All I know is it's not a commonly reported problem that I've seen here, especially at that age and mileage. I bought my Ram Hemi new in 04 and just passed 95k. I've replaced 2 parts on it because of failure - an EGR valve and a washer fluid pump. I could have probably just cleaned the EGR valve good and kept it. I try my best to keep up with the maintenance but admit that I have let things go longer than they should have but am hopefully caught up now. I've towed 7 thousand pound RV's with it, boats, trailers, etc. and have used 87 octane with 10% ethanol gas in it way too often. Yet it is still motorin'. I'm about to level it out and pimp it out with some new rims and tires, etc. and hand it down to my son and I hope it has lots more miles in it for him.

If you weren't running NOS throught it (LOL) or any unapproved parts or fluids, and you have records of routine maintenance, I don't see how this could be your fault at all.

 

the threat of a lawyer is likely enough.. so long as you're serious if you need to go that route..

again, it is their job to prove you were at fault, it isn't yours to prove it is their responsibility.. I was dumfounded at this revelation because i've heard a thousand times how warranty's have screwed people.. if they would have known what i'm telling you, they would not have been screwed.. the company knows this- but they will divert attention every direction they can but to that simple fact..

good luck dude!!

 

Good advice all around from everyone hear. I would have to second (third? Fourth?) the not being an *** the first time around advice. If they know that you have your facts straight and are not going to be pushed around you will likely come out fine. Haggling with these insurance and warranty b@stards can be annoying but it can be done.

 

good luck with everything and let us know how it turns out

 

btw, what is the name of the warranty company? My brother just bought a jeep and got the warranty and it wasn't "chrysler warranty", but apparently chrysler uses the same company across all their products. I just can't remember the name of it off the top of my head.

 

A hydrolocked engine is pretty easy to prove - there are signs of water EVERYWHERE. There is NO mistaking oil that has mixed with water. Trust me on this one, I've hydrolocked a couple of ATVs and even a weekend play toy truck in my day.

If they can prove it - I'd be kicking my son's natural a$$, if they can't prove it - then they have no grounds to claim neglect...

 

What type of gas do you use? 87octane? That stuff is no good for the Hemi, especially under hard loads. A broken piston can wedge the rod and certainly cause it to blow out the block.
You can check the oil cap for moisture and gunk and the oil dipstick for mixing if it truley was hydrolocked there would be signs in either one.

 

yeah 'dog, but if he was using 87 octane for prolonged periods (which has taken out it's share of Hemi engines) he's fine as far as warranty goes - the manual clearly states "89 octane recommended but 87 is ok"...

 

Thanks again everyone for the words of wisdom. I plan on adding all of this to my tool kit for D day. The warranty company is CNA and I don't have the HEMI, I am a low budget Dodge owner and only have the 4.7. If anyone is reading this and has any doubt about the 4.7, I have a story to tell. I bought a 92 GMC Jimmy in Coral Springs, FL and towed that joker back to Savannah, GA with out that engine even breathing hard. I averaged 18 miles to the gallon which I normally get on the Hwy anyway. Hell half of the time I didn't even know it was back there. In case anyone is wondering I towed that truck in February, so that isn't the reason for my current situation.

 

CNA is the "chrysler" warranty, so I would say you have as good a shot with them as with anyone. A lot of times theyre still a b*tch, but you have that with about any warranty company imo.