Used engine option to save my truck for my son to drive?

[AJA9000]

My 2014 3.6L engine is finished after 201,000 miles. I wasn't aware of the Dodge tick, didn't catch it in time, and now there are metal shavings in the oil pan. I am extremely disappointed, as I really love that truck and am not sure what to do with it (nor with the question of what to replace it with). I drive it slowly on the weekends to keep it running. I'm now (gasp) leasing a Honda CRV, with plans on getting a new truck after three years when I'll have more financial security. I'm considering saving the Ram for my 12 year old son, nursing it for three years and then replacing the ruined engine with a used low mileage 3.6L. I'd have my mechanic (sharp guy), find and inspect the replacement engine and have him replace the cam shafts and lifters and anything else that seems appropriate. Essentially, I'd invest another $6,000-8,000 into that otherwise reliable, safe truck for my boy's first vehicle, instead of spending at least as much on his first set of wheels. I'd appreciate any opinions on doing this. Thanks.

 

[PolarisCobra]

Sounds like a good plan overall. But - some things to consider.

Not sure where you live, but if you are in the snowbelt, will it be likely to be rusted out in four - five years?

If you keep it on the road until he is ready for it, what will it cost to keep it registered and insured? You will likely need to replace the battery, and maybe some other parts during that time. What will the cost of keeping it around really be?

It may cost more to keep it, and replace the engine than it will to let it go, save the costs to keep it, and find a good first set of wheels when the time comes.

It's hard to take the emotion out of it when its a vehicle that you like.

 

[StateOfMind]

OP lives in New Mexico. No worries about rust.
I wasn't aware that the 3.6 engines suffered from the hemi tick cam/lifter failures

 

[Ken226]

Plenty of options for that truck.

Used:

2014 - 2021 DODGE PROMASTER 3.6L ENGINE 56k MILES 1YEAR WARRANTY CLEAN | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2014 - 2021 DODGE PROMASTER 3.6L ENGINE 56k MILES 1YEAR WARRANTY CLEAN at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Rebuilt:

Engine Long Block DODGE CHRYSLER RAM JEEP 3.6L Remanufactured Wrangler 200 300 | eBay

2012-2019 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 """""ONLY NO EGR ENGINES"""". BY PROVIDING THE VIN NUMBER WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE CORRECT ENGINE. THE INSTALLER IS RESPONSIBLE TO MATCH THE NEW ENGINE BEFORE INSTALLATION SINCE WE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LABOR.

www.ebay.com

 

[62Blazer]

I would either:
- fix it now
- sell it as-is and just buy your son a vehicle in 3-4 years

 

[tron67j]

My 2014 3.6L engine is finished after 201,000 miles. I wasn't aware of the Dodge tick, didn't catch it in time, and now there are metal shavings in the oil pan. I am extremely disappointed, as I really love that truck and am not sure what to do with it (nor with the question of what to replace it with). I drive it slowly on the weekends to keep it running. I'm now (gasp) leasing a Honda CRV, with plans on getting a new truck after three years when I'll have more financial security. I'm considering saving the Ram for my 12 year old son, nursing it for three years and then replacing the ruined engine with a used low mileage 3.6L. I'd have my mechanic (sharp guy), find and inspect the replacement engine and have him replace the cam shafts and lifters and anything else that seems appropriate. Essentially, I'd invest another $6,000-8,000 into that otherwise reliable, safe truck for my boy's first vehicle, instead of spending at least as much on his first set of wheels. I'd appreciate any opinions on doing this. Thanks.

I get it, have a 11 year old who is adamant that I keep his truck spotless.

Thing is that truck will be 13 or so years old when he starts driving. Other things can start going and while I learned a lot doing a ton of repairs in my first truck it could become a money pit. I would agree with others, fix it for yourself now and drive or get what you can out of it and get him something newer with more safety features when the time comes.

Good luck.

 

[diymirage]

 

[Docwagon1776]

OP lives in New Mexico. No worries about rust.
I wasn't aware that the 3.6 engines suffered from the hemi tick cam/lifter failures

Not hemi tick, and likely different cause of failure, but they do eat cams on occasion as well. Hang out on a Jeep forum for a bit and you'll see it more than here. Probably because enthusiasts post more often and Jeep bro, but who knows.

 

[StateOfMind]

My jeep had a 3.6, bent a valve, rebuilt top end, lifters replaced, but couldn't find any damage on cam, so I ran with it. Took that motor over 260k

 

[AJA9000]

Thanks for the replies.
Re. rust: correct--no rust in NM.
I've reconsidered having my son use it as a first vehicle; just too big for him to navigate traffic and parking as a rookie (and kids today just aren't as into cars and driving as we were).
Seeing that so many trucks are going smaller engine w/ turbos, I'm thinking that putting 7K into a favorite old truck isn't a bad idea. I've got the minimum insurance on it. Newer tires and many replacement parts make it a bit more valuable in terms of knowing what's new and what isn't. I might think about having that 8 speed sealed tranny serviced at that time, but... maybe not! haven't done any towing with it, and I've always driven it gingerly (and it still rides great).
Re. the tic... I don't follow this stuff closely, but assumed it was the 3.6L and not the V8s... damn! I don't know squat about aftermarket cams and rocker arms and lifters and the like, but I'm assuming they make some stout replacements with better materials and/or milling (true??).

 

[Docwagon1776]

Thanks for the replies.
Re. rust: correct--no rust in NM.
I've reconsidered having my son use it as a first vehicle; just too big for him to navigate traffic and parking as a rookie (and kids today just aren't as into cars and driving as we were).

FWIW, I taught my son in a 2012 Ram quad cab, and then gave it to him. He's 19 now and still driving it without major incident (did catch a curb and rip a sidewall, but that's been the only oopsy so far).

Just start out with traffic cones with flags and trash cans to simulate "cars" while he learns to park, then make the gap smaller and smaller until he gets the hang of it. Not a big deal, really, and the extra visibility is helpful to new drivers IMO.

 

[AJA9000]

Good tips; I just worry about city traffic and him parking in smaller lots. He'll be driving it, for sure, when we're off camping and gallivanting (but starting a driver on a quad cab is impressive!).

 

[Sherman Bird]

My 2014 3.6L engine is finished after 201,000 miles. I wasn't aware of the Dodge tick, didn't catch it in time, and now there are metal shavings in the oil pan. I am extremely disappointed, as I really love that truck and am not sure what to do with it (nor with the question of what to replace it with). I drive it slowly on the weekends to keep it running. I'm now (gasp) leasing a Honda CRV, with plans on getting a new truck after three years when I'll have more financial security. I'm considering saving the Ram for my 12 year old son, nursing it for three years and then replacing the ruined engine with a used low mileage 3.6L. I'd have my mechanic (sharp guy), find and inspect the replacement engine and have him replace the cam shafts and lifters and anything else that seems appropriate. Essentially, I'd invest another $6,000-8,000 into that otherwise reliable, safe truck for my boy's first vehicle, instead of spending at least as much on his first set of wheels. I'd appreciate any opinions on doing this. Thanks.

you're disappointed with 200,000 miles on the clock?