The Fatal Flaw of the 5.7L Hemi V8 Engine & How to Prevent It (2003-2008 Valve Seat Drop)

Today we are taking at look at the fatal flaw of the Gen III 5.7L Hemi V8, which is dropping valve seats. This issue was found in many of the 2003-2008 Hemis (pre-Eagle Hemi), engines under the hood of 9 different vehicles and many generations. This was an extremely popular engine, found in 9 different vehicles, and chosen on over 45% of cars and trucks where it was an option. It was also built at a profit, making it a financial success. But we’re not here today to talk about the success of the 5.7 Hemi, but rather the fatal flaw that has killed so many engines. This recently affected my Dodge Charger with the 5.7, so I decided to research the issue and look into it further, and shed some light on this issue, especially if you are considering buy a used vehicle that has this Hemi. In this video, we will look at the specs of the engine, and then look at the major issue of premature dropping valve seats, including what it is, what it affects, and how to prevent it from happening.
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SKIP AHEAD:
Engine Specs : 01:05
VALVE SEAT DROPPING ISSUE:
WHAT IS THE TECHNICAL ISSUE?: 03:10
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS & SYMPTOMS? 04:25
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? 05:10
WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE DOES IT CAUSE? 05:47
HOW TO PREVENT THE ISSUE? 07:21
WHAT DOES CHRYSLER SAY ABOUT ALL THIS? 10:07
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#Hemi #Hemivalveseatdrop #HemiFlaw #5.7LHemi

[@lynseyluvsatwink9800]

I've solved my Hemi issues by encasing my entire engine bay in a block of ice. I live in the Nunavut Region so the ice block stays pretty stable until around mid May and is usually gone by early June.

[@Gen3HemiBuilder1964]

20 years as a Chrysler tech, the only time we would see a seat drop is from overheating. Pay close attention to your cooling system, and watch for lean conditions

[@alexh201174]

I occasionally got a code that there was lean from the O2 sensors, I replaced the sensors but never got to test it because she dropped one on me in exactly the described sequence, shutting down the engine, half an hour later restarting it, ran like sh@t en didn't idle anymore so maybe it was because of that lean burn then.

[@Gen3HemiBuilder1964]

@@alexh201174 with those o2 sensors, definitely use only factory sensors, Bosch from the parts store typically causes problems. But as far as the lean code, your fuel pump is likely becoming soft. Replace the pump located under the LR seat, and make sure the fuel transfer tubes from the saddle pump look good.

[@Gen3HemiBuilder1964]

@Curtis Fleabag not necessarily, the early 5.7 NGC controllers were not that sensitive, and if you had anything else that could cause a lean mixture, open intake, open exhaust, compiled with a pump that beginning to weaken and drive it spirited all the time, it’s a done deal.

[@sambo92]

@@Gen3HemiBuilder1964 what kind of problems? I replaced my oe ones with bosch.

[@Gen3HemiBuilder1964]

@@sambo92 over time they can cause a rich or lean condition and a cel illumination. For my customers it’s just not worth it to cause another possible problem. Just use factory sensors. Same thing with their spark plugs, cause stalling issues etc.

[@pettynerd1285]

It happened on my 2005 Magnum R/T at 220,000 miles, luckily the exhaust valve bent trapping the valve seat and preventing any more engine damage. Got the head repaired for under $300 and that engine was still running good when I sold the Magnum with 318,000 miles.

[@GerberFlerber]

Magnum r/t is such a cool car

[@Thelyricalangel7]

What all did yu have to buy

[@bartsullivan4866]

sounds like you got a lot of great use out of that car :).

[@youtubegrass6932]

There are warning signs your car will start shaking badly it just happened to mine it’s fixed now but I was mad asf

[@user-ic2jl5eu6k]

What was wrong hope you don't mind telling me

[@ernestpaul2484]

I have always been a fan of Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth (Mopar) since I was a kid. I have had my share of pre-computer hot rods over the years. When the "new style Charger" came out I was very close to buying one (after the first teething model year went by). I was going to get a used one. Then the Hemi engine fiasco failings started to become public on a regular basis. I considered a V6 version but you know. So glad to see you have laid this all out on the how, what, why of the valve seat dilemma. One of the first things I would remove from the engine is the "dress up" plastic piece sitting on top of it retaining a bunch of heat.

[@jebediahgentry7029]

Your power point skills are on... point!

[@MarspeedCars]

😂😂

[@nintendoatarikiller]

@@MarspeedCars 10/10 would have you as partner for grade 12 powerpoint project

[@STOICREJECT]

@@bfctz632 Its not about money for all youtubers. I make no money

[@specificsjsvn3350]

I wish Ram made a plug in hybrid atleast already. Hemi has been around for a long minute. We need options. As humans vanilla shouldn't be the only flavor 😉

[@paulmann5328]

All those computer classes they made us take in high school 🤣

[@jeremygallagher7775]

Recently bought an 08 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 knowing I'd need to do some engine work , I did not previously know about the valve seat issue but am glad I know now . Thanks for your very informative video .

[@W.Khairi]

Very very informational, well put together, and Well presented video, Thank you very much.

[@Dravyn21x]

This happened to my Charger at 153000. Got the engine rebuilt and now it runs great

[@redskinsavage2490]

How much

[@cesar369x]

How much did that cost?

[@ricky-sanchez]

Your not changing your oil at jiffy lube right?

[@chadhaire1711]

at 153K the entire car has fallen apart...LOL....time for the junk yard...

[@rickydiamond8215]

@@ricky-sanchez my buddy use to work at one. Manager said ‘ if the customer is not there, don’t change the oil just make it look like you did

[@livfreelee]

I've seen mechanics using a small punch around the valve seats to increase the holding strength while the heads were removed for other repairs. I own a 2011 300C that may not be affected, as you state 2003-2008 had this problem. It has 60,000 miles and has been very dependable so far.

[@unstablebobgable]

It's a shame that Chrysler doesn't offer any recourse for the damaged engines. But I'm glad to see Marspeed is rebuilding his beautiful Daytona.

[@Scypher0th]

i would say the same about hyundai 4cyl engines and subaru headgaskets

[@shawncole6122]

I’ve got a 2004 dodge truck with the 57 hemi and it’s got close to 164000 miles and I’ve replaced the spark plugs one time and it’s going strong it’s been a great truck it might die tomorrow but it’s one of the best trucks I’ve ever had

[@repnatl]

@@Scypher0th Hyundai and kia issued a recall for hundreds of engines due to machining flaws destroying the engines no matter the mileage. Chrysler should have made a recall on this, the plastic shift interlock which now there is an upgraded metal fix, their pcm and throttle bodies should have been recalled also. I replace those all day at my shop. The front suspension is exactly the same as Mercedes as they were partners at the time and have a high failure rate even with low mileage.

[@bryceweaver8211]

@Larry Ballard My friend at work had this exact scenario happen on his Truck. 160k miles. I feel bad for him. He had just rebuilt the entire front end. New radiator and water pump, t-stat.

[@captainobvious5993]

@@shawncole6122 I think it effects those with the mds your doesn't have mds

[@darynsmith1687]

My 2008 Ram 1500 has 303400 miles. That being said your video and the one for 2009+ models with this engine give me confirmation that it's time to fix it before it dies.. it's starting to misfire a bit and variable hesitation / surging when accelerating up long grades with steady throttle. Great video . Thanks

[@davidklein5007]

Excellent video, thanks so much for posting. I have a 2007 Magnum R/T with about 85,000 miles on it and no problem so far. Just from collecting the anecdotes I figured out that it usually happens from a hot stop with a brief shutdown, like running errands or getting fuel. I also came up with your technique of idling, which I usually do for 45 s because that length of time seems to cause the temp gauge to drop sharply and it stabilizes thereafter. I also run the heater when I'm doing this, to draw more heat out of the engine.

[@marcomoreno24_7]

Does that heater trick actually work ?

[@davidklein5007]

@@marcomoreno24_7 Yes, I can see the temp gauge drop faster if I run the heater on high. Passengers will complain, however

[@rodking9714]

So far, so good! I keep up on the maintenance and use Pennzoil high mileage/full synthetic oil. At 185,000 my 2007 Hemi Durango is still running strong. Looking at the 2015 Chrysler 200 S for a second vehicle.

[@jayoh360]

don't buy it bro don't do it take ur win with the durango and buy a car from anyone else

[@HollywoodHornet]

My takeaway from this is "Cylinder deactivation is the enemy of the people".

[@RageCannon-tf3ob]

GM's new cylinder deactivation system is actually really sophisticated and helpful for highway cruising but I see what you mean because nobody likes the old Cadillac V-8-6-4 system lol

[@MarspeedCars]

It was honestly annoying on mine unless you drive long long highway distances

[@austinreed347]

@@MarspeedCars no one does that in a charger with a hemi

[@snek9353]

There's no way MDS is a contributor here, it's a great system, I'm a fan.

[@keithyj11]

@@MarspeedCars agree 💯

[@jackdoyle9448]

Great info. I have a 2006 Dodge Durango Limited with the 5.7. Bought it with 87k miles and now have 106k. While I have had no issues so far your video has encouraged me to upgrade my cooling system as a future mod.

[@uzdy1]

I had a 2005 Durango SLT with 205000 miles. I drove for a half hour shut the vehicle off and when I went to start it the exact experience you described happen to me. The rest of the vehicle was in such good shape plus had a new transmission that I decided to drop a REM motor in it with new valve seats. Thanks for the info for prevention.

[@DaNoopsie94]

Great advice and good information. One thing I might add...if you get a handheld tuner you can also adjust the temperature at which the fans kick on. In my magnum I slapped in the 180° thermostat and have my fans kick on earlier. At idle I sit at around 193° and after spirited driving it spiked up to around 197-203°. I've seen as high as 213 but that was in the middle of Phoenix, AZ in July after doing a few pulls.

[@Juju-zq5qj]

So what are the exact temps you have them come on? I have the Diablo I3 and followed HHP’s website.

[@JayyBird93]

@@Juju-zq5qj where do they list their recommendations?

[@Juju-zq5qj]

@@JayyBird93 search HHP 180 thermostat for 5.7 hemi and there should be a page with everything you need

[@Sand15676]

223,000 miles on my 07 Charger R/T and still runs like a champ.

[@BuildZFortnite]

Hell yeah I have 80k on mine but I beat on it hella

[@V8_Diva]

223k? Holy shit! I just got my 07 R/T and it only has 68k 😢

[@Sand15676]

@@V8_Diva just make sure to get all scheduled maintenance done and you should be good.

[@f.c.ftheteam8624]

@@V8_Diva 340000 on my 04 Durango

[@Ahnenerbe1944]

Just bought a Magnum R/T. 182k miles. I have maintenance records going back to 09. I changed the leaking valve cover gaskets the other day, and there is absolutely no sludge. I was impressed. They will last forever if you maintain them

[@winter_in_vegas_]

Custom ordered 2006 Magnum RT AWD 127K mile and still going strong. I’m the daughter of the original owner and babied from day one till I got it. I have been rough on this car and don’t always get the maintenance done right away and it STILL runs super strong. I’ll mention I live in Las Vegas where the temps get really hot! I do play with auto stick periodically and never shut it off immediately after driving long periods. This video kinda scared me but I might already be doing a few things to prevent this from happening to my car. Thanks for making this video and bringing the issue to my attention.

[@PreparedOverlander]

I have a 2005 Grand Cherokee, from what I have seen in your other videos, this year did not have the MDS in it, that started in 2006. My engine is running strong, I have 74k miles on it right now. The previous owner was an elderly person who did not drive much, but that does not equate to less problems, especially when the person who last changed the spark plugs didnt bother to gap them. Thanks for the video.

[@aaronvilla13]

I remember stressing over this years ago but I got it rebuilt and vamonos with the straight pipe

[@mikegreer9041]

Something's wrong with mine, it's been perfect.

[@Bartonovich52]

Built on a Tuesday.

[@dissomeboolshiethowsyourda3443]

Bought not built 🙃

[@brandoncoppock4012]

@@dissomeboolshiethowsyourda3443 he’s saying built in the factory you fucking simp.

[@dissomeboolshiethowsyourda3443]

@@brandoncoppock4012 stfu you blimp for a face . It was joke you nut

[@1manarmy937]

Savage

[@dank_crusad3r]

Same thing happened to my Mom’s 2007 Dodge Charger. It happened at around 100,000 miles. The car had a lifetime power train warranty on it, but they tried denying it by blaming it on a faulty thermostat. Turns out they were testing the thermostat wrong and they ended up having to honor the warranty. The car is now mine and is at 185,000 miles, so it’ll be any day now. Thanks for the good tips on preventing this from happening. I’ll start doing the maintenance more often to hopefully squeeze as much life out of it as possible.

[@mattshansen9814]

I have a 02 ram with a hemi. Thanks for the heads up, I will definitely be addressing this issue.

[@Blue-moon12]

I like the fact you show a UK 2006 3.0 diesel for the JGC 😉

[@MarspeedCars]

😩🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Blue-moon12]

@@MarspeedCars Haha. No harm done.

[@bmurphy902]

So that's why the driver is sitting in the passenger's seat; got it.

[@DoubleDJ11]

181k miles on my 07 ram, was going to install new lifters soon and now probably need valve seats as well while I'm at it! Thank you!!

[@LilB901]

My heads went out right at 200,000 miles in my 2006 300C ! I put 40,000 of them on there. I bought it because it was one owner & clean. I’m getting new ones. I’m going to change that thermostat & try to take off the MDS. I would run straight pipe but I don’t want to make lots of noise. Just some. Great Video!

[@allenhain2222]

Yep, happened at 90K, I believe it was heat related too! Wife drove it for 10 mins down the road... stopped for gas and bam! Over and I had to rebuild it. Always check to make sure your fans are operational. Your engine can heat to 240F and little will show on the dash gauge. After many times driving with this occurring, I believe it weakens the seat and fitment. Good luck all!

[@billknight5578]

I have an 04 Ram 1500 Hemi non vvt thank god, I never heard of this valve seat issue before. Thanks for informing me of it, my Ram has been on countless long road trips, trips to the local strip and the street race with no issues other than her healthly appetite for 93 octane lol..... I run a tune and thats the octane needed for it. I would definitely buy another Ram with the Hemi any day.

[@billknight5578]

@Hybrid Libertarian I use 93 because it's required for the tune the truck has in it. Before it was tuned I ran 89 and a tank of 93 once a month. No issues.

[@captainobvious5993]

The 04 hemi does not have the mds system

[@billknight5578]

@@captainobvious5993 thanks Captain Obvious, sorry man I just had to do it lol...... Your right no mds until 06 I believe, but I've heard if you got the first off the line 06's they didn't have it either? I've never seen one myself.

[@AustinDouglas75]

My 5.7 is a lifter ticking beast 💯💪🏽

[@luxurylimo1]

Thanks for the Video, very informative and helpful for my own personal experience. I still love the Hemi, and have now gone with the 2013 Chrysler 300C- so hopefully won't have this issue again!

[@luxurylimo1]

I experienced this same thing at 110k miles on my 2006 Charger R/T 5.7L. Had been freeway driving during the summer, pulled into apartment and shut off for a few moments waiting for my son. Started it back up and WHAMMY! The engine made a strange rumbling, then it stalled, never to start again! Thanks for the vid.

[@NMCustoms]

And that's why I'm having mine rebuilt this winter lol. Where was this video last year when I was spending hours researching the issue XD, Great video btw. I can't wait to be worry-free next year when mines back from the shop.

[@MarspeedCars]

That’s why I wanted to make it to hopefully help fellow Hemi owners out! Being worry-free will be very nice lol

[@jamescooper5204]

04 Durango 155,000 miles, I change oil every 3000 miles & replace 1quart of oil with lucus oil stabilizer, so far so good

[@HunterAllan]

Just bought a 2008 police charger, this video was very helpful and will hopefully save me a lot of headache in the future!

[@lawrence4211]

Yep , it happened to me on my 2012 Ram 1500 at 130.000 miles. Thank God for the extended warranty I bought! $10.000 new engine, deductible was $100.00.

[@sambo92]

This is why I tell people, 180 thermostat, change your oil often, get a catch can and don't let the thing idle for long.

[@martinmessineo4964]

I have an '05 Hemi Magnum. I did all that as well as program my cooling fans to come on 25° earlier and keep the engine ~20° cooler at all times. I'll also let it idle for a few minutes before shutting it off.

[@sambo92]

@@martinmessineo4964 good man

[@Blue-moon12]

Thanks for this video it was very informative

[@MarspeedCars]

Thanks for watching!

[@Garcansdad]

Very informative. Thanks for posting.

[@mopardad3959]

Great info fantastic job of explaining 👏 thanks

[@j.d.mcginn6946]

Wow great well researched video. This problem is easily resolved by doing what I've done for every water cooled ice vehicle I've ever had. Install a 160 stat and biggest aluminum radiator you can fit and tune for it. Done. The hemi will likely run as long as u would want it to. Last one went 175000 miles with 10000 mile oil changes still running just fine.

[@salemgeleidi857]

How about 180 Tstat?

[@j.d.mcginn6946]

Yeah I tried a 180 and it's surely better than stock and the best choice if you're up north. A big radiator will mean 175 water temp so that's not too bad. But here in the south with a 160 stat and the same big radiator in 100 degree weather I run 170 degrees- 155 in the winter. To sum up- 180 in the north, say Oklahoma and north, 160 down south. Have a problem with heat in the winter- just stick a piece of cardboard in there between grille and radiator works fine.

[@salemgeleidi857]

Nice, no i live in north Africa, it's hot here so I'm running 180 and it's doing great, gonna add a pulley fan along with the electric to secure the cooling sector lol, i just had my engine rebuilt though

[@splitsecondmagician]

Kind of like how GM's AFM system tends to destroy camshafts. That's why my coworker is doing an AFM delete rebuild on his Chevy.

[@nicholascortez728]

Similar issue with MDS as well.

[@mayonnaiseluther1568]

You can disable the AFM with an OBD

[@brandonh9016]

@@mayonnaiseluther1568 It still will fail. Thats why I did a LS3 conversion

[@FlatPlaneCranky]

Great video brother! Keep em coming!!

[@regislafayette7363]

Just happened to me. 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L But I wanna thank you because before I buy that car, I did some research to see pros and cons of the engine, and yours made me buy one of those extended warranties. And now I’m relieved because they’re paying the whole thing. 101,327 Miles.

[@mitchellchristenson3717]

Happened to mine also, shortly after being overheated. Its now a 400 stroker! No ragrets

[@rickydiamond8215]

From a 5.7 block? Pretty sic if it was

[@mitchellchristenson3717]

@@rickydiamond8215 yes 5.7 block. fully ported heads, howards 786045-14 cam, molnar forged crank, cp carillo H-beams, carillo diamond series pistons, 11:1 compression, 6.1 intake and ceramic coated stock 6.4 exhaust manifolds. She still heavy but boy can she move :D

[@michaelshare1105]

Almost the exact scenario happened to me on my 2006 300C AWD. Engine was running flawlessly at 105K miles and then one day after a couple hour highway trip I stopped for gas, went to restart and it stalled. Had it towed to my mechanic and he managed to get it started and voila, destroyed the engine. I put a used engine in and am hoping this won't occur again as I'm coming up on about the same mileage on that engine three years later.

[@kammedGarages]

Same year mines around 134k miles still strong 😎

[@frankpapaeliou5630]

2007 Dodge Charger 5.7L HEMI 137,000 miles. Bought at auction mechanics special for $1200. Found it had a dropped valve seat in cylinder 4. Piston and right head were in bad shape. Block was ok just honed it out. Replaced head, piston from local recycled auto yard. Ordered gasket set, new oil filter and new oil, replaced thermostat to a 185 degree. I did all the labor total cost was $300.00. I live in Idaho where it gets cold and I did get a check engine light that the engine didn't reach proper temperature, which is ok by me. It's been about a year, and it runs great. I'm 73 and I don't abuse it. It reminds me of my '70 340 Duster, loved it.

[@joep.4346]

Thanks for the information. Me and my 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T (85k miles) really appreciate it. 👍

[@alexbruh14]

I’m at 200k in my magnum r/t still going strong only had to replace the radiator a couple times

[@hemi-pwer2639]

Im only at 104k and replaced only a waterpump and a radiator hose

[@kylealton4347]

Should get an aluminum one instead of the plastic so the deposits don't build up

[@andrewhigdon8346]

Aha! I’m on my third radiator. The second one lasted about 14 months and leaked in the exact same place, bottom passenger side near where the other lines plumb in, I think the trans cooler. Interestingly, my brothers ‘09 Ram 1500 is on its third radiator, leaked in same place twice, near fittings, but drivers side. Now it appears that it’s where the side tanks attach to the core part.

[@petermorton2869]

@@kylealton4347 yes you are right Kyle Aluminum Radiators is the way to go they are the Best that you can get I know they are not cheap but in the long run you would never ever had to replace it Kind Regards Peter

[@jlo4905]

On my 2007 Chrysler 300c, I never push it over 3k hpm I keep it low, hopefully that’ll never happen to me, great video!! Thanks for the heads up!

[@daboiikev6955]

Hope shes still doing good bro take care of her 🙌🏽

[@jsigmon57]

Great video. I have a 2003 Ram 2500 with the 5.7 HEMI that just turned 150,000 miles. No problems. I have always used Mobil 1 since the very first oil change. I have never seen the temperature go past the halfway mark. It is the best engine I have owned. One slight correction to your information, the 1500 Ram did not receive an upgrade and HEMI engine until 2004.

[@gavinbitz2563]

Ive never heard of this problem being common on the 5.7 hemis. I've heard of lifter problems but never this. However if I had to take a guess on what would cause seat drop would be 1. Overheating, 2. Starting in cold temps and not letting engine warm up. And letting cool off if its hot.

[@abaddon3735]

You should make a video covering Cadillac's Northstar engines, specifically the early generations of it. It's interesting because the engine is argued to be one of the most complex designed for its time, but also one of the most unreliable. World famous for blowing head gaskets until this was finally fixed in like 05

[@birdwayne4358]

I have a 08 6 speed auto North Star engine and it's very reliable and runs like a beast

[@davedave8932]

I have a 97 Seville and yeah it takes some special love to prevent those problems

[@abaddon3735]

@@birdwayne4358 Yeah they fixed the problem by then, the problem in earlier models was head bolts liked to corrode and thus overheat and crack, the bolts were too small

[@jtaylor0727]

Nicely done.... great information!

[@daveblyden1325]

I bought a new 03 Ram Q/ Cab w/the 5.7 Hemi and I am still driving it without no problem. It's been cross country twice with 164k miles. I think maintenance is the key. Thanks for the info.

[@braxwright31]

My dad had an 05 hemi ram since new. Raced it, beating any other truck it raced (back in the 2000s) while also being a full time work truck pulling trailers etc. with temps under zero to over 100 where we live. Never dropped a valve seat but went through many water pumps, pwr steering pumps, a transmission at 295k miles, and was sold at 405k miles.

[@caldoborg]

260k miles on my 04 ram runs like a champ.

[@jesscarey7666]

Great video! Very informative 👍

[@andrewhigdon8346]

Sorry if I’ve already commented on this as I could easily write a book about my experiences with my dealership and having a MaxCare Lifetime Bumper to Bumper Warranty on my 2006 Magnum RT bought new at same dealership. I’ll try to make this short. One day, summer, 15 minutes of idling with Ac full tilt, I hear a ping, look at gauges, temp gauge is pegged. Like, pegged, or at least middle of red section. No other warning at all, except the AC began not blowing cold right before that ping alarm. And I’m the kinda guy who would notice if my temp gauge was not dead middle as normal, so this went from normal temp to pegged in who knows how much time, but not long. Overflow was empty. Yet no water in the ground. I put water in, drive to gas station and put more in, can’t find any leak at all, drive home, bewildered. Very, very weird. This cycle went on for about two months, July through August in Charleston, SC. Hot. I always pay attention to fluids on the driveway, and I had never seen any water on the driveway, and never find water in the engine compartment. And on and on, it would ping the temp gauge maybe once a week or less, and sometimes I’d catch it in the 2 o’clock position. But even then, it never ran more than a few seconds after the heat alarm. So finally I started smelling coolant in the HVAC vents, however slight, but there. My father in law was with me one time, and he smiled it too, confirming. my sanity. So I eft it running and we both looked under the hood. Had he not been standing next to me I’m not sure if I’d ever have found this leak, but I was in front for the passenger headlight, bent over trying to see the fans and the radiator while the sun blazed over head. So when my face was right down near the top of the radiator, I felt moisture. I tried to feel it again and it took a few minutes to find it again, but couldn’t trace the source. It was weird as hell, knowing the car is using water, yet no evidence to speak of, and now felt water on my face, but when I tried to find its source I couldn’t find the water on my face for several minutes, but that’s because the water level had dropped. Finally I found the mist when I grabbed a powerful light to investigate. The tiniest, slightest, almost invisible stream of water was so fine it took holding the light just right to even see it, and feeling it was not as easy as you’d think. So this happened maybe right around 100,000 miles, and then again the next fall, same scenario, same spot on the radiator. Since it is under warranty I didn’t inspect the leak too much, but I should have. And it appears that these leaky radiators are a common problem across the Chrysler line-up, yet not really paid any attention because people just assume, oh, a bad radiator. And replace it without any concern as to why. Also of note, each time this happened I lost the water pump and the AC compressor not long after the radiator replacement. The second time it also took out the alternator I believe. So here’s the hypothesis: pin hole leak in radiator such that it is so slow and so slight that you don’t even see water on the ground, no signs at all, everything seems fine until out of nowhere the engine is overheating. Owner tops off water, continues on, until it happens again, maybe days or weeks later. So under the radar that you could almost attribute it to the overflow tank owing water since it’s so hot and your cranking the AC and idling a lot. So you forget about it. What kind of coolant leak can take two weeks? So here’s what I think is happening. I’m very mechanically inclined and have been a gear head since 14. And this caught me off guard every time. Most people might not react so quickly or even know what to do, maybe they’re in stop and go rush hour traffic when it happens, as opposed to a parking lot or my driveway. So the engine overheats, but really overheats. Problem here is that where the temp sending unit is, the engine won’t know it’s running hot until there is so little water that at some point the water pump is no longer pumping water, the AC also not getting any cooling, and upper engine might not be getting enough water, yet the temp sending unit before that might not know it’s running hot, but the head do know it’s hot. Not sure about the water jacket routes. But I feel really lucky that my car hasn’t dropped a valve seat yet. Although I’ve never let it keep running while overheated, it has happened maybe twenty times or more over two radiators. So I think that when the water pump doesn’t have enough water running through it, from low coolant level, the bearing starts to cook, and maybe the seal is a side effect, or combined, but either the weep hole starts to drip, or the the bearing starts to whine, I’ve experienced both. Then about a month or so later the AC starts acting up. A little this, a little that. Then the compressor dies, one time spectacularly, squealing like crazy, smoke pouring out from under the hood, and when o went to look at it, there was bits of rubber being pushed out between the clutch and the casing. Wild stuff. So first radiator goes, then water pump, then AC comp, then maybe another AC component which was damaged form low water, then maybe the fans die, together or separately, after running too long when it’s too hot because there’s no water in the radiator. So radiator, water pump, AC parts, cooling fan, maybe valve seat, maybe o2 sensors, maybe cats get toooo hot, maybe the overflow tank gets damaged form it’s extra work. But the bottom line is that Chrysler knows about the faulty radiators, but does nothing, yet costing themselves thousand of warranty dollars more by denying it all. Who knows how many people had dropped valve seats, got blamed for driving the car hot, yet not realizing till much later that the radiator has a leak so insidious that it damages things without any normal warning signs. Entire engines pretty often. So all these customers get blamed for Chrysler’s mistake. Is that legit? You read the Magnusson/Moss Warranty Act, especially the Implied Warranty section and let me know. I say Chrysler is guilty as can be, and they didn’t count on any customers putting it all together. And that’s just the beginning gif the Chrysler/Dealership story.

[@modine6968]

Well good, I'm glad you got your charger back on the road where it belongs

[@TheLawrenceWade]

I wonder if I can fit a supercharged Slant-6 into mine... [whips out tape measure and opens the hood]

[@eventhisidistaken]

When you pay ~$50k for a vehicle, the power train really shuld last 200k miles. In trucks in particular, which tend to get used much more than commuter cars.

[@jaredglass2562]

Great video, would love to see one on the cam shafts issues

[@Notactive454]

I had the literally same problem with my r/t at a gas station too 😂 dropped $6k for a new 5.7 now it’s back up and running better than ever with better valve seats and pistons and piston rings

[@rescueaviationfilms1019]

What about the notorious ticking that almost every hemi eagle and pre eagle does. The lifter stops and eats the cam alive which I’ve heard of happening much more than this. The camshaft also does not get proper oil flow until higher than 2,000 rpm or so. This is why they say idling is also such a bad thing for this engine and really every engine. But this could more than likely be fixed if dodge installed a high volume oil pump and better quality lifters from factory.

[@MarspeedCars]

That’s maybe the next video I need to make that affects 2009 and up Hemis, there’s always something it seems 😩

[@gmlover82]

That’s what happened to my Ram. 130k and the cylinder 3 intake lifter seized up and slowly at the cam. Never had the tick or check engine light. I noticed the loss of power and took it in. Engine was spotless inside since I had used synthetic from day one at 6k intervals. $3400 later it was on the road to the dealer to be sold.

[@iamthecheese2737]

This is one of the reasons I stay away from those Hemis whenever i see one for sale. I just don't need to be buying someone else's ticking time bomb. Good to see there's upgraded aftermarket fixed though that aren't terribly expensive. Another thing I've heard about the engines is they can be oil starved at low RPMs.

[@michaelgimenez4032]

This low oil pressure canncause the thicking noise because the valve lifters are not lubricated properly if you idle the car for long periods. If you idle for extended periods ( stuck outside during a cold winter) you have to rev the engine sometimes to get the oil flowing to the too end. That engine was not designed to idle for nothing.

[@iamthecheese2737]

@@michaelgimenez4032 that's the case for many Dodge vehicles. They're happy at high RPMs. The engines and transmissions. I've got a Durango R/T, absolutely terrible in the city stop and go. Transmission is rough after it warms up. Highway though she flies with no issues.

[@deanda1229]

I own a 2004 ram with 180,000 miles and a 2007 300C with 140,000 miles have been lucky but I do frequent maintenance and always keep an eye on the temp when I travel. Thanks for those tips. Been thinking of pulling a set from a junkyard and rebuild it to swap it with mine and then redoing mine to swap it with the other car before either car drops a valve seat.

[@roberta.6295]

Reminds me of the old Saab 900 turbo. No intercooler and would drop seats like crazy! Nice video, good work! The cure here is a real good machine shop that can install the updated seats and do it correctly. On the old Saab I once worked on I peened the head all around the exhaust vale seats in an effort to lock them in place. My advice is sell the car!

[@RamPenndragon]

Respectfully, I am a Chrysler engine development engineer of over 32 years although I didn't participate in the development of the 5.7 but I was working when it occurred. First are you sure the greatest occurrence is on deactivated cylinders as this makes no sense since these cylinders would cool off quicker and the aluminum would tighten up on the valve seat sooner? Also thank you for providing so many pictures as I noted detonation indications in some of them. Is it possible that , at least some individuals were using less than the recommended fuel quality? Detonation dramatically increases the heat load into both the piston and the head and this would certainly compromise the interference fit between the valve seat and the head.

[@kylealton4347]

Well, it could be possible that it's the ones that are shut off. In fact it would make the most sense that it would be the cylinders neighboring the firing cylinders because they'd be so close to the heat for so long, and the block would be hotter and the aluminum would be hotter through the heat transfer but the steel would remain cold. You're thinking as if it were reacting to direct heat as if it were isolated. This would make the valve seat closest to the neighboring piston still cold while the cylinder of the side that it's on is hot, and most likely really hot after long driving periods, as any motor would get. So now that all that's uneven. You go shut the car off, start it back up, all 8 cylinders are firing now, the mds cylinders that stay on are normal operating temp. The 2 cylinders furthest away are cold and the 2 cylinders in-between, well they just dropped their valve seats

[@reaper5498]

They eat camshafts having that active

[@Datoneguyfromstl]

I’ve rebuilt my maggy and countless other hemis with the dropped valve seat issue. It is not a hard job to do if you have some spare time and some cold 🍺 🤗

[@AdapeGaming]

Could u fix mine?where are u located

[@kylerichardson5863]

Great video, very informative. I have 07 charger 5.7 awd and I always wondered what the fuel saver mode really did, and I know how to prevent dropping a valve seat and fix before it happens!

[@omarmalyomarmaly9323]

mb u know how to fix after its drops ^)?

[@netsurfers9357]

The 4th Generation has problems with premature Cam/lifter wear from what I have been reading as well. Exhaust manifold bolts have been known to snap as well, because of the difference in temperature. I have not found anything on my 2019 5th generation RAM 4x4 as of yet.

[@mr.300c]

I feel like my 2007 300c SRT Design is going to do this. I made a video about the sound the engine is doing (HEMI Tick?🤭). 198K miles but engine was replaced before I bought it (around 150K). Wish i had the documentation of the engine 🤦🏿‍♂️. Paying it off in 2 weeks and then deciding on what to do. 😬😨. Great video as always! 🤝🏿

[@MarspeedCars]

Hemi tick seems to not be so detrimental as I know many that tick, but still makes us uneasy for sure lol, hope all stays well with it!

[@snek9353]

That would have a 6.1, so no issues with valve seats.

[@mr.300c]

@@snek9353 i have a 5.7L.

[@mr.300c]

@Hybrid Libertarian if you say so. Now my car is in the shop. If you bored, you can peep my channel to see my journey 😅

[@jellyjam777]

@@snek9353 he said “SRT Design” not “SRT8”. Hence the name it’s just the design of the SRT but without the SRT engine.

[@Xpansiongaming281]

The 05’ ram I’m currently driving is V8 all day everyday no MDS here

[@DisappointedScrosh]

Same here börther. 2010 Charger R/T AWD w/ mds disabled via tune. 15mpg börther

[@VonSpud]

2005 Rumble Bee 167,000 km or just over 100,000 miles. Never gets really hot in Northern Canada...plus I don't really bag the truck anyway. Still concerned of course...may do the 180 degree thermostat fir summer only. Thanks for vid.

[@lisaiavello5409]

Thank you for this video. Very good information. Unfortunately, my 2007 dodge magnum gave no indication anything was wrong. I had been driving around town utilizing my roomy cargo space to acquire necessities. Shut off the car to offload a passenger. Attempted to restart after an estimated 15 minutes. My beautiful "Pearl" made sounds any death metal band would be proud of. She threw a rod and poor thing had "piston bits" in her intake manifold. UNDER 80,000miles. Full engine replacement.. getting a Jasper rebuilt.

[@randyrivero6765]

Very informative...and very true for i had a very same issue with my 2007 300c and to save time,money and labor, i changed the whole engine.

[@EDmazeing]

My 2006 RT has 95k, you have me nervous now man 😧

[@MarspeedCars]

Hope yours won’t be affected man!

[@stephon3267]

My cam just went out in my 06 Daytona charger

[@stephon3267]

@DasherDk that's sucks and I was at 170,000 miles when mine went out

[@Angelo2005white]

@DasherDk driveshaft? What issues with that

[@Angelo2005white]

@DasherDk thank you ! I have an 2008 charger rt and have 163,000 on it I only had suspension issues I replace the front upper/lower control arms , struts and now I’m reading these comments making me try to take preventives

[@MaddJakd]

'Simple' fix for a gearhead. All the engine builds I've dug into lately, there were quite a few odd part swaps and aftermarket options to mitigate similar in the LS's among others. Shame Dodge won't just fix it for all the 5.7s on the road, but I suppose they expect most really about it will tear the thing down eventually anyway in the quest for powa!

[@julianmeza1435]

Mine running fine 😁 still hasn't happened to me 108k miles. Doing maintenance a little before it actually needs it keeping it running 💯

[@slingshotmafiamark9689]

2010 Challenger R/T 6 speed manual track pack, 6.1 short's, 180 thermostat, cat delete, Flowmaster 40's, ported throttle body, 6.1 intake manifold, and Roto-Fab cold air intake. 156,000 miles still running strong. Nothing but synthetic oil and 93 octane.👍

[@Juju-zq5qj]

You got the eagle bro this affects 03-08 hemis

[@TheRealHackerMan]

Great video! 2006 charger rt 47000 miles running great:)

[@specificsjsvn3350]

47k are low miles of course it's doing great..

[@chasesmith9398]

My 2018 rt has over 50k. How did you manage to not drive it over 11 years.

[@RageCannon-tf3ob]

Still one of the best engines ever made along with the LS1

[@Iyoten01]

How can this be the best engine made with so many flaws?

[@TannerHays137]

@@Iyoten01 it’s cause he’s biased

[@RageCannon-tf3ob]

@@Iyoten01 He talked about one flaw and this isn't the same Hemi that's being made today. Almost all engines have at least one defect

[@RageCannon-tf3ob]

@@TannerHays137 I wouldn't say biased more the fact that I'm allowed to have an opinion

[@Iyoten01]

@@TannerHays137 makes sense, he does seem like the type to be close minded

[@GabrielSorrow]

I have an 04 ram and while I kept the stock 203 thermostat, I did install an engine oil cooler and an oil temp gauge. My oil temp in the summer stays between 190 and 200 and as low as 170 in the winter.

[@barbieball]

yes, it happened to me. it was at around 145000 miles. Exact same scenario, long drive, shut off and then on restarting it just shook like crazy. Unfortunately I replaced the engine before I saw this information. Now I have to see what I can do about preventing this from happening again.

[@collinklitz7434]

You should do a video like this on the GM Northstar motors

[@Melikefire18]

That be a 2 hour long video...

[@brendan.h293]

Things like this scares me from getting a v8, just so much that can go wrong with them compared to the v6

[@terryp837]

The v8 will always be a more reliable engine across the board. Either engine is good in current times for Dodge though. The v6 is a great quality engine in the Challengers and Chargers, Jeeps, etc., with the HEMI being even better.

[@terrylewis8802]

V6 prob worse. I have a 2010 awd charger with 37k on it. Has stuck exhaust valve. Rocker arm assemblies on 3.5 are junk.

[@kennethfharkin]

My 2006 Charger Daytona just suffered this, I believe. With 115,000 miles driving home on the Long Island Expressway in evening traffic I noticed the faint sweet smell of coolant. My temp was fine so I wasn't certain if it was my car or another near me. I changed lanes and places in traffic but still smelled the coolant. At that point the temp began to rise. By the time I got across all lanes of traffic to to the shoulder and stopped the temp had risen significantly but still not to the red and no warnings had come on although some steam was coming out from under the hood. I stopped, killed the engine, popped the hood, then let everything cool for about 10 min. I saw the cause of the leak, the hose from the top of the radiator to the engine had a small split and lost all the coolant; surprising as it otherwise looked to be in excellent condition, as were all other hoses which had been replaced within the last 30,000 miles. After cooling I added some coolant and was going to limp to the nearest autoparts store a couple minutes away but the engine did not want to start. Waited almost two hours for a tow and now my mechanic confirmed this is what happened... This REALLY SUCKS!!!

[@BurninGas]

Thanks for video. Considering buying a dodge with this engine in the near future. Good to know it's semi-preventable and a moderately cheap fix.

[@YTisDumb]

Wow, I didn't know the 5.7 had the same problem as the 4.7. Guess I'll keep idling for 30 seconds before shutting it down. Also, I would suggest an upper cylinder lubricant like Lucas. Pretty self explanatory.

[@munchierepublic7985]

What does the idlling for 30sec do? Your not the first I heard that from.

[@martinmessineo4964]

@@munchierepublic7985 it allows your engine to cool down a bit and for all cylinders to level out at the same temperature (such as the ones that are shut down when MDS is active while cruising). This helps to prevent heat soak, which is a main cause of dropping valve seats.

[@Sappy6517]

dam i have 175000 on my 06 charger daytona hemi i need to check mine out im gonna disable that cylinder deactivation

[@khaos_creed]

186 on a 06 charger rt. Yeah i baby mine and that still makes me want to check. To be honest i am more afraid of the sun roof leaking and i end up with a car pool. No pun intended -.-

[@baileyhatfield4273]

@Hybrid Libertarian I got an 06, sucks to suck i guess lol. It's a Daytona so it's half ok. Not that it means much more than cosmetics really. 130k still strong, for sure happens but it's not a giant deal. People with problems will make themselves known.

[@waynecossington1574]

had same problem car had previously over heated before i got it. this is one of main factors as you said i repaired mine but had bit of trouble getting new seat fitted, hemis bit more rare over this side of the pond just a fair bit of work to do

[@theocschannel4111]

Thank you. This happened TWICE on my 3.7 V6 2002 Liberty! First time, was out of the blue, 2nd time was the coolant was low, but I had no way of knowing because the temp gauge never moved.

[@RJARRRPCGP]

That gen Liberty, is known for airbag problems, there's a good chance that the dreaded "AIRBAG" light randomly comes on. IIRC, they were recalled, because reportedly, the air bag can inflate randomly when in operation!

[@theocschannel4111]

@@RJARRRPCGP Was a known issue/recall, had it fixed at the dealership. Further research suggests it’s the sensor.

[@theocschannel4111]

Thanks for the info.

[@RJARRRPCGP]

@@theocschannel4111 Know what's more scary? I don't know if they have the faulty "shrapnel" air bags or not.

[@paulorlando2718]

@@RJARRRPCGP There was a recall a few years back-taken care of.

[@kbrx4310]

@Marspeed do an MDS failure video pleaseeeee..seems like dodge has had about 12 revisions of lifters since the eagle came out.

[@snek9353]

MDS is not an issue, and 1 revision.

[@kbrx4310]

@@snek9353 mds is absolutely an issue , the lifter ledge gets torn up and they then don't lock anymore, on the normal lifters in mds cars the needle bearings have been revised about 12 times til the 787 hellcat lifters..Ive removed ,replaced or partially repaired about 400 in my shop since mds's inception.

[@snek9353]

@@kbrx4310 The MDS failure to lock does occur yes, rare but yes and more often caused by rotation of the inner body. It however is not a cause of the seat and lifter roller issues people are talking about. There's no such thing as hellcat lifters. The 5038787AD is just the latest Non-MDS lifter with the larger rollers. The same lifter is used in all Non-MDS positions in all engines since that update. Yes there's a lot of part numbers, but really only one significant revision, that's the change to larger rollers.

[@munther1071]

Without watching the video just yet. Routine oil changes and turning off MDS using a tuner will save this engine for long long miles ahead!

[@Hats1976]

Not driving at 100 mph everywhere helps to.

[@munther1071]

@@Hats1976 That honestly goes against rhe purpose of a hemi

[@imbrbing]

I think mine just did this, right after starting it the next day after the engine got overheated the day before. 2004 Ram 1500 with 195K miles. Soon as the weather warms up a bit I can investigate. Bad misfire and wont stay started unless I keep mashing the pedal. I suspected a broke valve spring, but this video describes my problem.

[@martinmessineo4964]

I have an '05 Hemi Magnum. To mitigate this issue I installed a free flowing exhaust from the manifolds back, Billet Technology oil catch can, a strict oil change regimen, as well as programed my cooling fans to come on 25° earlier and keep the engine ~20° cooler at all times (via handheld tuner). I'll also let it idle for a few minutes before shutting it off. I haven't shut the MDS off because premium gas is expensive (I'm running a 93 octane CAI tune) and I have a 70 mile daily commute so the MPG is kind of important. I do drive in AutoStick when driving around town though.

[@deseree187]

I have a Dodge magnum RT with over two hundred thousand miles and still running strong, only I had to change was water pump.runs like a bat 🦇 out of hell.

[@chiplloyd3705]

My 2007 Ram 1500 with 5.7l hemi has 219,500 miles on it and runs real well! Kiss of death posting this? We'll see.

[@garyhaley3072]

I have a 2008, 2500 with 257,000 miles it's still strong. I have a 91 octane tune in it and drive it like I stole it. Lol

[@SeekTruth28]

@@garyhaley3072 you have balls of steel, are you still using the original transmission?

[@addet1200]

This happened to my brothers car around April 2020. It´s a 2006 Charger Daytona, MDS was already turned off. I´d probably blame the cooling in this case. We live in Sweden so weather wasn't too warm and it had been running on idle for about 10 minutes. One piston were totally broken and scratches in two cylinders. Engine is now completely refurbished, with brand new heads.

[@frankpapaeliou5630]

2007 Dodge Charger 5.7L Hemi. I bought the Charger at a auction, smoked like hell and rattled. I knew it was a broken car but I was able to replace the right head and # 4 piston and rod. Charger $1700, Head $225, Piston & rod $50, Gasket set 35, Oil & filter $25. Did the work myself, Charger runs great. After viewing this video I plan to change the thermostat and disable the MDS, change oil sooner and watch my tempature. Thanks for the info.

[@jarrettdelarye8834]

ive got an eagle with 145k miles and just hoping my cam isnt getting eaten alive by my lifters

[@MarspeedCars]

Yeah I guess that’s fatal flaw 2.0 on the eagle motors 😩

[@Trckstr971]

And the bad part about that is that issue can’t be fixed unfortunately. Only way to prevent that is to not idle for too long or prob use a thick oil stabilizer so that little amount of oil that makes it to the cam has sufficient film strength

[@iwishigaf]

It’ll be fine if you tune out mds

[@braney56]

@@Trckstr971 Let us know how that "thick oil stabilizer" works out for you.

[@rescueaviationfilms1019]

@@Trckstr971 or a high volume oil pump and some hellcat lifters. The prob is the lifters are cheap and the camshaft isn’t getting enough oil at idle. This is why ford had to go to a high volume oil pump on their explorers.