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Dodge / Chrysler 2.7 Liter V6 Engines

61K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  olivermirow 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Dodge / Chrysler 2.7 Liter V6 Engines

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Forehead Portrait Official
Willem Weertman
wrote, in his engines book, that the 2.7 liter engine started with Francois Castaing's believe that an advanced, lightweight, efficient engine was needed to secure Chrysler's reputation. The engine was, therefore, a new design using aluminum blocks and heads, dual overhead cams, 24 valves, and other features to assure efficiency.

Released in 1998, it had a smaller bore and stroke than the 2-liter four-cylinder "Neon" engine; and, since the company already had bigger V6 engines, the cylinder spacing and deck height were both made much smaller, at 104 mm and 210 mm respectively, than those of the 3.2/3.5 engines. The aluminum block was protected from wear by iron bore liners, cast in place; six attaching bolts were used for each of the four main bearing caps, some also attaching a windage tray - which also did double duty, stabilizing the four caps to cut noise.

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The 2.7 liter engine's timing chain drove the water pump (the oil pump was direct-drive from the crank); the engine was an interference design, making the timing chain a prudent choice over a belt. The heads and block were extended to provide a cavity for the chain. The intake valves (inner) and exhaust valves (outer) were driven by separate camshafts, made of steel tubing and hardened steel lobes - a method that cut weight from the usual solid camshafts. Short roller chains connected each intake cam to its exhaust cam; the chains had hydraulic tensioners.

Engine Auto part Automotive engine part Automotive super charger part Carburetor
The combustion chamber of the 2.7 was a pent-roof design, with center-mounted spark plugs. Rocker arms with roller followers were similar to those of the 2.0 liter four-cylinder.

All the 2.7 engines had coil on plug ignition, with no spark plug cables, and sequential multiple point fuel injection.

The power output per liter ended up being the highest of any Chrysler V-engine, at 74 hp/liter, not far from the DOHC 2.0's 75 hp/liter. The compression ratio was 9.7:1 at launch, with 200 hp (149kW) at 5,800 rpm and 190 lb-ft (258 Nm) at 4,850 rpm. The engine weighed 337 pounds.

A Magnum version of the 2.7 liter engine uses a variable intake system, building on Chrysler's work back in the 1950s and 60s (other automakers have also used variable intake systems). It varies the length of the intake manifold tubes to create a small, but useful, supercharging effect at different engine speeds. In the past, tuning the air tubes for a boost at one engine speed sacrificed power at another; this is similar to variable valve timing in that it avoids choosing one engine speed over another for performance increases. Regardless of Magnum or standard engine, the intake was reinforced nylon, with a far smoother surface than an iron intake, feeding a single throttle body.

The 2.7 in the LX had electronic throttle control and an enhancement to the intake manifold (described in greater detail below).

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The 2.7 liter engine originally had a tendency to generate sludge which caused engine failure. Similar problems have been appearing on Toyota and Volkswagen engines. We were told that, shortly after the first reported cases, Chrysler isolated the problem to the crankcase ventilation system; hydrocarbons were entering the oil and breaking down the additives. This problem was solved (around 2002-2004), and the number of engine failures appears to be small.

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Bob Sheaves suggested that the DOHC 2.7 engine was derived from the 3.5 liter V6 engine ("I refer to the development design and components, and not what eventually became production.") Specifically, he wrote that the 2.7 was developed from the 3.2, which was developed from the 3.5 — all at Highland Park and later, at CTC. There were several changes, but the starting point for all was the 3.5. Willem Weertman's Chrysler Engines book suggests that the 2.7 was based off the 3.5, but he agreed that it was in its own engine family.

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The 2.7 V6 engine cut noise from 3.5 levels:

  • The forged steel crankshaft, engineered using finite element analysis (FEA), had 26% greater torsional stiffness, and was the stiffest crankshaft Chrysler had analyzed up to that point
  • The cast aluminum cylinder block had 28% greater torsional stiffness, thanks to FEA studies that focused on torsional frequency, lateral bending, and torsional bending. The block featured:
    • Extensive ribbing
    • Six bolt main bearing caps - four vertical, two transverse. For quietness, the natural frequency of the bearing caps exceeded the firing frequency of the engine. Stiff bearing caps reduced wear caused by deflection under load
    • A structural beam windage tray added support to the main bearing caps to increase overall stiffness
  • The air conditioning compressor and alternator mounted directly to the block and structural oil pan, rather than using brackets. Only the power steering pump, the lightest of the accessories, mounted on a bracket. This increased mounting stiffness compared to the 3.5:
    • Air conditioning compressor: 68% stiffer
    • Alternator mounting: 13% stiffer
    • Power steering pump mounting: 5% stiffer
  • More precise control of reciprocating masses and better balancing cut nominal engine unbalance by 27%. Pistons were 14% lighter than before, relative to their bore size.
  • Low rumble intake manifold had three tuned intake runners from each bank of cylinders, connected to its plenum chamber in a cluster or focal point. Standing air pressure waves at the mouth of each runner were essentially in phase, while prior manifolds had waves out of phase at low speed, resulting in rumbling noises.
  • While providing overall stiffness to the block, ribbed block sides broke up flat surfaces into small sections that are too stiff to resonate with engine internal noises
  • Isolated composite valve covers prevented vibration in resonance with the internal noise in the cylinder head; the composite material had inherent damping characteristics.
More on 2.7 V6 engine sludge issues

Randy ("GLHS60") wrote about engine sludge as observed on the dipstick and PCV etc., with the final straw being the oil light flashing, engine ticking, running eratically, and stalling:

The biggest problem with 2.7 V6 engines is/was the water pump gasket leaking coolant internally and diluting the oil.

Most so-called "sludge monsters" suffer a slowly leaking gasket that continually seeps coolant into the oil; others fail quickly. Either way, the oil is contaminated. This can be observed by an owner. [The best way to fix such an engine is] to find a mechanic who has intimate knowledge of 2.7s and has observed/repaired this problem.

The original design water pump gasket was a metal separator plate with a silicone like sealing surface that should have been dependable but had a history of failing. The redesigned gasket was a more conventional type that didn't use the separator plate and a matching water pump that seems to have solved the problem. Ironically, the 2.7 water pump had two weep holes, but these were only effective if the water pump itself was leaking, not the gasket.

It must be addressed instantly or engine failure is imminent. I can't stress how important it is to find someone experienced with 2.7s, as even many dealers are/were somewhat afraid of these engines.

Two contributing problems are:

  1. A new water pump is sometimes installed without removing the original separator plate as it looks like it is part of the engine and the result is further problems.
  2. Many water pump kits included new chains, guides and sprockets but the cam sensor notch was in the wrong place and the engine would not start after repairs. That has no doubt been rectified but certainly contributed to the 2.7 reputation.

I'm a big fan of 2.7s, but many are critical of them claiming undersized oil passages and drainbacks, etc. That never was the real issue. Like any engine, the 2.7 can have a long life if the oil doesn't get contaminated.
Chrysler 2.7 liter V6 engine specifications: 2004 revisions

In 2004, the 2.7 liter engine was modified for the LX series to produce more low-speed torque at launch and during mid-range operation for strong performance in everyday driving. The engine produced 190 hp at 6400 rpm, and 190 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. This was done by using a new active dual-plenum intake manifold tuned for improved low-speed torque.

The manifold included a manifold tuning valve added to low-speed torque - increasing part-throttle torque by 8-10% in the primary driving range of 2100 to 3400 rpm, giving better performance in normal driving; and also adding to torque under full throttle.

Another addition for the LX cars was electronic throttle control ("drive by wire"), which allowed more consistent speeds on rolling grades with cruise control; it interacted with the transmission control system to cut gear hunting, and tailored throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions. For example, a large pedal motion at a standing start may open the throttle less than the same pedal movement at highway speeds.

The 2.7 liter engine was used in this configuration on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, and on the 2009 Dodge Journey.

Chrysler V6 engines compared with those of competitive cars, 1998

VehicleEngineBHPRPMOctaneCost As Tested
Intrepid/Concorde, 19982.7L2005800Regular$21,000
Acura 25TL, 19972.5L1766300Premium$30,478
Intrepid/Concorde, 19983.2L2206600Regular$24,000
Ford Taurus, 19963.0L2005750Regular$24,205
Cadillac Catera, 19973.0L2006000Premium$34,750
Nissan Maxima, 19973.0L1905600Regular$24,675
LH series, '93-'973.5L2145850Mid-Grade$24,270
Mitsubishi Diamante, '973.5L2105000PremiumN/A

Competitive information from manufacter's press kits and data books - sorted in order of output per liter. Fuel mileage not available.

Chrysler V6 engine specifications - "LH" series, 1998-2007

Category
2.7 Liter (a)
2.7 liter (b)
3.2 liter (to 2002)

Bore x Stroke

3.39 x 3.09
(86 x 78.5mm)

3.66 x 3.19
(92 x 81)

Compression

9.71:1
9.9:1
9.5:1

Power: hp (kW)


200 (149) @ 6000

190 (142) @ 6,400
220 (164)
@ 6600

Torque:
lb-ft (Nm)


188 (254)
@ 4900

190 (258) @ 4,000
222 (301)
@ 4000

Max. RPM

6464
6,600
6800 rpm

Fuel

Unleaded regular, 87 octane
(a) at launch
(b) this setup started in 2004 and was completely phased in by 2007.

Emissions: all use at least one three-way catalytic converter, quad-heated oxygen sensors, EGR, and internal engine features. 3.8 meets Tier 2 bin 5 (federal) and LEV 2 (CA) specs; 4.0 meets Federal tier 2, bin 8 and ULEV1 (CA) specs.

The 2.7 liter engine was phased out in favor of the Pentastar V6 starting with model-year 2011.


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9
#4 ·
The 2.7L was a very advanced engine for Chrysler. Some sludge issues may have been from the internal water pump beginning to leak. If the water pump let loose, it would dump coolant into the crankcase and jump the chain, possibly crashing valves.
The later ones were much improved and I would not hesitate to own one.




You didn't mention the year or model of your 3.3L. A used one may have the same brittle plastic handle that broke on your old stick. New ones are inexpensive enough. An example:
 
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#9 ·
Welcome to Allpar.
The 2.7L was its own unique animal. There were no other variants of this engine.
The valve springs were the same from 1998-2010 (Mopar part #4663801).
What is a 'lift rod'?

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#10 ·
Very common problem on the 2.7 is the upper radiator hose coolant bleeder assembly - it is plastic from the factory -poor design - had 3 blow apart on my 300 . Dorman came out with a metal one that works great ,highly recommend replacing your plastic one before you get stuck overheating in the middle of the night in the middle of no where
 
#12 ·
I have owned my 08 Dodge Charger with the 2.7 l for approximately 8 years and about four years ago I had to have water pump changed and also the timing chain because it jumped time then the heads as well!! So the question is that I'm having is that if there has been a recall on this problem with these starting engines because I do believe that it is going to happen again just because of how the car is running and if it's something that is common to happen with these certain motors of a sluggish issue from the Eternal water pump leaking coolant into the crankshaft which causes it to jump time then why shouldn't there be a recall on this issue! I just know it cost me $3,600 last time to have it repaired and I'm not really looking forward to paying that much again when it is a common issue and it's something that is wrong with the design of the motor itself. Let me know what I can possibly do to save myself from having to put that much money out again because I love my car but the motor keeps giving me issues and if it's something that is common for the motor itself then it should be we called not left on the owner to have to keep replacing the issues.THX
 
#15 ·
Interesting information here, thanks. I have a 2003 Sebring Conv. which I bought in 2007. with 9k miles. It now has 150k miles and the only issue I had was the thermostat housing / water outlet leaking. I have replaced this twice and now have one with the improved metal design handy whenever the problem reoccurs. Also, the oil pressure switch is leaking which I never fixed because it is totally unaccessible. I only use the car in summer nowadays. What bugs me lately is, that the engine makes a "rumbling" noise on cold start which disappears after a minute or so with the engine warming up. Given the mileage I suspect the timing chain (tensioner) or the water pump. So I guess I'll give the engine a complete overhaul in the near future. Fortunately I'm equipped to do it myself.
 
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