[sigh] Im not disputing that...what I am saying is that 30k is a very short interval for changing plugs compared to other make/models. Add the fact there are two per cylinder (twice as many of *******ly any other production engine). And when you consider the fact the engineers made it difficult to change said plugs, well, that makes me an unhappy camper.

Stop trying to put words in my mouth. Im sure many here may find it perfectly acceptable to change 16 plugs every 30k, I personally do not. That is not being ignorant...that is a position.

I remember growing up with carbureted cars...it was not uncommon to change plugs under 10k, but given modern technology (IE; computer control/fuel injection) many many engines can go 100k and farther without changing the plugs.

Others have already chimed in...the engine apparently doesnt like copper plugs, thus, the reason behind it. I simply feel that is an engineering mistake. Again, not ignorant, but my position on the matter.

 

What!? Somebodies enjoying this at my expense!?

Just kidding...glad your enjoying yourself Socket.

 

I feel ya Mike...

...I just hope you can feel me some.

I truly do hope my experience is an isolated one, and that is generally what Im hearing here, so perhaps there is some hope.

However, there IS obviously a known problem with Dodge trucks heater cores clogging up. There are tons of folks here, and on other boards who state it. Im curious if anybody has identified the issue. Too small of cooling channels or whatever...I dont know.

And on another note, my '90 Silverado did have a slight appetite for starters, BUT, some of the blame is on me for buying rebuilt junk, and not shimming correctly.

Oh well...life goes on.

 

I sympathize with you as well... however I took on a 95k mile 2002 4.7L Ram knowing that i would have some issues. It was an impulse buy after the dealer made me a good offer on a 2002 Grand Am that was on its last leg. In the 8 months and under 2k miles i've put on the truck, here is what i have had to do: 1st - Master window switch, replaced with ebay oem part $50; 2nd - Front speakers blown, just replaced today with ebay oem $50; 3rd - Front wheel bearing / hub, took me an hour and $150 to fix; 4th - Heater core probably needs flushed and / or replaced, haven't done it yet; 5th - blend doors probably need replaced, it's been a cold winter! Also i replaced my spark plugs and that only took about an hour and about $2 a plug as well, no biggie.

My point to this is that everyone has issues with their vehicle and you need to prioritize them and handle them accordingly. I sometimes enjoy working on my truck and other times I wish that i NEVER had to work on another vehicle again in my life. So if you in the latter mode, sell and try your luck with something else. As for me, i know i have some repairs to make soon and maybe i will enjoy working on it. When i get to the point that you are, i will sell the gas hog and move on to something else.

I also own an Acura with over 115k on the clock. So far the only thing i have done is change the oil, filters, belt and plugs. However I try not to compare them; as with you, it makes me angry comparing their quality. The Ram just has a much different purpose to me personally and i consider it a much more "rugged" or "primitive" vehicle lol.

Anyways, good luck in your future endeavors!

 

as far as i know the hemi runs the best with copper plugs.

 

Sounds like a lemon. Maybe it was built on a monday or a friday? Sorry for the lame jokes, that sucks man. As for the trans I dont know what to tell ya, Ive heard that the 545RFE is the benchmark automatic now, my buddy has 540 000km on his.

 

Er, thats what I meant Marx...thanks for catching that.

 

Thanks RamTracks.

Truth is, I do very little mechanical work anymore. Ill do simple stuff like oil changes, brakes, belts, electrical, and normally, plugs...stuff like that. My issues are my eyesight, aching joints, and bad knees. Listen young people...when you doctor tells you to take it easy in your 40s...DO IT!

I need a truck, but it doesnt get much use. It hauls the boat, picks up mulch, gravel, and dirt, and aside from the kids borrowing it to move or whatever, it sits it the garage. Like I said, I put just under 2k on it in about 10 months.

Luckily, I am in good financial status, and normally dont mind paying people to do things, but one of the reasons I am financially secure is because I listened to my Grandfather. He always said "Take care of your pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves". So needless to say, I really dont like to part with my money...especially just about every time I get behind the wheel.

I dont know what Im going to do now. I personally can handle the air bag light, but NOT when my wife and kids drive it...which they do on occasion.

Take care, and thank for the good wishes.

 

Wow....

 

Ill give ya $1000 for that lemon truck ya got...hahaha