Anyone else have issues with their Pentastar?

[Mudduck]

I didn’t get the Pentastar option because it’s a powerhouse, tune-ability, or fun to own. I got it because aside from a few minor issues, it’s a solid power plant based on my experience.

2017 caravan 263,000 miles. Had the lifter issue, otherwise regular maintenance only. Much of my Company’s fleet are Caravans, and they all range from 180k to 300k. 8k service intervals, nothing extra. If I get 2/3rds of that out of my JLU before I have to swap, I call it a win.

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[longfiredragon]

I didn't read all this, to much. I do know that lots of people get good long milage out of their V6 with just regular maintenance.

I don't think your oil pressure at idle is an issue, it should fine. Maybe consider trying something like some brad pen racing oil with a higher zinc content, maybe it will help break things in and smooth stuff out.

 

[roaniecowpony]

U wouldn't want to have anti drain back valve on this engine ..especially considering where the filter is located u would end up with a giant oil mess every time u unscrewed the housing. Stupid design but chrysler is known for doing stuff like this .. and for no good reason too

If someone really wants an anti-drain valve filter system, here you go.
Pentastar 3.2L and 3.6L 2014 to present. MS-201-BK Cartridge to Spin-on Adapter - Baxter Performance (baxterperformanceusa.com)

 

[Hearhear]

Not just this engine, my made in Mexico Jeep 392 Hemi ticks very loudly at startup and beyond. These engines are notorious for bad lifters and chewed up camshafts. Took it to the dealer and they said it’s a normal “Hemi tick”. They better hope so because I have that diagnosis in writing from them and it’s under warranty.

 

[wcjeep]

Searched awhile for our 2021 2dr Sport with preferred options and the Pentastar. Most local inventory was 4cyl Turbo. I don't trust Jeep/Stellantis quality control to buy a gas turbo. Around 8k miles no issues.

You could pay out of pocket for a partial teardown. Have a shop look for defects. If defect is found then turn over to the dealer for remedy. Find a reputable local shop.

 

[OBD]

It’s not “wrong” per se, but it’s not helpful or correct either. If you have a pentastar engine idling at 7 psi I can absolutely guarantee you that engine has significant internal damage and will be put in limp mode as soon as you attempt to accelerate.

The 3.6 is one of the only engines our shop will even bother to rebuild, and if we put one together that idles at less than 25 psi were pulling it back out to tear it down or replace it.

I value your opinion,so will running a 5w30 weight synthetic harm a 3.6 JL engine.Arkansas' climate and garaged in the winter.

 

[azjl#3]

I value your opinion,so will running a 5w30 weight synthetic harm a 3.6 JL engine.Arkansas' climate and garaged in the winter.

Oil is pretty smart. I would raise the top number not the lower one. Try 0w30. Or add the lucas oil modifier mentioned earlier, cheap at $10

To the extreme mobil makes a 0w50, but it is not recommended for street because of emissions, very high zinc content, which is exactly what an engine wants, and what the O2 sensor might not want.

Worst thing I did was let a small indie talk me into Redline full syn axle lube change. Bad news, it was very thick/hi viscosity, and until the axles warmed up it felt and drove like I was pulling an anchor, lost 2mpg. Swapped back within a few months.

 

[Ridgway Jeeper]

Hate the Pentestar? Not sure I am there yet though as my wife pulled her 10k mile '21 in the garage I sure could hear it ticking... Kind if ridiculous when I have a '22 F350 in the same garage with 45k miles on it now and no tick... My co-worker lost a 3.6 to the lifter issue... I just wish the Bronco would have been available when we were shopping. I do not hate the PS but I sure have concerns about Jeep quality.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Hey, it's a Chrysler product. I bought it against my better judgement. My wife never lets me forget that, thru all the steering and other issues. Nevertheless, it was my choice to buy this thing. It facilitates me doing certain things I want to do. The engine is the least of my worries.

BTW, my wife's sis-in-law's father was a career executive at Chrysler. She used to be a loyal customer. After years of experience, she has moved on from them and would never buy another.

 

[YJdude]

I have a 21 3.6 6-speed as well. My Pentastar has always made some interesting noises, especially at start up. I hear all sorts of clicking, clacking and other sounds until all the oil is flowing and the computer allows it to get settled in and get down to a decent RPM.
I park it in a one-car garage, so all these sounds are obviously more pronounced. I honestly don't/wouldn't lose sleep over these sounds, oil pressure or the gutless drivetrain.
Odds are after bringing it in to be looked at multiple times you'll still be at square one.

When it comes to warranty luck.. you can baby your ride and drive it like a grandma or you can ride the piss out of it daily.. Chances are you will not have a warranty covered failure until after you're out of warranty.

My only suggestion: on the next decent day, get that top and doors off, go on an adventure and give zero shits about the engine or anything else. And get the oil gauge off your screen.. ENJOY...NOT WORRY!!

 

[Rodeoflyer]

Carbon steel might be right about 5w-20, even though that's not the factory spec. I went through several different oils breaking my engine 'in' for whatever that's worth. It doesn't really matter, you can use the 'free' changes IF you trust your dealership to do it.

I went from the factor fill to mobil 1 (locally sourced) then to amsoil to see how the engine liked it and got the same loud startup rattle.

Then I switched to redline 0W-20 which is what I run in the 6.4 hemi for lifter tick/slap and that did the trick for me regarding the startup rattle. It's very muted now.

I'm no auto tech but have owned a bunch of vehicles with VVT and from what I hear that's the VVT cams rattling a bit until they're fully lubed. I don't know if it's even worth worrying about but redline 0W-20 is my solution for it.

 

[Rodeoflyer]

Not just this engine, my made in Mexico Jeep 392 Hemi ticks very loudly at startup and beyond. These engines are notorious for bad lifters and chewed up camshafts. Took it to the dealer and they said it’s a normal “Hemi tick”. They better hope so because I have that diagnosis in writing from them and it’s under warranty.

Yep, they're going to tell you it's normal and it likely is normal. I just know redlines oil makes it less noticeable. Just an observation, may not mean anything... I haven't had a 3.6, 5.7 'hemi', 318/360 dodge 'magnums', or 6.4 'hemi' motor fail yet in over 100k miles in several vehicles. Transmissions have been another issue but it appears resolved with the german engineered 8HP.

 

[YJdude]

My father-in-law used to work for GM in Kansas City and told stories about how he and other guys on the line used to drink on the job and hide their empties behind the door cards as they came down the line... But that's an anecdote, not a fact.

I'm sorry you're not happy with your engine. I think taking it up with JeepCares is a good idea.

YES!! I have nothing but the utmost respect for my elders, and have worked in several different fields. What is the one common thread in every place I've worked according to the old timers??? They used to drink beer at work, no one made a big deal out of it, they loved their job and it used to be FUN.
I proposed a "pilot program" at one job where we could drink at work one time...lead balloon. Lmao

 

[Rodeoflyer]

you don't work from home do you?

 

[roaniecowpony]

Carbon steel might be right about 5w-20, even though that's not the factory spec. I went through several different oils breaking my engine 'in' for whatever that's worth. It doesn't really matter, you can use the 'free' changes IF you trust your dealership to do it.

I went from the factor fill to mobil 1 (locally sourced) then to amsoil to see how the engine liked it and got the same loud startup rattle.

Then I switched to redline 0W-20 which is what I run in the 6.4 hemi for lifter tick/slap and that did the trick for me regarding the startup rattle. It's very muted now.

I'm no auto tech but have owned a bunch of vehicles with VVT and from what I hear that's the VVT cams rattling a bit until they're fully lubed. I don't know if it's even worth worrying about but redline 0W-20 is my solution for it.

Another quirk about this engine is the 3 oil pressure driven chain tensioners. Until there is adequate pressure at these tensioners, some chain slack is possible. Although, 1 of them (for the driver side bank) has a ratchet mechanism to reduce the slack at shutdown/startup. However, the passenger side bank does not have the ratchet mechanism (at least on my 2018 per the manual) and therefore could have enough slack at startup to make some noise.

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