fyi for all yall hemi bros. case yall didnt know. the hemi motors need new plugs every 25k to 30k. if u dont yall " will " pay in the long run. ive worked on dodges for over 7 yrs. i worked for a dodge dealer for 2 yrs. so ive seen it all and heard it all too.

 

What would I expect to see for good compression numbers? I realize all cylinders should be fairly consistant. By the way I am new to this site and got to commend all-so much great info. here.

 

Complete B.S. excuse.
There's no reason any plug should shatter unless there's a problem elsewhere, like pre-detonation or oil already blowing by and causing the issue in the first place.
Any engine can run 100kmi on basic spark plugs without them shattering as long as the coil packs/plug wires are maintained and there's no detonation issue's. Granted the vehicle may not run all that great, but a spark plug doen't just blow-out without something else going on. Just don't happen. i would have laughed at the dealer for their pathetic excuse.

 

Oil out the valve cover means a loss of compression into the crankcase. Cracked piston or broken ring, or like dad's truck, the Bosch Platinum plug came apart (electrode fell out for no reason) and wedged between the piston and cylinder wall putting a nice gouge in the cylinder wall allowing compression to get past the rings.
Yes, the Hemi uses copper plugs that need to be replaced about every 30K, but they will not just fall apart from being old.

 

heres the latest update: I had to get some things out of my truck today, and my service writer was not there, so I asked the mechanic a few questions when I went back to get items out of my truck. He seemed very knowledgeable, and I felt much more comfortable after being able to communicate directly with him. His input was, on the 04 and 05 hemi ONLY, there is a pre-detonation problem in cylinder 6, and sometimes elsewhere. he said most commonly #6 though. He had took the engine out, replaced two pistons, inspected the heads and valves, and reassembled it. He had just put the block back in the truck. He also said that the radiator was being replaced under warranty due to one of the side tanks leaking, which is good news. It is supposed to be done by the end of this week. In the mean time, my warranty coverage got me a 4 door F 150 rental car, which is good. no cost to me, so Im not complaining. I was fearing the ever so compact car, since im definitely on the larger side I guess...

 

This tells me that there is a design flaw within the Combustion Chamber of some of the cylinders. If there is pre detonation isolated to mainly one cylinder than that means there is some kind of casting flaw in the head. There's no other explanatory reason that could isolate the problem to a specific cylinder, especially pre-detonation. That also tells you that the combustion chamber is smaller and therefore compresses the gases more than other cylinders. To me that's what the problem sounds like. But hey, I'm just an ordinary guy......lol

 

If you have an extended warranty thrru Dodge, check to see if you get a rental. I bought the extended with my 2007 and the rental is covered.

 

I guess you didn't read his update????

 

Well, the truck is done, but the service writer didnt return my phone calls on Friday, he was sick Monday, and said he would call me back today but never did. He never had them install the spark plugs like he said, even after I said I would pay for the plugs and he claimed they would install them for free. We also agreed on doing the thermostat, but that went out the window as well. He left early again today, so the other service writer strongly suggested leaving my truck there tonite (which i am going to do), and not picking it up until tomorrow when I have a chance to approach the service writer and his manager in person.....I dont mind paying for the plugs (it was getting around the labor cost I was after), I was just hoping to pick my truck up and have it be all tuned up and not need me wrenching on it, since it sat at the stealership for a week. Sorry for the vent, but this is my first encounter with a dealer service department, and its just as frustrating as what I have read about on here for the past few years.....

 

Okay, got my truck back last night, and all the paperwork with it. The dealer made good on what they said, and replaced everything they said they would. The #4 and 6 pistons were replaced, cylinders honed, new pistons and rod assemblies, head gaskets, all spark plugs, thermostat, radiator, and coolant. And, they only charged the original $100 deductible! Im pretty satisfied, they admitted there was a communication problem and made me a happy customer, and now the truck runs like a bat outta hell.....Im in love with it all over again...and I hope that this doesnt happen to any of you guys out there!