3.6L Timing Chain Issue Summary

Discussion in 'Challenger SE Engine and Performance Modifications' started by Hopslayer, Jul 31, 2022.

  1. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    I thought I would post a picture of everything that was replaced after I stretched the timing chain on my supercharged V6 SXT Plus. I ended up replacing all 4 chains, the 3 tensioners, the guides and the thermostat housing for an unrelated issue. Also put in a new belt as I had over a year on the other one and my car was apart anyway. Good to have it running like new. My mechanic said one of the tensioners was supposed to be at 6 hundredths of an inch but was at 1 inch. If it had failed he said I would have had catastrophic engine failure. He also said it could eventually happen again. Not sure if that’s a design flaw or what, but I’m sure it will be years before it does.

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  2. stingray

    stingray Full Access Member

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    If your SXT wasn't supercharged and kept in factory stock condition would you have had the same problems?
     
  3. HellKitten

    HellKitten Full Access Member

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    Thank you for sharing this timing chain issue, as I have a 3.6 pentastar too, though it is not supercharged. I will keep the low oil in check. I am curious if the oil get low does any lights come on the dash.
     
  4. stingray

    stingray Full Access Member

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    Is this a known problem with the Challenger SXT with the Pentastar V6 engine?
     
  5. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    The check engine light, eventually. :)
     
  6. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    According to my tuner and mechanic, it's a well known issue with the Pentastar AND the Chevy V6 engines. It has nothing to do with the supercharger. I've had the supercharger for well over a year, and I drive my car hard. I think I would have had the issue sooner if it was related to the supercharger. I think it was probably just my own fault for not checking my oil between changes. My mechanic also said it's likely to happen again in a few years. I think it's somewhat of a design flaw if that's the case.
     
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  7. Cloverdale

    Cloverdale Full Access Member

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    Boosting / additional boosting (you're about double the psi rate that my 5.7 can safely go) will wear many engine internals at a faster rate. Curious what your mileage was at when replacement was required?
     
  8. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    I'm at 10psi. The guy who has the fastest Pentastar out there runs 16. I had a car show in Minneapolis in June. It was 248 miles from my house to there and I got 32mpg with the cruise control set at 75mph. I don't pay much attention to my city mpg. Probably low to mid 20's.
     
  9. Cloverdale

    Cloverdale Full Access Member

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    I see. Was wondering what your odometer read when you required timing belt replacement?
     
  10. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    48,000 miles.