and trade on what, hopefully a better one.

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

So what would you say his alternatives are then???
It's no good the way it is.