The Four Most Common Chrysler 3.8 Engine Issues. The Chrysler 3.8 V6 engine made its first appearance in 1991. It was used in the Jeep Wrangler JK until 2011 – an outstanding 20-year lifespan. During that time, Chrysler/Jeep 3.8L engines were updated to boost power and efficiency. But, several things did not alter significantly, and one of them is dependability. This article discusses various typical Chrysler 3.8 V6 engine difficulties, as well as reliability, specs, and other topics.
*The Chrysler engine is also known as the Jeep 3.8L engine.
Jeep 3.8 Engine Specifications
Several people dislike the 3.8L engine because they believe it is underpowered. Given that it’s an early 1990s design engine, this may be true to some extent, especially on newer minivans and Wrangler JKs. Since then, power and performance have come a long way. The Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, is a larger vehicle than previous models and didn’t have great gearing for its size and weight. Anyway, the 3.8 liter engine specs for Chrysler and Jeep are as follows:
This engine is quite close to the Chrysler 3.3L V6 engine in design. Just larger, with a few modifications to accommodate the increased displacement. In any case, none of these specifications are particularly noteworthy by modern standards. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the Chrysler/Jeep 3.8 V6 debuted in 1991.
Cast iron blocks were commonly used for strength back then, but they are too hefty for most current engines. In addition, the Chrysler 3.8L engines use a pushrod OHV architecture rather than overhead cams.
Chrysler did produce several decent engine improvements and upgrades throughout the years. We won’t go into detail here, but some recent changes include the intake system, compression ratio, and camshafts. In the early 2000s, the 3.8 V6 produced 215 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Subsequent revisions reduced the power of the 3.8 liter engines slightly. They do, however, contribute to a wider torque curve for improved overall performance.
What Vehicles Make Use of the 3.8L V6?
The following Chrysler and Jeep cars use 3.8 liter V6 engines:
- Chrysler New Yorker, 1991-1993
- Chrysler Imperial, 1991-1993
- Chrysler Minivans from 1994 to 2010.
- Jeep Wrangler JK 2007-2011
The engine was also utilized in the VW Routan from 2009 to 2010. This type is essentially a Chrysler RT minivan base with VW badges.
Chrysler 3.8 Engine Issues
Among the most prevalent Chrysler 3.8 engine issues are:
- Excessive use of oil
- The intake manifold is leaking.
- Coverage timing concerns
- Einsteinerupload of.
This post will go over the above Chrysler 3.8 engine issues in detail. But, before we proceed, a few quick notes are required. We’re talking about the most prevalent engine issues. That does not always imply that they are common issues in the genuine sense of the term. Rather, these are a handful of the common areas where difficulties or failures arise.
In any case, the Chrysler & Jeep 3.8 V6 engine is dependable. Yet, no engine is flawless. Some engines will always have bad experiences, but others will survive 250,000 miles or more. It’s also an older engine, which raises concerns about reliability and engine difficulties. In the end of the piece, we’ll return to the subject of Chrysler 3.8L reliability. For the time being, let’s look at some of the most prevalent Chrysler 3.8 engine issues.
1) Excessive Oil Usage in the 3.8L V6
We don’t like bringing up some of the more contentious issues. Some argue that the Chrysler 3.8L engine’s high oil consumption is just gossip. Many others have direct knowledge of oil consumption issues with the Chrysler 3.8 V6. The truth is most likely somewhere in the middle, and we believe the internet has a propensity to exaggerate things.
Nonetheless, excessive oil usage is a frequently discussed problem. In most circumstances, there are no substantial issues for long-term dependability. But, if the 3.8L V6 is consuming a lot of oil, be sure it doesn’t run out. Driving on low oil is never a smart idea and can lead to lifetime and reliability issues.
Yet, increased oil consumption can sometimes indicate a more significant underlying problem. As engines reach the end of their useful lives, clearances widen, piston rings crack, bearings wear out, and so on. In other words, excessive oil consumption on old, high-mileage Chrysler 3.8 engines can be a cause for concern.
Signs of Jeep 3.8 Oil Consumption
Among the signs of excessive oil consumption on the Chrysler 3.8 V6 engine are:
- Engine oil is low.
- The odor of burning oil
- The smoke produced by exhaust
- Additional concerns
The main sign of excessive oil consumption is, of course, the consumption itself. Certain Chrysler 3.8L engines consume a quart or more of fuel every 1,000 miles. You may also detect burning oil odors or smoke from the exhaust, which may signal a more serious problem.
As engines age, you may notice those symptoms, as well as engine knocks, ticking, and so on. This could indicate that the engine is just on its last legs, in addition to the “normal” excessive oil consumption.
Fix for 3.8L V6 Oil Consumption
However, there don’t appear to be any major reliability or lifetime issues with most 3.8 liter V6 engines. Simply make sure the oil is full, as running low might exacerbate difficulties. Otherwise, higher viscosity oils may be beneficial, but stick to Chrysler’s recommendations for the 3.8 V6 engine.
If consumption reaches 1 quart every 1,000 miles, it’s necessary to investigate potentially more significant issues.
2) Leaks in the Chrysler 3.8 Intake Manifold
The second issue is coolant leaks caused by the lower intake manifold gasket on the Chrysler 3.8 engine. This problem is most common on Jeep and Chrysler engines manufactured after 2001. This is when Chrysler switched to a new intake manifold to assist boost power and performance.
In any case, there isn’t much to this situation. With age and mileage, the lower intake manifold gasket simply wears off. Cracks form, and coolant begins to flow from the manifold. It’s a rather typical problem with the Chrysler and Jeep 3.8L V6 engines.
These problems are more likely to appear after 8 years and 100,000 kilometers. Issues can occur sooner, but they are primarily caused by age and wear and tear on the lower manifold gasket.
Symptoms of a 3.8 Liter Intake Manifold Leak
Indications of a faulty lower intake manifold gasket on a 3.8L V6 engine include:
- Coolant leak that can be seen
- Low coolant
- Housing for a wet transmission bell
- Steam from the engine compartment
The most common indicator of faulty intake manifold gaskets on the Jeep 3.8 engine is visible coolant leaks. You may also notice that you are frequently running out of coolant. However, the leak is likely to be obvious before then.
The leak from the Chrysler 3.8 intake manifold frequently flows onto the gearbox bell case. Water/coolant in that location could signal a problem. Steam can also form if coolant drips onto hot parts and burns away.
Replacement of the Chrysler 3.8 Intake Manifold Gasket
The good news is that gaskets are often inexpensive to repair. The intake manifold is also located at the top of the Chrysler 3.8L V6, making installation a simple task. A good mechanic should be able to do the job in no more than 1-2 hours. As a result, labor should cost between $150 and $250, with gaskets costing less than $50.
In the larger scheme of things, it’s a little annoyance. DIYers can even complete this project for less than $50. However, a few bolts can be difficult to remove, so be patient and make sure the new gasket seals well.
3) Problems with the Jeep 3.8L V6 Timing Cover
Here’s another leak on the Chrysler & Jeep 3.8L engine. Jeep has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) outlining these issues. Timing cover oil leaks impact Chrysler cars equipped with the 3.8 V6 engine. Apparently, the o-rings within the timing cover are the problem.
Faulty o-rings within the timing cover might cause it to crack, distort, or break. As a result, an oil leak develops from the timing chain cover. In that area, look for apparent oil leaks. This is probably one of the less common topics we’ll discuss, so we’ll keep it brief.
Also, we’ll cover basic oil leaks next, so we’ll go into symptoms and replacement then. Hopefully, the damaged timing chain cover oil leaks were repaired under warranty. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Related : The Subaru EJ257 Engine Issues – Reliability – Specifications and Tuning
4) Chrysler 3.8 Engine Oil Leaks
There’s an old joke that goes, “If your Jeep isn’t spilling oil, you don’t have any oil left.” We can surely relate as BMW employees. Oil leak issues affect not only the 3.8 V6 Jeep vehicles, but also the Chrysler variants. Oil leaks afflict many engines, therefore Jeep, Chrysler, and BMW aren’t alone in this regard.
We already discussed the Chrysler 3.8 manifold coolant leak, and oil leaks aren’t much different. Gaskets, seals, and o-rings deteriorate with age and mileage. Cracks emerge, and leaks appear. Oil leaks on the 3.8L V6 are mostly caused by older age and higher mileage.
The Chrysler 3.8 valve cover gaskets are our major emphasis here. With the 3.8 liter V6 engine, they are among the most prevalent oil leaks. Nonetheless, leakage in primary crankshaft seals and oil pan gaskets do occur. In any case, watch for these leaks after 8 years and 100,000 miles.
3.8L V6 Oil Leak Signs
Oil leak indicators are typically straightforward. Still, keep an eye out for the following signs, which may indicate a Jeep/Chrysler 3.8 oil leak:
- Visible dripping
- The odor of burning oil
- Engine compartment smoke
A visible leak will be a dead giveaway. If you discover oil stains after parking your automobile, it’s time to find the source of the oil leak. As with the oil pan gasket and primary seals, the timing cover frequently drips into the ground.
The valve cover gaskets, on the other hand, are located at the top of the engine. Little oil leaks may just burn off before reaching the ground in these instances. Check for odors of burnt oil or smoke coming from the Chrysler 3.8 engine.
Repair for Chrysler/Jeep 3.8 Oil Leak
Like with the intake manifold coolant leak, parts to repair an oil leak are often affordable. The Chrysler 3.8 engine commonly leaks oil due to faulty gaskets, seals, or o-rings. The good news is that most of these parts cost between $10 and $50.
The bad news is that oil leak repairs can be time-consuming. Of course, it depends on the specific leak, but work can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, so factor in labor costs. These leaks can be fixed by do-it-yourselfers for next to nothing.
3.8 V6 Chrysler Reliability
Is the 3.8 V6 engine in the Jeep/Chrysler reliable? We believe this engine receives medium dependability ratings. The Jeep community is unlikely to award the title to the 3.8L engine over the AMC 4.0L straight-6 Jeep engine. The Chrysler 3.8, on the other hand, provides outstanding reliability all around. Excessive oil consumption, as well as coolant and gasket leaks, are common problems.
Certain Chrysler 3.8 engines break prematurely, and owners are ready to blame the engine. Some last well over 250,000 miles with few or no problems along the way. This notion holds true for all car engines. There will always be some outstanding ones, as well as some early flops. We don’t always have complete control, and it often comes down to luck of the draw.
We can, however, control upkeep. Replace fluids on schedule, use high-quality oils, and deal with problems as they arise. When done on the Jeep and Chrysler 3.8 engines, it can provide good reliability. Again, there are a few that make it above 250,000 miles, which is quite a feat.
