TrailRecon- Engine Failure

[Willys41]

To summarize for those that haven't watched: other than very specific scenarios, you're a fucking idiot if you use a viscosity other than what was recommended by the manufacturer.

Then I guess I am fucking idiot.

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[NWJeepr]

To summarize for those that haven't watched: other than very specific scenarios, you're a fucking idiot if you use a viscosity other than what was recommended by the manufacturer.

Well, to be fair, he didn't quite say it like that. But those who didn't watch the video and assume it affirms their hunch "they just know better!" that thicker oils are better than manufacturer specs for thin oils (a deep-state plot initiated by the EPA) are likely to be disappointed.

 

[Lionel Hutz]

Well, to be fair, he didn't quite say it like that. But those who didn't watch the video and assume it affirms their hunch "they just know better!" that thicker oils are better than manufacturer specs for thin oils (a deep-state plot initiated by the EPA) are likely to be disappointed.

My takeaway was that for 99% of people they should use the recommended weight. There are scenarios where it may be ok to deviate, but those are not how most people use their vehicles.

 

[SadRobot]

Something that I've been thinking of/waiting for:

Let's say my 3.6 goes out after warranty. What's the best solution for my desired long-term ownership. I've spent some money on the upgrades to the jeep that I want, what's the best course of action when it comes to engine replacement. Yes...obviously a hemi, but what I'm looking for is the best value based on performance and adaptability.

Please keep in mind:
2-door
Manual trans - upgraded clutch.


LS Swap?
5.7 Hemi?
Another 3.6?

So that's my situation right now. 2019 2dr manual with ACT clutch. I've put a lot of time and money into it and don't want the fancy stuff that comes with a 2025 Jeep. On top of the ticking issue that got very loud over the course of a few days I also blew a head gasket.

My final decision was to keep my Jeep, swap in a 3.6 from a 2025 JT with 11k miles on it that had gotten pulled for a hemi swap. I'm doing it in my driveway with lots of help.

I'm doing a few things differently this time to give this engine a better chance of lasting. I'm adding the RPM Fan Controller, removing mesh from grill and replacing with more open mesh from a 2020 Gladiator, and putting in the Tereflex CrankShaft Vent System Kit (to prevent oil getting into the intake on steep inclines). I'll also be ditching the oW-20 for something thicker. I'm also considering swapping to a bumper that lowers the winch down but that's way down the line after I get this Jeep running again.

Beyond that I'm just going to cross my fingers that this replacement 3.6 will get me another 100k miles on this Jeep.

Like Brad I had an upcoming trip planned for next week but I had to cancel it because it will take a couple more weeks to get my Jeep back together.

 

[Willys41]

So that's my situation right now. 2019 2dr manual with ACT clutch. I've put a lot of time and money into it and don't want the fancy stuff that comes with a 2025 Jeep. On top of the ticking issue that got very loud over the course of a few days I also blew a head gasket.

My final decision was to keep my Jeep, swap in a 3.6 from a 2025 JT with 11k miles on it that had gotten pulled for a hemi swap. I'm doing it in my driveway with lots of help.

I'm doing a few things differently this time to give this engine a better chance of lasting. I'm adding the RPM Fan Controller, removing mesh from grill and replacing with more open mesh from a 2020 Gladiator, and putting in the Tereflex CrankShaft Vent System Kit (to prevent oil getting into the intake on steep inclines). I'll also be ditching the oW-20 for something thicker. I'm also considering swapping to a bumper that lowers the winch down but that's way down the line after I get this Jeep running again.

Beyond that I'm just going to cross my fingers that this replacement 3.6 will get me another 100k miles on this Jeep.

Like Brad I had an upcoming trip planned for next week but I had to cancel it because it will take a couple more weeks to get my Jeep back together.

Just a comment on the bumper.
Once you install the RPM Fan Controller a different bumper is not necessary.
Through a lot of testing I found the driving down the road a 60mph very little free flowing air passes though the radiator. The radiator fins are just to tights to allow free flowing air.
Sucking the air with the radiator fan is the key to keeping it cool.

 

[mrtm1970]

So that's my situation right now. 2019 2dr manual with ACT clutch. I've put a lot of time and money into it and don't want the fancy stuff that comes with a 2025 Jeep. On top of the ticking issue that got very loud over the course of a few days I also blew a head gasket.

My final decision was to keep my Jeep, swap in a 3.6 from a 2025 JT with 11k miles on it that had gotten pulled for a hemi swap. I'm doing it in my driveway with lots of help.

I'm doing a few things differently this time to give this engine a better chance of lasting. I'm adding the RPM Fan Controller, removing mesh from grill and replacing with more open mesh from a 2020 Gladiator, and putting in the Tereflex CrankShaft Vent System Kit (to prevent oil getting into the intake on steep inclines). I'll also be ditching the oW-20 for something thicker. I'm also considering swapping to a bumper that lowers the winch down but that's way down the line after I get this Jeep running again.

Beyond that I'm just going to cross my fingers that this replacement 3.6 will get me another 100k miles on this Jeep.

Like Brad I had an upcoming trip planned for next week but I had to cancel it because it will take a couple more weeks to get my Jeep back together.

Sounds like a great plan…only comment I will add about going to a thicker oil…I changed out to the 5W-20 and right away I could tell the engine DID NOT LIKE IT and drained it and put 0W-20 right back in and the engine was happy again…just my scenario.

 

[SadRobot]

Just a comment on the bumper.
Once you install the RPM Fan Controller a different bumper is not necessary.
Through a lot of testing I found the driving down the road a 60mph very little free flowing air passes though the radiator. The radiator fins are just to tights to allow free flowing air.
Sucking the air with the radiator fan is the key to keeping it cool.

I may at some point down the line replace it anyway just to get something nicer. First I'm going to run it with my old bumper for a while since I have higher priorities at the moment.

I also still have the option of putting in the larger JT fan and swapping to a different radiator since those are currently sitting on my garage floor. It's all adding up quick though and seems like the fan controller is going to do the most good in terms of keeping it cool.

 

[Spank]

I wonder how many miles were on the used cam he put in? I think I would be stressing for the rest of the trip...I bet when he gets back that thing gets a V8 conversion...I think I will be on a 2500-3000 Oil change interval from now on......

The cams themselves aren't the problem. It's the shitty rocker arms chewing them up. As long as the lobes are fine, the mileage shouldn't really matter.

 

[lutey]

Was hoping that the 3rd generation of the penestar would have better addressed this issue.. Guess not. Based on the low availability of cams.. seems it may actually have gotten worse.

 

[cripton805]

Picture a world where you don't know what will grenade first. Your unreliable 3.6l engine or manual transmission.... Oh wait.

Jeep is making Mazda's rotary engine look bulletproof.

 

[CorvZ061]

Another 3.6 turned itself into a boat anchor?!

I think it was serious. It's a direct replacement -- with better reliability, and more torque.

Does the 2.0 have a provision in the back of the crank for a pilot bearing? If not, and I don't think it does since I'm not aware of any applications that engine gets a manual trans, then it's not a good option.

 

[Ratbert]

Ive been running mobile 1 5w-30 in ny 3.6 for 5+ years now. Just hit 40k miles. And change it about once a year.

i am going to switch to Mobil 1 0w-30 esp per @roaniecowpony recommendation and probably every 3-5k

also installing an rpm controller soon

Consider watching this before deviating from what the manufacturer recommends:

 

[Nokones]

I guess it is going to come down to replacing the rockers every so often before they damage the cam. Since, the cam is the hard to get item, I wonder what is the availability of the rocker arms?

I'm more concerned about the downtime and getting a quick turn-around.

 

[Old Dogger]

I wonder how many miles were on the used cam he put in? I think I would be stressing for the rest of the trip...I bet when he gets back that thing gets a V8 conversion...I think I will be on a 2500-3000 Oil change interval from now on......

Good call @jadmt
3000-mile engine oil changes on our Wranglers, has always been my go-to. 5w30 in the JK's and 0w30 in the JL and Gladiator.

 

[NWJeepr]

Does the 2.0 have a provision in the back of the crank for a pilot bearing? If not, and I don't think it does since I'm not aware of any applications that engine gets a manual trans, then it's not a good option.

Sadly, the D478 isn't a good option either.

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