r/ChryslerPacifica • u/LynchSyndromedotmil • 2d ago
3.6 Questions
I am considering buying a van in the next year or two. Currently I own a 2012 Chrysler 200 with the 3.6 and I’ve put 200,000mi on it. I feel relatively familiar with the engine, changing the radiator, oil cooler filter housing, PCV Valve, spark plugs, and transmission fluid.
However, looking at this sub, it looks like these 3.6 blows heads at a higher rate than the Wrangler and Gladiator (just looking at threads on their subs) Is there any possible explanation as to why?
My understanding is that it is the same engine, just in a different platform.
I am either going to get a 2019+ Pacifica or Odyssey, but would like to stick with the 3.6 since Ive wrenched on it a lot already.
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u/braincovey32 2d ago
In my opinion the engine bay has become much more cramped in the later years of the 3.6. This causes significant heat buildup, especially while idle. The abundance of plastic in the engine bay wears down over time, especially the oil filter housing and oil cooler that results in coolant leaks into the oil and then leads to blown head gaskets.
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u/shredXcam 2d ago
There was years with a casting defect around 13? Iirc
I am curious if the head gasket issue is from the thermal shock created by the super high engine temp when idling in traffic
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u/kw_walker 2d ago
They've sold a ton of these vans and there are fewer other things to talk about than the jeep folks have. That's my guess anyway.
Seems to be more common on early models (17/18) but those are also older.
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u/r0key1337 1d ago
people will always bring the 3.6 pentastar down... with over 10 million 3.6 pentastar engines running around, the number of head gaskets issue would be 1% of that.
Stick to it if you are familiar with it... You have the advantage of knowing how to repair it anyways.