A couple days ago I used my 2004 Durango to launch a boat for the first time. I never shut off the engine and I only backed in as far as other vehicles were doing. A few mintes later I began to hear a loud knocking sound from the engine and the check engine light came on. I had it towed a couple hundred miles to the nearest Dodge dealership and the initial diagnosis was a broken valve spring or rocker arm in cylinder # 6. I was just now informed that the problem was lake water/sand that got in the gas tank and engine and that it may not now be covered under the 7 year/70,000 mile warranty. Has anyone ever heard of this and do you have any suggestions. I am also concerned because I want to use this Durango to launch my boat in the future also.

 

What do you mean the same as other vehicles? Other durangos, Ford, GM, Dodge Rams.....???? First off you should never have to back any part of your vehicle into the water to launch a vehicle. I launched plenty of times with my durango and no problem, of course I won't let my tailpipe get submerged. Depending on how far you backed into the water you might have allowed the water to gain entry through a vent hose.

I'm pretty sure, if they found lake water in the engine you don't have a shot at getting it covered by warrenty.

 

Agreed.

Many people back down into the water and that simply isn't how you properly launch a boat. Sorry for your luck. Unless you really get a dealer wanting to help you out and turn it in under warranty, you have a big repair bill in your future.

IndyD

 

Thanks for the replies. The other vehicles that were loading boats that were in the water the same amount were Durango, Tahoes, and other several trucks. The launching ramp is not steep, so everyone has to back in. Where is the gas vent hose? Is this the likely place water could get in from the back of the vehicle into the engine?

Also, how do you load a 3,000 pound 20 foot boat without backing the trailer in far enough so you can drive the boat directly onto the trailer?

Thanks.

 

I have lauched boats without backing the Durango into the water other than the rear tires. Your trailer should easily be submerged with the rear bumper of the vehicle not touching the water.

 

Thanks.I found out they actually found no water, but they were just asking about possible water since I mentioned I had launched a boat earlier in that day. The problem started later that day and I was certain that water could not have entered since I was not backed up any farther than any other vehicles wereand I definitely was not submerging any part of the vehicle and I don't even think the back tires were in the water.They are checking on a broken valve spring.