Another cam bites the dust

[Odyssey USA]

It's not your oil grade........High temps and lack of Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates. Use a ZDDP additive. I use 3-4oz of Lucas ZDDP additive at every oil change.

Try to keep ZDDP levels in the 1400-1600ppm range............... excessive levels prematurely disables catalytic converters in exhaust systems.

It’s beyond my pay grade but The Motor Oil Geek explains and shows why just adding ZDDP may not be a good idea. I’d take a second to watch it and see what you think.

I do think there is something to the zinc levels though and possibly help the lifter plunger not stick.

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[Odyssey USA]

You are probably right.
I am going to install a magnetic drain plug so I will know if the cam is starting to go.

Votex is USA made on Amazon. Nice plug.

 

[Odyssey USA]

Isn’t it typically the passenger side? I’m sure both banks’ cams get the same metallurgic processing before grinding the cams. Are the lifters the same everywhere or different for Int and Exh? Are the failures typical with one of those?

 

[Willys41]

Votex is USA made on Amazon. Nice plug.

Just ordered two of these for both my Wranglers.

https://ppepower.com/products/14mm-...um-magnetic-drain-plug-for-oem-engine-oil-pan

 

[NPC 20883467]

Crappy metal.

...I’d be really curious what a Rockwell hardness test would show for those worn lobes.

That's been my contention all along... These motors are made in Mexico, with parts made in China, India, and Gawd knows where else. In other words, third world craftsmanship with parts that may or may not (prolly not) meet their claimed certifications... these motors are a crapshoot.

 

[Odyssey USA]

Has anyone tested the spring psi on the lobe where the failure was and compared to the other springs? What is the psi at max lift when new?

 

[KCSgtMaj]

That's been my contention all along... These motors are made in Mexico, with parts made in China, India, and Gawd knows where else. In other words, third world craftsmanship with parts that may or may not (prolly not) meet their claimed certifications... these motors are a crapshoot.

Concur. Sadly it’s across the board of mfg’s. Until the mfg’s pull their heads out of their butts, it’s what we have. Just read about a Toyota massive recall on their engines. So I guess Toyota isn’t superior as some comments say on this forum.

 

[garyji]

Pretty soon, they're going to realize that you can't put motors with thimble sized piston, ram the shit out of it, and tow anything with a 4000 lb vehicle to save the planet.

G.

 

[58Willys]

Intake and exhaust rockers/lash adjusters are different; it’s mainly the intakes that are the issue. Don’t know why the passenger sides fails first; lower oil pressure/flow on the side? The main cause is the needle bearing in the intake rocker for the high lift ramp are failing. This drop the rocker out of position and causes excessive rubbing of the high lift ramp and cam. Poor design. Stellantis has redesigned the rocker somewhat, with a new style ramp bearing. This really needs a roller setup. I haven’t found any aftermarket intake rockers for these motors yet. With amount of metal being ground off these cams in short order; I’m guessing the cam hardness is lacking.

While a heavier oil with more additives may help the ramp/cam issue, a lighter oil is needed to lube the rocker bearing properly; as this is just splash oiling in this area.

 

[Odyssey USA]

Intake and exhaust rockers/lash adjusters are different; it’s mainly the intakes that are the issue. Don’t know why the passenger sides fails first; lower oil pressure/flow on the side? The main cause is the needle bearing in the intake rocker for the high lift ramp are failing. This drop the rocker out of position and causes excessive rubbing of the high lift ramp and cam. Poor design. Stellantis has redesigned the rocker somewhat, with a new style ramp bearing. This really needs a roller setup. I haven’t found any aftermarket intake rockers for these motors yet. With amount of metal being ground off these cams in short order; I’m guessing the cam hardness is lacking.

While a heavier oil with more additives may help the ramp/cam issue, a lighter oil is needed to lube the rocker bearing properly; as this is just splash oiling in this area.

Good info. Thanks

I think a combination of a step higher base and “at temp” weight along with moly, phosphorous, and zinc additive might be a mitigating safety net. There no guarantee though. Real testing and methodical tear downs would be needed. I’m still curious about spring psi on the failed rocker.

So if it’s a high lift mechanism…putt around to stay out of high lift?

 

[58Willys]

There is no spring on the rocker.

 

[Odyssey USA]

There is no spring on the rocker.

Ah, so it’s all mechanical, like a Ducati.

 

[58Willys]

Ah, so it’s all mechanical, like a Ducati.

Well, no. (Previous post posted before I was done). There is a small spring that holds a small block which is inside the rocker arm, in a position that raise the high lift finger (high lift). For low lift mode, PCM sends a signal to an oil control that opens and lets pressurized oil in which force block back against spring and allows high lift finger to drop down (low lift).

 

[Odyssey USA]

Well, no. (Previous post posted before I was done). There is a small spring that holds a small block which is inside the rocker arm, in a position that raise the high lift finger (high lift). For low lift mode, PCM sends a signal to an oil control that opens and lets pressurized oil in which force block back against spring and allows high lift finger to drop down (low lift).

I’d have to see it. Hopefully I don’t need to see it on mine anytime soon. lol

 

[Spank]

I had same issue at 55k miles. Fixed under warranty, so im good for maybe another 55k miles but probably not. Sad. My tj 4.0 has 177k miles, other than some oil leaking and seals replaced, zero issues. Vehicles are now meant to be traded in i guess after 50k miles and become somebody else's problem

Exactly this. Vehicles are becoming more disposable, just like a laptop or a phone, hence why half the engine is seemingly made out of plastic now.

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