2003 Valve and Engine Problems

[SansRuLes]

Snake Community:

I need your advice on what just happened.

I was recently advised that the engine on my 2003 Vert with 57K miles has a major engine issue. Apparently the valve seat in #8 dropped and scored the piston and maybe even the cylinder. More issues are now being found on the opposite cylinders and I may now need either a lower rebuild, total rebuild, or new engine. I have babied this car for the past 9 years with all regular maintenance and frequent oil changes. No racing, nor hard running.

This happened about a week or two after a mechanic fixed a broken drain plug on the radiator. I got a flat and while waiting for a flatbed all the fluid just dropped out of the car. I was not trailing any fluids up to that point nor was the car showing that it was running hot. I was told the drain plug was pushed inside the radiator but there was no sign of any impact so no one knows how that happened. About a week after getting my car back it began to drive like a lawn mower. Could the fluid loss after the car was already off be the cause of these engine problems?

The respected Dodge dealer told me when I purchased the car that Viper engines are rock solid and built like tanks, and if properly maintained can easily go for 100K. A mechanic has told me that is a lie and these engines suffer these problems often in high mileage situations and that many Vipers are on their second or third engine. Which is it?

[PRVT JET]

Early GEN 3 cars had some engine issues.

Isaac

[ViperSRT]

The early 2003 issue was intake valves without one of the valve angles which decreased power. Doubtful that could lead to a durability issue, and certainly not a dropped valve seat. The proximity to a cooling system issue is interesting as overheating can lead to a dropped valve seat. Also note that coolant loss can result in the coolant temp sensor not responding due to lack of coolant contact.

[Old School]

In general, what I have found, when things happen together like this, it's not a coincidence. One causes the other.

[pokeyl]

All Aluminum motors have this problem. If you run it without coolant the aluminum head expands much faster that the steel valve seat and it falls out.
If you need a new set of heads I have a bear set. Send me a PM. If you want my local tech to build them I can have that done also.

The rock solid statement is true if you don't overheat.

[SansRuLes]

Thanks all for your thoughts.

The strange thing here is that I do not know if the engine overheated or not. Yes, the fluid dropped but only after the engine was already off. Prior to that, I was on the road for about 20 minutes. Do you all think that the fluid dropping out when the engine was not running is enough to overheat the engine and drop a valve seat?

[ViperSRT]

Are you certain the coolant loss did not start earlier? Don’t use the temp gauge as a basis as it does not measure level and once the level is low enough it doesn’t measure the true temperature either.

[SansRuLes]

Yes, I am pretty sure there was no previous coolant loss. I was on the highway when I got a flat. When I got out there was no trail or sign of coolant anywhere. About a few minutes later, that is when the fluid start appearing from under the car.

Are you certain the coolant loss did not start earlier? Don’t use the temp gauge as a basis as it does not measure level and once the level is low enough it doesn’t measure the true temperature either.

[SansRuLes]

When you really think about it, what are the odds that I would have a flat, then a coolant leak, and then a damaged engine all at the same time? Pretty remarkable. Strike one, strike two, strike three.

[99RT10]

Are you going to rebuild the engine? Or just sell it as is? Doug Levin is right next door and can build anything you want

[SansRuLes]

At this point, I am not sure. If it needs a new engine, I might move on. What is a 2003 Vert worth without an engine? I literally put brand new tires, clutch, oil lines, etc., on the car the week before this happened.

Are you going to rebuild the engine? Or just sell it as is? Doug Levin is right next door and can build anything you want

[99RT10]

At this point, I am not sure. If it needs a new engine, I might move on. What is a 2003 Vert worth without an engine? I literally put brand new tires, clutch, oil lines, etc., on the car the week before this happened.

I have a new engine, so I may be interested if you sell

[SansRuLes]

Well the good news for you is that Doug Levin has done all the work on my car. I have all the records. Like I said, I just added new tires, new clutch, new oil lines, etc., the week before the engine blew. If you are interested in it, send me a PM as I might let it go at this point.

I have a new engine, so I may be interested if you sell

[99RT10]

PM sent

[Fatman2006]

Bro I feel your pain that sucks so much!

[SansRuLes]

Indeed! I have babied this car for the past 9 years and then boom.

Bro I feel your pain that sucks so much!