Dodge Challenger Forum banner

Timing chain failure on the Dodge Challenger

1M views 6K replies 443 participants last post by  Mopar Frank 
#1 · (Edited)
I have been finding many reports of the timing chain breaking on the Dodge Challenger, mostly in the 5.7L Hemi engines. The timing chain breaks in most reported instances around the 35K-40K mile range.

Once the timing chain breaks, the end result is usually the valves smacking the pistons which bend the valves, damages the pistons and leads to catastrophic engine failure. This often requires a new long block.

How many of you have had the timing chain break? How many miles on the car when when it happened? and what was your experience in getting it repaired?

---------

Known instances of the timing chain breaking on the 5.7L Dodge Challenger just in this forum alone in the past few months:

1. 06/27/2011 -- mileage not mentioned -- ... come to find out the timing chain broke ...

2. 07/19/2011 -- 85,000 miles -- ... and the timing chain broke...

3. 09/27/2011 -- 33,385 miles -- 2009 R/T Motor Broke

4. 11/23/2011 -- 38,000 miles -- Club member's car. Broken timing chain. Car in shop for over two months.

5. 12/07/2011 -- 34,000 miles -- I found this thread the hard way...

6. 12/19/2011 -- 22,600 miles -- 2010 Challenger - Timing Chain Breaks...

7. 01/21/2012 -- 60,000 miles -- Engine went..........

8. 02/02/2012 -- 38,000 miles -- 2009 Challenger R/T lost a second motor .. (Second occurrence. See #3 above. 4,000 miles on new motor).

9. 03/08/2012 -- 50,000 miles -- BLOWN ENGINE 50,000 miles

10. 03/23/2012 -- 14,000 miles -- ... my timing chain snapped

11. 04/04/2012 -- 53,500 miles -- My timing chain just broke today ...

12. 04/16/2012 -- 46,000 miles -- Mine is in the shop with a broken timing chain...

13. 04/27/2012 -- 31,000 miles -- My chain broke back in December of 2011 ...

14. 05/22/2012 -- 37,000 miles -- Here's another 2010 Auto R/T with a broken timing chain! ...

15. 06/13/2012 -- 40,257 miles -- I too have a broken timing chain ...

16. 06/23/2012 -- 38,485 miles -- Guess I can be added to the list ...

17. 06/26/2012 -- 38,500 miles -- Just happened last Saturday ...

18. 08/02/2012 -- 59,134 miles -- ... all of a sudden Bam the engine shuts down

19. 08/03/2012 -- 38,000 miles -- I had this happen at 38000 miles, 2010 R/T Auto

20. 08/08/2012 -- 27,000 miles -- The timing chain on my 2010 R/T just broke ...

21. 08/10/2012 -- 59,300 miles -- ... timing chain broke again. (Third occurrence. See #3 and #8 above. 16,000 miles on new motor).

22. 08/10/2012 -- 63,000 miles -- ... timing chain broke cruising at 70mph on the highway

23. 09/03/2012 -- 40,000 miles -- ... while driving to dallas my timing chain broke

24. 09/11/2012 -- 24,000 miles -- Welp - chalk up another one ... (first 2011 to be reported here)

25. 09/21/2012 -- 31,100 miles -- This just happened a few days ago ...

26. 10/10/2012 -- 42,559 miles -- Well it's looking like I'm the latest timing chain victim ...

27. 10/24/2012 -- 65,000 miles -- ... driving on the highway 65MPH and "Pop goes to weasel"

28. 11/18/2012 -- 40,000 miles -- Mine just broke...2010 mopar 10, no mods, auto ... (first to break not at highway speeds)

29. 11/19/2012 -- 39,000 miles -- just got another 2010 with 39000 in today ...

30. 12/04/2012 -- 40,000 miles -- The timing chain on my 2010 Auto RT broke last Friday ...

31. 12/09/2012 -- miles pending -- ... R/T not running at the moment timing chain broke ...

32. 12/11/2012 -- 27,000 miles -- ... cruising on the interstate at 70, MDS on, when suddenly loss of power ...

33. 01/03/2013 -- 58,000 miles -- ... the dealer has confirmed that I did have a timing chain failure.

34. 01/22/2013 -- 40,000 miles -- It has been confirmed I as well did have a broken timing chain

35. 01/22/2013 -- 43,000 miles -- 2010 R/T, 5-speed auto with mds. No mods at all.

36. 02/22/2013 -- 52,000 miles -- ... it happen to me this weekend ...

37. 04/15/2013 -- 55,000 miles -- I have now become victim to a failed timing chain

38. 04/20/2013 -- 73,000 miles -- cruising at 65 mph, in MSD, engine 'shut down'

39. 05/13/2013 -- 66,000 miles -- lost it on the interstate doing 73 in MDS

40. 05/20/2013 -- 56.616 miles -- ... on the freeway headed to work in the rain and Wham

41. 05/24/2013 -- 28,000 miles -- the chain went on the highway at 70+ mph

42. 06/07/2013 -- 88,256 miles -- ... driving down the highway heard a loud pop ...

43. 07/01/2013 -- 52,000 miles -- Timing chain broke on freeway ...

44. 07/23/2013 -- 54,057 miles -- Was in a canyon going uphill at about 55mph ... (claims MDS not engaged)

45. 07/26/2013 -- 49,000 miles -- Cruising along 65 mph engine stalled.

46. 08/10/2013 -- 22,281 miles -- I wish I found this topic sooner

47. 09/17/2013 -- 40,091 miles -- driving 74 mph in cruse control just died ...

48. 10/04/2013 -- 68,000 miles -- Add another one to the list OMG.

49. 10/22/2013 -- 89,000 miles -- Timing chain went on my 09 Challenger

50. 11/13/2013 -- 55,320 miles -- I had hoped I would never be posting this message ...

51. 11/13/2013 -- 42,342 miles -- Just got up to highway speed Bam Powerloss ...

52. 11/21/2013 -- 53,000 miles -- Add me to the list of failures ...

53. 11/27/2013 -- 73,000 miles -- I was cruising at highway speeds (70 mph), in MDS

54. Recall initiated, see below.

Remember, these reports are from this forum alone. Real world numbers are greatly increased.

The things in common when the timing chain breaks so far are:

1. MDS is activated (auto trans., so 6-speed are excluded)
2. Traveling at freeway speeds (or coming off of freeway)
3. 2009-2011 model years affected so far.
4. Limited to the 5.7L motor so far
5. Dodge Challenger only

Things ruled out thus far:

A. 6-speed manual transmissions not affected
B. Other 5.7L vehicles not affected, i.e., Charger, 300, Ram truck
C. New guide shoe (white color) has also failed (see #8 on list of failures)
D. New crate motor has also failed (see #3 and #8 on list of failures)
E. Both stock and mod cars affected
F. Both stock tune and Predator tune (with MDS turned on) affected
G. All oil change intervals affected, i.e., 3,000 miles, 5,000 miles, etc.
H. All types of oil affected, i.e., both synthetic and conventional oil

* Author's notes (last updated 10/28/13):

(1) When I created this thread, I was so taken back by a timing chain failure happening and discovering at least a half dozen similar occurrences, that I attempted to discover if anyone here had experienced a timing chain failure and what their dealership experience was. I got a lot of adverse feedback along the lines of "alarmist" and "chicken little" and other name calling, including some from dealerships and master mechanics, as can be seen in just the first few hundred posts below. Many attempted to derail this thread by taking it off-topic on many, many occasions. Some are still out there promoting denial of the issue. Still, the problem remains, it is real and it continues to plague fellow Challenger owners.

(2) The timing chain concern can be alleviated by disabling MDS (a band-aid solution not a fix). All but one recent report have shown that MDS was engaged and the car was traveling at freeway speeds. You can prevent MDS from being activated by switching into manual mode while driving on the freeway. You can read How to use the Autostick feature and manual mode here. You can also use a tuner to disable the MDS feature, but be forewarned, if the dealership discovers your use of a tuner on the car, you are in for a fight to get the repairs done under warranty.

(3) Chrysler is aware of the issue and has been monitoring this thread for some time regardless of they might tell you. In addition, many people have already telephoned customer service and have written to Chrysler directly. But, even without all of that, you don't have timing chains, tensioners, heads and short blocks rolling out of the warehouse in the numbers that they have without raising some internal red flags of a potential issue.

(4) Talks of running off to court and filing a lawsuit over this issue are misguided. Your warranty specifically states that you MUST first submit the matter to arbitration. Any lawsuit would be immediately dismissed, and now you are out the filing fees.

(5) When I first created this thread, the weekly parts demand for timing chains was at about 15. It is currently hovering around 35 at the moment.

(6) Chrysler has switched from the black tensioner and guide to white (supposedly stronger) and then to an aluminum tensioner and guide with a plastic face plate (the current part). Both black and white guides have failed. No reports of the aluminum failing yet but they are relatively new first showing up in mid-2013 R/T's.

(7) The exact cause of the timing chain failure is still unknown. In fact, it may never been known. There are just too many factors involved to isolate the problem, and if we haven't discovered the cause in over 350,000 page views, how can we expect Chrysler to? While there is a lot of speculation as to the exact cause, which seems to go round-and-round every few hundred posts, it is all just that -- speculation. What we do for for certain is that MDS is playing a part in the timing chain failures.

(8) Special shout outs to Desert Bum, Hal H, hmk123, Force10, 19johned53, and the nameless many who have helped to keep this issue real and on topic. Your comments are appreciated.

---------

* Author's notes (last updated 02/12/14):

Customer Satisfaction Notification P01
Engine Timing Chain and Chain Guide
Models
IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this repair on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this repair on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
Subject
Repair
2009-2012 (LC) Dodge Challenger
(LD) Dodge Charger
(LX) Chrysler 300
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 5.7L Hemi engine (sales code EZD or EZH), automatic transmission (sales code DGJ) and rear axle ratio 3.06, 3.73 or 3.92 (sales code DMP, DME or DMH) built from August 04, 2008 through July 10, 2012 (MDH 080406 through 071008).
The engine timing chain guide on about 50,800 of the above vehicles may fracture. A fractured engine timing chain guide could cause the engine timing chain to break. A broken engine timing chain will result in severe engine damage.
The engine timing chain, timing chain tensioner and timing chain guide must be replaced.
Customer Satisfaction Notification P01 Engine Timing Chain and Chain Guide Page 2
Part Number Description
CBPRN291AA Engine Timing Chain Package
Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Chain, Engine Timing
1 Guide, Engine Timing Chain
1 Tensioner, Engine Timing Chain
1 O-ring, Oil Pick-up Tube
1 Gasket, Engine Timing Cover
NOTE: Order two heater tube O-rings separately listed below for each repair.
Part Number Description
53013736AA O-ring, Heater Tube (order two per vehicle)
Each dealer
to whom vehicles in the recall were assigned will receive enough Engine Timing Chain Packages to service about 5% of those vehicles.

----------

Recall type:

Customer Satisfaction Notification - Customer Satisfaction Notifications are preventive in nature and involve warranty or customer satisfaction issues such as non-safety repairs. Chrysler will correct the problem, at no charge, even if the vehicle is out of warranty and you are not the original owner.

You can check if your vehicle is subject to the timing chain issue recall (or any other recall) by visiting the Chrysler website and entering your vehicle's VIN number. Visit: http://www.chrysler.com/en/mobile/webselfservice/

----------

We really want to thank everyone who wrote us, (Pietro), with their timing chain concerns. The engineering team has completed their work and the following statement has been released. If there are any questions, reach out to us on this forum as opposed to sending an email as that will be quicker.

Chrysler Group is launching a customer-service action to bolster timing-chain system durability in certain cars equipped with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines.

The decision follows an extensive investigation to determine the precise issue and appropriate remedy.
The investigation discovered the engine’s fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology may cause an adverse interaction with the timing-chain system. (Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.) As a result, the Company will replace – at no cost to customers – the timing chains, tensioners and guides in certain vehicles built between Aug. 4, 2008 and July 10, 2012.

Affected are certain model-year 2009-2012 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 full-size sedans, and Dodge Challenger sport coupes. The scope is limited to vehicles equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions and axle ratios of 3.06, 3.73 or 3.92.

Beginning this month, Chrysler Group will contact affected customers with instructions to schedule service appointments with their dealers.

Chrysler Group greatly appreciates the patience demonstrated by its customers while this issue was under investigation. The Company also values and shares the passion expressed on these pages by customers and fans alike.

Thanks,

DodgeCares
----------

Article: Timing Chain Failure on the Dodge Challenger – Ground Zero

----------



 
See less See more
2
#2,665 ·
This is what I can offer as far as a 5.7 TC issue so far/
I pulled my motor and when I started a tear down couldnt wait to get to the TC. I first came across 3 bent push rods. Funny it ran.
Then the TC with 41,000 miles of beating the dog snot out of it with 8psi the TC looks perfect. Gears look perfect. Shoes had very little wear at all.
I could reuse it all. (wont)
Never do I use the mds since 3 or 4000 miles, off via Trinity and tuner. Always changed oil every 4000 miles max. Use good oil.
TC and part pictures I will put on to view.
FlatTop
 
#2,670 ·
This is what I can offer as far as a 5.7 TC issue so far/
I pulled my motor and when I started a tear down couldnt wait to get to the TC. I first came across 3 bent push rods.
Just out of curiosity...why were you tearing down the motor in the first place? Bent push rods at 40k doesn't sound promising :yikes:
 
#2,668 · (Edited)
Yeah, I didn't want to speculate too much and lose the Challenger as the main focus, but as people who keep deying that there is an issue point out, the same parts and engines are used on many other Chrysler vehicles. So if the Challenger has a mechanical problem it would follow that they all probably do. For some reason (gearing and tune are different) a perfect storm seems to be happening with the Challenger, but it doesn't mean that the others are 100% safe, just less likely to be affected (pure opinion too). It's possible that some drivers recreate the conditions so harmful to the Challenger on their cars in spite of the different gearing, etc.

As I've mentioned before I didn't start off by using the AutoStick on my Charger and I have no idea how it was driven in the 45K miles before I bought it. But soon after I discovered the joys of the stick I found this thread while researching the Challenger. After that I kept the car largely out of Drive, but before trading it in at (90K) I was not confident in its longevity at all: could be psychosomatic, but the MDS seemed to make the car lag and vibrate to a preoccupying extent. I'd be interested in seeing what the guts look like on some high mileage highway patrol Chargers.
 
#2,669 ·
This is just a though I had. In the Service Schedule for the Challenger every 60,000 miles it says " Inspect drive belts and tensioner " now I hope that is mis-worded, and they actually mean "drive chain". If so...if they did these inspections and replaced worn parts at 30,000 miles instead of 60,000...that would eliminate 85% of the failures listed here. Seems like it would be a more cost effective solution than re-building motors at the rate they appear they are going to have to. Makes for a better reputation as well.


Make sense?
 
#2,672 ·
This is just a though I had. In the Service Schedule for the Challenger every 60,000 miles it says " Inspect drive belts and tensioner " now I hope that is mis-worded, and they actually mean "drive chain". If so...if they did these inspections and replaced worn parts at 30,000 miles instead of 60,000...that would eliminate 85% of the failures listed here. Seems like it would be a more cost effective solution than re-building motors at the rate they appear they are going to have to. Makes for a better reputation as well.


Make sense?

this would be accesory drive belt and tensioner or possibly timing belt on V-6 models but I think they are more around 100,000
 
#2,674 ·
I personally have never doubted the integrity of the chain or tensioner assy, based on the fact it is so widely used on other platforms with minimal issue, more in the normal range.
There is definatley another factor unique to Challengers causing the failure. I keep hearing MDS, and I agree. However I believe it is not "mechanical" as again it is used in many platforms. I lean towards the programming in how and when it is activated / deactivated, the harmonics theory possibly. possibly when activating and filling the lifters at cruising speed, high oil pressure, it is adding 'hydraulic stresses" that overload the chain assy?? think of the roatating mass you are trying to engage at hwy speeds. but again why only Challengers
 
#2,675 ·
I'm with you on this. Based on what we see for failures, I've thought for quite a while that the "tune" on Challenger, and how agressive the MDS is, could be the problem.

That said, Chrysler is still saying nothing, and we're putting up with the failures, the BS that goes with the failures, and the thought of "when will mine go BANG" Frustrating at times.

It's pretty silly that when a car is driven "as designed", it has a high TC failure rate compared to all other 5.7l models with the same TC components.
 
#2,678 ·
Timing chain challenged challengers.
That's what we owners are driving.
When will it happen to you?
Where will it happen to you?
Why should it happen to you?
It shouldn't ----- Chrysler has to know something by now, whether it's in the tune or a specific part that fails, what is it that they change when putting in a new motor on a failed TC customer?


Sent from AutoGuide.com App
 
#2,680 · (Edited)
Timing chain challenged challengers.
That's what we owners are driving.
When will it happen to you?
Where will it happen to you?
Why should it happen to you?
It shouldn't ----- Chrysler has to know something by now, whether it's in the tune or a specific part that fails, what is it that they change when putting in a new motor on a failed TC customer?


Sent from AutoGuide.com App
From what we're seeing, the same chain is used, and an different color tensioner that has an updated number.

It's hard to tell is Chrysler has a "new flash", as they are still staying "MUM"
Next time I stop into my dealer, I'll check and see if there's a new flash for my '10 R/TC for "whatever" reason.

I wouldn't be suprised to see a new flash available for "driveability" problems/driveability complaints. LOL Sure, I just want my car to keep running without a TC breakdown, and Chrysler could "hide" behind an updated flash that makes the MDS less agressive...........................Chrysler: we've had a lot of owners complain about driveability, and are offering a flash update. LOL again.

Maybe Luke has some insight/info on if there's an updated flash for the 10 pcm's.
 
#2,683 ·
I'm a bitter pessimist, but I can also be pretty naive... :icon_lol:
 
#2,690 ·
We just don't know yet. Folks are reporting that MDS on the 392 isn't as "aggressive" as the 5.7's, so time will tell.

The tunes are different, but it appears that it's how fast/easy the MDS activates/deactivates that causes the failures.

Chrysler isn't saying anything, so we just don't know for sure, only can gather information and speculate.
 
#2,692 ·
The stock parts seem plenty string enough since they don't fail on other models. It's something else likely linked to
what 19johned53 said: stress caused by the MDS activation/deactivation. The Manley chain setup was brought up before but it doesn't fit the tight quarters in the new VVT engines. And you'd only be masking the problem by reinforcing one area, which could cause another to fail down the road. The chain snaps after the tensioner falls apart, anyway. No, for now the best bet seems to be turning off the MDS via a tune or AutoStick/paddle mode.
 
#2,693 ·
#2,694 ·
First time I ever see a thread linked to itself - it's like a Möbius strip or a tear in the space-time continuum! STINGRAY, is that you?!
 
  • Like
Reactions: mjb4450
#2,697 ·
I'm still learning about linking to A post, lol... ok i just saw how I can link to A post where it says permalink, we will do next time around!!!
This gargantuous thread is like a black hole: it's now so dense that the information at its core is like lost to those who approach it...The two posts you linked to are some of the most important and I'm just messing with you, man!
I looked and could not find the answer, does anyone know if the factory tune on the 2010-11-12-13 is all the same, or has it been changed in between year models? if for some reason a 2013 computer needed to be "flashed" would it get the same program as a 2010 or does it differ? sorry if this has been asked and answered before..

using the paddles or tilting the shifter (manual operation) keeps the MDS from engaging, this auto is a 5 speed.. can you put the transmission in 5th (high gear) using the paddles I assume, ending up with the same RPM's on the highway, just not dropping 4 cylinders that would occur in Drive with MDS engaging?

one salesman said once you manually change the gears, you have to continue because it won't revert back to auto unless you did something ?? and that you can't reach the same high gear manually because it won't lock the converter in manual override... I thought I knew how to drive an auto before he totally confused me.
I don't think anyone knows about a modified tune for sure, but several people who had their cars repaired stated that the MDS seemed more aggressive afterwards! That made us all suspect that Dodge was experimenting with a fix. I think it could be oversensitivity on the owners' part, but who knows? The transitions in and out of MDS are highly suspect.

As for the AutoStick your salesman is the one confused. When you start the car you initially put it in Drive. Then at any time you can go into semi-automatic mode (AutoStick) either by actuating the paddles or the shifter, and either up or down. Then you can always and at any time go back to Drive by pushing the shifter to the right or pulling the right paddle (like for an upshift) for a couple of seconds. AutoStick mode does prevent the car from going into 4-cylinder (MDS) mode. I stay in 5th gear on the highway and this doesn't affect the rpm at all, it just disables the MDS. Paddles and shifter have the same function.
There's a few more tricks to semi-auto mode and transitions to and from Drive, but they are beyond the scope of this thread and there's plenty about that elsewhere. Hope that helped!
 
#2,696 ·
I looked and could not find the answer, does anyone know if the factory tune on the 2010-11-12-13 is all the same, or has it been changed in between year models? if for some reason a 2013 computer needed to be "flashed" would it get the same program as a 2010 or does it differ? sorry if this has been asked and answered before..

using the paddles or tilting the shifter (manual operation) keeps the MDS from engaging, this auto is a 5 speed.. can you put the transmission in 5th (high gear) using the paddles I assume, ending up with the same RPM's on the highway, just not dropping 4 cylinders that would occur in Drive with MDS engaging?

one salesman said once you manually change the gears, you have to continue because it won't revert back to auto unless you did something ?? and that you can't reach the same high gear manually because it won't lock the converter in manual override... I thought I knew how to drive an auto before he totally confused me.

forgive me for asking basic questions, I don't own one yet, just test drove a few but will be ordering mine in just a few short days. thanks.
 
#2,698 ·
one salesman said once you manually change the gears, you have to continue because it won't revert back to auto unless you did something ?? and that you can't reach the same high gear manually because it won't lock the converter in manual override... I thought I knew how to drive an auto before he totally confused me.

forgive me for asking basic questions, I don't own one yet, just test drove a few but will be ordering mine in just a few short days. thanks.

To revert back to auto mode, you can keep hitting the right paddle so it shifts beyond 5th gear or just hold it for a couple of seconds (from what I remember). That should put it back in 'D'.
 
#2,700 ·
I stopped at my dealer today to do a little checking on this subject. First off, it's a small dealer in a town of 70k. They mostly sell Rams and Jeeps, but have the full Chrysler line up. They sell a fair amount of Chargers and 300's and a handfull of Challengers.

Question #1 Have you had ANY timing chain failures on any 5/7l vehicles?
Answer......No. None/Nada/Zip

Question #2 Is there an updated pcm flash that's come out recently for the 5.7l automatic Challenger (specifically asked about my 2010)

Answer: Service Writer and manager could not find any updated flashes, or bullitens to update the pcm for ANY issue like driveability etc. Nothing.

That said, they did say to bring the car in, and when they plug into the pcm, updated flashes may be listed/required to install. They both stated that updates are usually found this way, as bulletins don't generally include flash updates.

A good example is that your car is in for a mechanical service, and an upgraded flash is available, but because your mechanical service doesn't require a pcm hook up, they won't see the needed upgrade.

I discussed what we've been documenting and discussing here, and that a few feel that their cars MDS felt "different" after the engine repair, and that they may have been flashed, with the owner and paperwork not showing this.

Bottom line, they told me to bring it in when I can, and that they would check the pcm's programming and see if updates are available. If so, they'll reflash and then I can see if there's a "driveability" difference with how the MDS acts.

Hopefully I'll be able to do this in the next few weeks or so, based on the winter weather and work schedule.

So, I can't complain about my Chrysler dealer, or what they will do to help at this point, but they have not heard or seen, a TC failure on a 5.7l of any type, or any transmision.

Just thought that I would share
 
#2,701 ·
Thank you for sharing John! It will be interesting to see if there is an update. My question would be: If there is an update...is it possible it will have something like the 2013's that make a tuner not work anymore?
 
#2,702 ·
Just wanted to post an update regarding my plight with this.

The dealership got back with me about the failure. It looks as though it was the failure on the tensioner, as others have discussed, that caused the chain to fail. Both parts are on back order. Apparently my chain was broken into two pieces, which seemed odd to me.

The mechanic feels there shouldn't be a problem with the engine when the new parts are installed, but can't be certain until he tries to start it up. I explained to him that many others have had this occur and their engines were trashed. I'll find out more.

At this point I plan to file a complaint with NHTSA. The more there are, the more likely a correction for this will have to be made.
 
#2,704 ·
I have been reading about all this and decided to contact my friend that is a long time Foreman of the service dept of a large Dodge Dealer down south. He acknowledged that they have seen plenty of these type failures but not just auto Challengers. It was across the line-up with Hemis. He did tell me none of the part numbers have changed on the replaced parts and Chrysler has said nothing or updated any parts that he knows of. He treats all problems the same and follows the protocol for warranty repair.

That being said I asked what he thought was going on and he said he sees camshaft failure with these timing chain failures and he thinks the camshaft is whats causing the TC failures. I asked about MDS and VVT and he didn't think that had anything to do with it. He claimed the valve spring rates and lift are not enough to cause problems with the valve train. He also said something about the camshaft hardness???

I wanted to add this bit of info because I haven't read any where of camshaft issues.

I will talk with him more about this later and try to get something else form him.
 
#2,749 ·
I have been reading about all this and decided to contact my friend that is a long time Foreman of the service dept of a large Dodge Dealer down south. He acknowledged that they have seen plenty of these type failures but not just auto Challengers. It was across the line-up with Hemis. He did tell me none of the part numbers have changed on the replaced parts and Chrysler has said nothing or updated any parts that he knows of. He treats all problems the same and follows the protocol for warranty repair.

That being said I asked what he thought was going on and he said he sees camshaft failure with these timing chain failures and he thinks the camshaft is whats causing the TC failures. I asked about MDS and VVT and he didn't think that had anything to do with it. He claimed the valve spring rates and lift are not enough to cause problems with the valve train. He also said something about the camshaft hardness???

I wanted to add this bit of info because I haven't read any where of camshaft issues.

I will talk with him more about this later and try to get something else form him.
What does he mean with plenty? Also, has he ever seen a RAM or Jeep GC with this problem? It would be interesting to know how many Chargers/300s he has seen with TC failures compared to Challengers.
 
#2,705 ·
I think your post would be the absolute first feedback from the dealer story that actually acknowledged "plenty" of TC failures and across the Hemi line-up. That is very odd, indeed. Wonder what that is about? :confused:
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top