The Specs and Fatal Flaws of the Chrysler 6.4L Hemi V8 Engine (392 Hemi Issues)

Today we are taking at look at some of the fatal flaws of the 6.4L Hemi V8. The major focus here would be that the engine is pretty much at the limit of performance as it is, and they are easy to blow up and they are simply not reliable with boost with the stock internals – you have to forge them. The pistons and rods are too weak. There is also the same issue that carries over from the 2009-Present 5.7L Eagle Hemi V8, which is the lifters seizing and wearing down the camshaft lobe. These problems are found in many of the 2011-Present 392 Hemi engines under the hood of 10+ different vehicles and several generations.
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[jass]

I’ve had 5 of these engines in various applications (Charger, Grand Cherokee, & 300) and never had an issue with this engine.

[easygoing]

The modest level of intelligence at which this video is delivered sends a message to old-time car guys from the 60s-70s. Too many kids today have not the mind or practical capacity for messing with 'fast' cars and engines; they just know how to throw a ton of money at a vehicle, and then get in and step on the ego pedal.

[kevinjackson]

The 392 uses 0-40 oil not 5-20. The pistons and rods are not weak. They just aren't made for a supercharger. If you want a blower buy a hellcat. If you drive the car and don't let it idle for long periods of time you shouldn't have a problem with the cam and lifters. I've had 3 of these and they probably the best cars I've ever owned. The only problem I've ever had was on one car the screen on the radio de-laminated. .

[shawncole]

I’ve got a 2004 HEMI with 174000 miles on it and it’s still going strong

[BigMack]

Good info. Thanks. I have a 2018 SRT 392. One model weakness others have noted with these engines is the water pump. Its front bearing went out for me at about 42, 000 miles. The car was still within the powertrain warranty so the dealer replaced the pump. Note: If you have this kind of work done at a dealership, be sure to check the fastener torques with your own torque wrench when you get home (cool engine). The dealer guys are prone to ignore this important step.

Re: the lifters (and the entire engine) - I would strongly suggest use of Amsoil Signature Series 0W-40. I realize it is more costly. But this is a full synthetic oil with demonstrated far better wear protection than most other synthetics. You can do your own online study on this.

Also keep in mind that cold oil lubricates less effectively than warm oil. So when setting out with a cold engine, I suggest selecting 'Sport' mode. This deactivates MDS and keeps the gearbox in lower gears at around-town speeds. The engine running faster provides better oil pressure and flow during that cold oil period. Once oil temp warms to about 150 degrees I will deselect 'Sport' mode unless I am still chugging around town at low speeds.

Last, try to avoid the "impress your friends" engine start accompanied with goosing the throttle. Sounds nice, but engine starts are always low oil flow moments, and that's not the best time to rev the engine. You are shortening engine life with this little bad habit.

[jgboys]

This is why I will be keeping my 392 completely stock!

[fitfogey]

So they are fine unless someone screws with them. Ok.

[CJColvin]

My dad has a 2019 Dodge Charger RT Scat Pack with the 392 Hemi V8 and man its a beast.

[DouglasShuler]

So Don’t Add boost, unless you’ve prepared the engine first!!!

[mandlclark]

85, 000+ miles on my 2015 SRT 392 and the only engine issue I have had was a leaking intake manifold gasket. The engine runs as strong today as it did the day I bought the car back in 2016.

[charlesmyers]

The rods are powdered metal, fractured big end. Very good rods, and the hyper-pistons are great for high performance non- power adder applications.

[martysherrygriggs]

There was an internal engineering memo issued by Chrysler in 2015 that narrowed the lifter issue to an "anomaly within the needle bearing hardening process that was not recognized during production". Chrysler updated the specs in 2016 and then selected a different manufacturer for the lifters for the 2018 model year.

[vegaswould]

i change my oil on my scat pack every 2000 miles in hopes of never experiencing that cam/lifter failure issue. once the car is paid off, i plan to do an "MDS Delete" with brand new lifters. I hear that this issue affects the MDS engines more often than the manual trans cars. Not sure how reliable that info is, but I feel that it's a good enough excuse to also throw in a custom cam & tune. :)

[randyweaver]

I have a 75th Anniversary 2021 RAM 2500 Power Wagon with the 6.4L Hemi. At about 20, 000 miles, I started to notice an occasional "sewing machine" ticking when first started. At just over 21, 000 miles, it became louder and more persistent, then threw a code and the check engine light came on. I took it to the local CDJR dealer and they determined that a valve had stuck and bent a pushrod. In accordance with RAM guidance, they checked for metal in the oil filter and found none, so they did the repairs (supposedly). Had they found metal, it would have necessitated replacement of the engine. The loud noise has not returned, but the sewing machine ticking is still there when it's started cold.

[randysmith]

The 6.4 is very reliable and is designed to be exactly as it is for a reason. From a company standpoint if you want some serious horse power they have got you covered, HELLCAT. The 392 is a fantastic engine and for most 485 hp is fine, considering that the bad boys of years past was 375 - 450 hp.

[Shadow_of_Yharnam]

Thank you for this video 🙌. Good thing I always drive in Sport Mode on my Scat Pack Challenger to avoid MDS kicking in.

[rparret]

None of the issues you report have spooked me about my 2019 Challenger Scat Pack. I love the power as-is & have no intention of supercharging it. If I wanted a blown engine, I’d have gotten a Hellcat. (Besides, 100K miles? How many owners will see that?) I change my oil frequently, so I have little concern w/the lifter issues. Just my opinions & thoughts.

[deanandrea]

You did an excellent job explaining this issue, thank you for the knowledge on the 5.7L hemi

[Disorderinthacourt]

Best to stroke the 392 to 426 with all forged internals. But that ain’t cheap that’s for sure

[Ryan-dswx]

I run sport mode in my Charger Scat Pack 90% of the time to disable MDS. Also, change your oil regularly with the recommended Pennzoil Ultra Platinum.