Do '95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

[Matt]

Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

I was wondering if the '95 RT/10's had the same problem as the earlier models where the cylinder liners shift, breaking the head gasket? In a post last week Jon B mentioned that the '95's had some gasket improvements and I wanted to know if this was one of them.

Matt

 

[Jason-Middle Tennessee]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

I think almost all GEN 1 cars had the head gasket problem. JON B can answer this one for sure though.

 

[Matt]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

That was the impression I was under. In a post a few weeks back there was mention of gasket improvements for the '95 model year. Any idea where those might be?

Matt

 

[Jason-Middle Tennessee]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

Just search the board for "Head Gaskets". That should give you a place to start.

 

[FRANK]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

Is Jon B. the only one who who knows about anything?

 

[kverges]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

I wonder if the Head gasket thing is blown way out of proportion. Statistically, I do not know the number of Head Gasket failures, but wonder what the percentage is. Those with the problem are obviously concerned and therefore vocal. Those without the problem are potentially an overwhelming silent majority.

Anecdotally, I have a '93 with about 19,000 miles and many, many track days in Texas heat with zero head gasket problems. If I need new gaskets after 7 years of ownership, I still think that's pretty reliable for as hard as I have driven the car with zero engine problems of any kind.

Does anyone have sources to tell how many GENI cars, percentage wise, have reported head gasket problems to give us some perspective?

Keith

 

[Jason-Middle Tennessee]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

Jon B is the one to ask and there are others but here is his e-mail address [email protected]

 

[FRANK]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

Personally I think the head gasket issue is way blown out of proportion. First of all, new gaskets should cure the problem - if I was someone who didn't know a wrench from a screwdriver, I would still insist that the gaskets be changed and forget about pulling the motor and sending it back to Chrysler.

Since I can do the work myself, I'd just change the head gaskets. I guarantee that would fix 99% of the cars with the coolant leaks.

What I notice around here is that everyone treats the Viper as if it is some out of the ordinary car. The reason why I bought the Viper was twofold - 1. It was a Mopar (Dodge) and 2. Easy to work on and no complex b.s. to get in your way.

I also notice that there are some people on this bbs who preach alot of advice and suggestions as far as repairs...these same people are the ones who use their local Viper tech on a regular basis and haven't turned a wrench in their lives...

 

[Matt]

Re: Do \'95 Vipers have the head gasket problem?

I wouldn't mind hearing the answer to Keith's question either. It may be that statistically, the ones who have had problems are louder.

I agree that a head gasket replacement after seven years of hard driving is probably not unreasonable, however if it is something that will continue to rear it's head every 20K miles or so, that may become an issue when the warranty runs out. This will be the case with the earlier cars very soon as DC only offer extended service contracts for 8 prior model years. Does anyone know the cost for an out-of-warranty head gasket fix?

Matt