Need Help - Chrysler Rep. -400 mile Crankshaft Failure

[rppt]

My New SRT with 400 miles had its crank damaged when the bolt and balancer fell off. My local dealer is very apologetic and agrees the car should be replaced and bought back by chrysler. As I now understand, this is a well known problem that has happened to many viper owners, however chryslers (Dodge) Service Rep, Pennsylvania wants local dealer to yank engine and replace crankshaft or at most send motor out for rebuild.

I am a third time viper owner. 94 red RT-10, 98 GTS-R #14 of 100, and now my new SRT-10 which was purchased off my local dodge dealer's showroom floor after they called me. I have been a strong viper enthusiast that has shared my enthusiasm with many friends who now own vipers.

My SRT was absolutely new and perfect with only 400 miles. PLEASE HELP! Who can I contact in regards to replacing my new car with another perfect new SRT-10. Please forward who can help me at dodge or chrysler or viper. Thank you in advance for helping me. Randy Barson, Allentown, Pennsylvania, (610)393-8043.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Is this car a 2004? When was it purchased? You have e-mail...

 

[rppt]

Car is 04 Model Purchased new off showroom floor purchased 3/04 now it has 420 miles and is sitting dead at local dealer my work # 610-965-1500 would love to speak with you. Email [email protected] Thanks Randy

 

[SRTRICKY]

Yikes I thought this problem was only with the 03's

 

[Steve-Indy]

Not on stock 2003's as they had the bigger bolt...torqued to 250 lb-ft by my memory...the major concerns were on 2004's...high HP cars may be a further worry.

 

[Janni]

Wasn't there a recall on this?

 

[Steve-Indy]

Not listed as such on NHTSA site Office of Defect Investigation for 2004 SRT-10...in fact, NO REcalls listed for 2004 Viper.

There were TSB's...one of which was:

"THE CAMSHAFT SPROCKET RETAINING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED. A LOOSE CAM SPROCKET BOLT CAN BACK OUT AND CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENGINE DAMAGE. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION NO. D19. *TT"

Here's the site:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm

 

[steve911]

Mine was loose also, discovered it over the past winter while putting on my K&N kit. The bolt had worked out 4 complete revolutions. Viper Tech loctited the hell out of it and torqued it back in for me.

Yours is NOT an Isolated case. Oh, Yes I have a 2004 also, mileage at the time was about 1200.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Car is 04 Model Purchased new off showroom floor purchased 3/04 now it has 420 miles and is sitting dead at local dealer my work # 610-965-1500 would love to speak with you. Email [email protected] Thanks Randy

I have sent some e-mails out and will see what happens. The challenge I see is that the vehicle was purchased well over a year ago. While the miles are certainly low, the extended period of ownership makes it more difficult for a buy back, at least from what I have heard. Nonetheless, we shall see if anything is heard on this end.

 

[rppt]

Thankyou so much for your effort, buyback is the only option I can deal with, this car stays covered on my lift (car stacker) in my garage,except for a few weeks during the short summer months in Pennsylvania.The first and only time out this season ,it traveled approx 5 miles prior to balancer throwing serp belt and car spitting antifreeze all over. This car was pristine "New". Thanks again please keep pushing thanks again, Randy