Pacifica engines KAPUT!

[Geoff]

The tone in this group is really strange...

To you, maybe. A comment like that coming from a guy named "Thor" is what seems strange to me!

... and somehow so far away from the image and quality of todays DCX products, imho.

What, you were expecting posts in broken English with a heavy German accent? Or were you somehow expecting to lose money with every one you read?



--Geoff
pfft! Just checked out gmx.com... lol!

 

[RWM]

(...)

There are many reasons why a TSB could emerge out of a newly discovered manufactuuring issue in case it has been around for a while
- no need to speculate.

But maybe you didn't get the point, so here are my questions again:

* Is there really a (possible) engine issue with the Pacificas ?

* Could this be a problem even with an engine/vehicle manufactured back in September 2003 ?

* Is there anything that could be done about it, any check ?

* Is there any warning sign ?

In my eyes these are perfectly legitimate questions to ask for somebody owning a Pacifica. If posting them is too offensive for you, please feel free to just ignore them. What I am looking for is profound information and not just some shoot-the-messenger or some kill-the-inquirer-type of chitchat.

Crain's AutoNews.com headline (2/16/2004):

Bad bolts interrupt Pacifica output

The Chrysler group is determining how many 2004 Chrysler Pacificas have faulty connecting rod engine bolts and whether any of the vehicles reached dealerships or customers. - 2004-02-16

 

[Matthew S. Whiting]

(...)
Nice try - is that the discussion capability you've learned at Applebee's ?

I feel your pain.
Thanks for saving the world with your pointless rants and arrogant-aggressive posts.

Finally completed that Psych 101 class, eh?

Matt

 

[Matthew S. Whiting]

(...)

There are many reasons why a TSB could emerge out of a newly discovered manufactuuring issue in case it has been around for a while
- no need to speculate.

But maybe you didn't get the point, so here are my questions again:

* Is there really a (possible) engine issue with the Pacificas ?

Of course. And there is a possible engine issue with every engine that leaves the factory from any car maker.

* Could this be a problem even with an engine/vehicle manufactured back in September 2003 ?

Maybe yes, maybe no. Only way to know is to wait for Chrysler to sort it out. Or, you could listen to the ng rumors and make your decision from that "information."

* Is there anything that could be done about it, any check ?

Sure, you could disassemble the engine, remove the suspect bolts and have them tested for hardness, proper alloy, etc.

* Is there any warning sign ?

Not likely.

Matt

 

[Steve (archive)]

But maybe you didn't get the point, so here are my questions again:

* Is there really a (possible) engine issue with the Pacificas ?

Substitute any engine in any vehicle, and the answer is still "yes." Is there a possible problem with Pratt&Whitney PW4000 engines used on Boeing 747s? Yeah, its possible. Is there a possible issue with Briggs&Stratton engines on Murray lawnmowers? Yeah, its possible.

* Could this be a problem even with an engine/vehicle manufactured back in September 2003 ?

If there was, you'll get a TSB (or more likely a recall) as soon as its determined what lot of bolts were bad, and when that lot arrived. They should be able to identify every vehicle manufactured with the defective bolts. That's how TSBs work.

* Is there anything that could be done about it, any check ?

Check? for ROD BOLTS? You gotta be kidding! Without tearing the engine down and sending the bolts out for analysis, the only way is to use the manufacturers tracking information to see which vehicles the bad parts got into.

* Is there any warning sign ?

See above. You gotta be kidding, or have no understanding of what happens when a rod bolt fails. Parts leave the engine. Swiftly. Making their own exit holes in the process. This is why its a bit unlikely that any vehicle made with these allegedly bad bolts made it off the factory property, and certainly not likely to have made it through months of use.

 

[Mike Behnke]

Engine makes loud banging noises for several seconds before it stops as numerous fractured internal parts are hurled thru the walls of the block and oil pan. Large quantity of oil and coolant found under and behind vehicle immediately afterward. Possible inferno under the hood as hot oil contacts hot exhaust manifold and copious quantities of fresh oxygen.

Not a pretty picture.