This Chrysler Pentastar V6 with 626,000 miles on the clock demonstrates just how far engine technology has progressed over the past several decades.
First: For those who aren’t familiar, let us introduce you to the Chrysler Pentastar V6. Introduced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) at the 2011 New York Auto Show, the Pentastar is an all-aluminum, double overhead-cam, 24-valve job developed to replace an assortment of V6s then in use by the company. Offered in displacements of 3.0, 3.2, and 3.6 liters, the engine has been used in more than 10 million Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep products and Fiat and Stellantis vehicles around the world. The 3.6L Pentastar in this video came out of a 2014 Ram ProMaster, a rebadged Fiat Ducato van assembled in Mexico.
As we see in the clip, this Pentastar was finally put out of commission at 626,000 miles by worn-out timing chains and tensioners. But as we can also see, the engine is remarkably clean inside for its age and miles, thanks no doubt to careful maintenance, unleaded gasoline (minimal sludge) and modern motor oil. The crankshaft and main and rod bearings show litle wear as well, relatively speaking, and the cylinder bores too. While this engine life is impressive, it’s not really all that unusual these days. We can find it in many modern engines from a host of manufacturers.
Materials and manufacturing have come a long way in the past 12 decades, notably in machining tolerances. The finest and most carefully assembled racing engines of myth and legend barely match the precision of current production vehicles. Technology marches on. One might be tempted to replace the chains and tensioners on this Pentastar and see if it can put several hundred thousand more miles on the clock. Video below.
My 2008 Toyota Camry [bought it new] is approaching 300,000 miles, and I’ve done nothing to the engine except for regular air/oil/filter changes. A friend in the modern car repair business told me to take care of the car, but leave all the original parts alone unless they have problems. I’m still running the original cooling system including coolant, the entire ignition system is original, original transmission fluid, exhaust system, etc. Replaced the serpentine belt at about 200k.
At about 250,000 miles I replaced all 4 suspension struts and hubs/bearings, and did my second brake hydraulic system overhaul. Front steering, ball joints and lower strut supports are all still fine.
Next month I’m going to have the timing chain replaced by my friend as the upper timing chain sensor indicates some wear. The cost for all the parts to do the work was under $50 [amazon].
The one bad mechanical system complaint is the HVAC. Have had to replace all the A/C connecting lines and the condenser in front of the radiator. These all developed micro R-134a leaks in the aluminum parts. And the blower motor has been replaced 3 times, this is a known issue for the blower motor as it has a built-in rectifier for speed control, and it burns out.
This is a far cry from my other vehicles I’ve owned down thru the last 55 years, most of my vehicles were from 1935 to 1968, and a high mileage car back then was over 75,000 miles.
I’ve had to put my 2008 Toyota Prius out to pasture with 307,000 on it due to the cost to replace the suspension parts and exhaust system including the catalytic converter. I bought it with 202,000 on it just 4 and a half years ago. My replacement car is a 2003 Acura RSX with 257,000 on it. The engine is incredibly quiet which indicates that the former owner had the valves adjusted when necessary. My 38 year old son will get it in about 2 years. He has some vintage Hondas in his collection.
I think of this modern engine longevity when I see complaints that modern cars are mostly bland colors. Back in the fifties, you could barely expect to get 100K out of a car. It was easier to splurge to get your Turnpike Cruiser in salmon and ivory because you didn’t have to think about whether the next owner would like your choice. (There were other reasons for the outrageous colors of the fifties, but I think this was one.) Now, I suspect a lot of cars are bought with eventual resale in mind, so buyers tend to pick more neutral, universally-acceptable colors. It’s the same reason most houses are repainted in beige before sale.
Yes indeed. For many Americans, cars have reached their commodity phase. If everyone on their block drives a pale gold Camry or a silver F-150, they’re perfectly content.
That’s why I drive a 2021 Challenger in Octane Red with the Rudy Red/Black leather interior. I don’t want to blend in.
I have 9700 miles on my car and I’m almost ready for a new one. I do about 3-4000 miles a year.
I’m at about 2500/month.
Now, if only they can build a transmission to last 600,000 miles to mate with the Pentastar engine.