I've been snooping around craigslist and FB marketplace for a Dart, and posted a thread about a three weeks ago regarding a 2.0L model for sale at a local dealership. Not sure how that will wind up, but in the meantime I've seen what appears to be another one, a 2015 SXT with 73k miles on it in very good shape...but with a 2.4L engine.
I've been doing some research and can't say I feel great about it. Correct me if I'm wrong but there are two separate issues that can come up, the 'brick' and the piston rings allowing oil to get out the cylinder, with blue smoke and poor emissions resulting, along with the general Not Good you get from oil sneaking into the intake and exhaust systems.
I've read about the extended warranty Chrysler put in place, but the 7 year portion is long gone for a 2015 car and so that's not a feasible route. I also understand there is a computer fix that will change the vacuum(?) timing and help alleviate the problem. But if the piston rings are faulty how would that really do anything long term?
I don't know about this particular car yet, but other than standing behind the tailpipe and looking for smoke, is there any way to check if the engine in question has a problem yet, something the OBD would show?
Are there many 2.4L engines with high mileage (100k+) that have not experienced any trouble or is it inevitable even if you check and change the oil religiously? And are the brick and piston ring issue separate or related?
If I had my druthers I'd prefer a 2.4L engine for the improved acceleration. I can happily live with a 2.0L however if the 2.4 is not worth the smoke, so to speak.
I saw a video on youtube where they tore down a 2.4L engine and it's no shock it would have problems given how complicated it is in certain portions. If the brick and ring issues are the result of poor maintenance and if I can somehow check the engine beforehand I might take a chance on one with a 2.4L but you guys can dissuade me if you like.
I've been doing some research and can't say I feel great about it. Correct me if I'm wrong but there are two separate issues that can come up, the 'brick' and the piston rings allowing oil to get out the cylinder, with blue smoke and poor emissions resulting, along with the general Not Good you get from oil sneaking into the intake and exhaust systems.
I've read about the extended warranty Chrysler put in place, but the 7 year portion is long gone for a 2015 car and so that's not a feasible route. I also understand there is a computer fix that will change the vacuum(?) timing and help alleviate the problem. But if the piston rings are faulty how would that really do anything long term?
I don't know about this particular car yet, but other than standing behind the tailpipe and looking for smoke, is there any way to check if the engine in question has a problem yet, something the OBD would show?
Are there many 2.4L engines with high mileage (100k+) that have not experienced any trouble or is it inevitable even if you check and change the oil religiously? And are the brick and piston ring issue separate or related?
If I had my druthers I'd prefer a 2.4L engine for the improved acceleration. I can happily live with a 2.0L however if the 2.4 is not worth the smoke, so to speak.
I saw a video on youtube where they tore down a 2.4L engine and it's no shock it would have problems given how complicated it is in certain portions. If the brick and ring issues are the result of poor maintenance and if I can somehow check the engine beforehand I might take a chance on one with a 2.4L but you guys can dissuade me if you like.
