Jeep 3.8 Engine Problems
Source: Pixabay
The Jeep 3.8 engine is a controversial choice in the Jeep, with some that adore the system and some that hate it. Some feel it’s a less powerful selection, especially compared to previous versions. If you’re interested in purchasing a Jeep with this power, you might wonder - what are the most common Jeep 3.8 engine problems?
If you’re interested in learning more about the troubles in the Jeep 3.8 engine, you’re in the right place. The more you know about issues in this system, the easier it will be to address them when they appear. Read on to learn more about four of the most common troubles with the Jeep 3.8 engine.
The Most Common Jeep 3.8 Engine Problems:
- Oil Starvation. Cost to fix: $1,500
- Cracked Engine Manifold. Cost to fix: $1,100
- Engine Oil Pan Replacement. Cost to fix: $200
- Bad Intake Manifold Gasket. Cost to fix: $550
Oil Starvation
Problem:
First on our list of issues in the Jeep 3.8 engine is oil starvation. This oil starvation can deprive the system of critical resources it needs to run, thus causing wear and tear on various valuable components. In time, this oil starvation could lead to total engine failure and an expensive replacement process.
It’s critical to keep an eye on the rate at which your vehicle consumes oil while driving. If you notice it taking in oil much faster than it should, do not ignore the trouble. This problem is something that could land you in a massive pile of debt before you know it if you are not careful.
Cost:
To deal with this first on the list of Jeep 3.8 engine problems, it will cost $1,500. This price point assumes replacement components are necessary and the driver won’t be completing the process themself, as a good chunk of that cost deals with payments for the workers installing and fixing new parts in your Jeep 3.8 engine system.
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Cracked Engine Manifold
Problem:
Unfortunately, exhaust leaks are a common trouble with the Jeep 3.8 engine. Much of the time, these leaks come from a crack in the engine manifold. There usually isn’t a difference between one side and the other when this fault occurs in your Jeep’s engine, so it’s always a good idea to replace both if you find a cracked engine manifold system.
A crack in an engine manifold could lead to trouble codes as the system continues to filter leaks out of the car. Also, ensure you peel back the heat shield covers to see the state of the manifold, or ensure you take it to a trusted mechanic if you’re not entirely sure what you are looking for in your vehicle.
Cost:
A typical cost to deal with a crack in an engine manifold is around $1,100. Unfortunately, this repair isn’t a cheap one as it requires an entire replacement, rather than a simple patch, and pulls back together like other projects surrounding the Jeep 3.8 engine.
Engine Oil Pan Replacement
Problem:
Another possible error could be hidden inside the engine oil pan, which must be pulled out to see what’s going on in that area. If you notice an excessive consumption of oil coming from your vehicle and significant knocking noises, it might be a good idea to pull the oil pan like many past drivers of cars with the Jeep 3.8 engine.
When pulling the engine oil pan, you might notice spun main bearings. You could even catch a glimpse of crystalized piston rings, which could be building up and leading to a lack of integrity in the entire situation. The oil pan makes a big difference and could be hiding significant items.
Cost:
If you want to replace the oil pan, it will cost you around $200 depending on whether or not you can complete the process yourself. However, other issues you could find in that area, such as with the pistons, could easily cost more than $1,000 depending on the severity of the damage and the cost of the person hired to complete the job.
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Bad Intake Manifold Gasket
Problem:
Our final listed problem for the Jeep 3.8 is a crack in the intake manifold gasket. According to motortrend.com, you might notice this issue if you see oil sitting around the front of the intake manifold in the engine system. Although it doesn’t always mean this, this oil spillover could mean you have a bad intake manifold gasket system installed.
It’s critical to deal with the poor intake manifold gasket to ensure you aren’t leaking precious liquid out of your system, saving money at the end of the day. If your Jeep is experiencing serious faults with the burn or rough idle, it’s time to take your car to the shop to deal with the intake manifold gasket as soon as possible.
Cost:
To deal with this version of the Jeep 3.8 engine problems, it will cost around $550 with payment for parts and installation. Unlike many other vehicles, the majority of the cost of this repair is the part, rather than the installation fees. Of course, it never hurts to shop around for the best deal. Some replacements will cost more or less depending on the complexity of the error.
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Avoiding the Jeep 3.8 Engine Problems
If you are excellent with cars, you might be able to catch these Jeep 3.8 engine problems before they spiral into something bigger. Keep an ear out for potential issues and act on them sooner rather than later to keep your engine in one piece. Of course, not everyone can understand what is happening in their Jeep’s engine system.
Those with limited knowledge about their Jeep 3.8 engine, which is most of the audience of drivers, should take their vehicle to a mechanic for a suspected engine issue. Mechanics often perform a full-system inspection, ensuring everything is in proper shape before you drive again. It’s always best to deal with engine troubles sooner rather than later.
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