Damper problem

[Ramman]

I have 3 vipers and a Ram SRT-10 VCA edition. On my 2004 viper the crankshaft damper became loose and the dealer torque it back to spec and there has been no other issues. My Ram is a different story. Going to work the engine through the drive belt so I pulled over to check what whent wrong. The truck has 9300 miles on it. Well when I went to put it on the crankshaft damper could be moved around about 3/4 of an inch. Well on a truck for a tow to the dealer and when it was inspected he found that the nose of the crank and the damper were worn to the point that the engine needs a new crankshaft and damper assembly. Well engine is now off to Dodge for a rebuild.

Dose anyone else know of or had this problem in the past? What is the best way of preventing this problem?

Got to admit that all my Vipers are great rides.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Did they try a new damper before they pulled your motor? The crank is A LOT harder then the damper and all the ones I've fixed did not need a crank! When I put them back: red lock-tite & Roe's pinning kit.

 

[Racer Robbie]

loc-tite is a wonderfull thing!!!!

 

[Ramman]

Thanks for the info. This was the second damper. The crank at the end was nearly 1/16 smaller than the base. When I get the engine back from Dodge should I have the dealer pull the damper and Locktite it or will Dodge do that now? Its still under factory warrenty so I don't want to modify anything.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Thanks for the info. This was the second damper. The crank at the end was nearly 1/16 smaller than the base. When I get the engine back from Dodge should I have the dealer pull the damper and Locktite it or will Dodge do that now? Its still under factory warrenty so I don't want to modify anything.

While the motor is out, I would lock-tite & pin it!! Then you'll never have to worry about it again!

 

[Tom Sessions]

You should get a new crank with the larger bolt.The one with the 1 1/4 in head instead of the 21mm head.This one seems to hold much better.Be carefull of the pining kit as this can split the stock damper if it ever slips.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Hi Tom,
I have not seen the damper split from pinning? I have now pinned over 90 of them! I guess I'll be checking them when they come back in! Thanks