First post, as I lurk here a bit but don't have much to contribute. Y'all are a great resource so any suggestions welcome. Thanks!
2020 RAM 5.7l with 66,000 miles - has run flawlessly since purchased new. 100% stock and used like a family car - no towing, etc. Running down highway the "Service Electronic Control Module" came on and the engine had knocking noise, stalled several times but was able to limp it home and to dealer. Intially diagnosed as broken valve spring on #7 (not sure of intake or exhaust). They replaced the spring and they started it up and it still had knocking, so they ran a borescope (piston image attached) and found damage to piston and I believe scored cylinder. They needed authorization to do 3 hours labor to dig deeper and it would be at least $1800. I am fully aware that I may have caused more damage driving it home, but:
Question #1 - shouldn't they have scoped the cylinder before putting the thing back together to check for damage and/or debris?
Question #2 - would you be concerned if this was the only damage to the piston and nothing to cylinder walls?
Question #3 - can these cylinders be sleeved? If so, do dealers avoid it?
They called me today to say they looked further and the choices are $6700 (total, including work already done) for short block and a week or so wait, or over $10000 for long block and not sure how long it might be. I choose the $6700 route. They swear the heads and head parts are fine and they checked everything, also they swear that they will be extensively testing everything when it's back together to avoid any issues related to their work. There are no TSBs I know of for this, the factory powertrain warranty ended at 60000 (I'm over by about 6000, but still under the 5 year part), and have no extended warranty. I am already into this with the dealer, so I'm committed - no backing out and buying a used engine, etc.
Question #4 - Is there a way to contact FCA HQ direct to plead my case that this broken spring is a defect, not normal wear and tear, and ask for coverage? Or plead that I have less than 5 years on the truck, though slightly over the 60000 mile powertraing warranty? If there is a way, how?
Question #5 - What happens to the block they replace? Is it worth anything to me or to the dealership, or basically only scrap?
If I'm "S.O.L" that's fine - I can't fix it myself and I need to get it back on the road. I've got until December 20 or so to figure out options - thanks for any useful suggestions!
2020 RAM 5.7l with 66,000 miles - has run flawlessly since purchased new. 100% stock and used like a family car - no towing, etc. Running down highway the "Service Electronic Control Module" came on and the engine had knocking noise, stalled several times but was able to limp it home and to dealer. Intially diagnosed as broken valve spring on #7 (not sure of intake or exhaust). They replaced the spring and they started it up and it still had knocking, so they ran a borescope (piston image attached) and found damage to piston and I believe scored cylinder. They needed authorization to do 3 hours labor to dig deeper and it would be at least $1800. I am fully aware that I may have caused more damage driving it home, but:
Question #1 - shouldn't they have scoped the cylinder before putting the thing back together to check for damage and/or debris?
Question #2 - would you be concerned if this was the only damage to the piston and nothing to cylinder walls?
Question #3 - can these cylinders be sleeved? If so, do dealers avoid it?
They called me today to say they looked further and the choices are $6700 (total, including work already done) for short block and a week or so wait, or over $10000 for long block and not sure how long it might be. I choose the $6700 route. They swear the heads and head parts are fine and they checked everything, also they swear that they will be extensively testing everything when it's back together to avoid any issues related to their work. There are no TSBs I know of for this, the factory powertrain warranty ended at 60000 (I'm over by about 6000, but still under the 5 year part), and have no extended warranty. I am already into this with the dealer, so I'm committed - no backing out and buying a used engine, etc.
Question #4 - Is there a way to contact FCA HQ direct to plead my case that this broken spring is a defect, not normal wear and tear, and ask for coverage? Or plead that I have less than 5 years on the truck, though slightly over the 60000 mile powertraing warranty? If there is a way, how?
Question #5 - What happens to the block they replace? Is it worth anything to me or to the dealership, or basically only scrap?
If I'm "S.O.L" that's fine - I can't fix it myself and I need to get it back on the road. I've got until December 20 or so to figure out options - thanks for any useful suggestions!
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