Is the Jeep 3.6 Pentastar a good engine?
In particular, the unit received a two-stage valve lift height change system (VVL). In normal driving, it is small, but when the gas pedal is pressed abruptly, it switches to high lift mode, which improves gas exchange at high loads. For smaller engines, this system reduces fuel consumption by 2.7% compared to the previous version of the same engine. The degree of compression has been increased from 10.2:1 to 11.3:1. And in order to better adapt the motor to different loads and operating conditions (in particular, at startup), the gas distribution phase change system has been upgraded. Now it varies the settings to 70 degrees, rather than 50 as before. In addition, it requires less energy for its operation. The new starter starts the engine faster.
Is the Pentastar v6 a good engine?
The Pentastar V6 engine is not just another fantastic development of one unremarkable car factory. It is one of the most technologically advanced powerhouses to date, designed by a Chrysler that in its century-long history has never been afraid of innovation and has always kept pace with the times.
The history of the Pentastar dates back to 2009, when it was first presented to the public at the New York Motor Show. It was originally called “Phoenix” (Phoenix), but the name was changed even before the official launch due to a conflict of brands.
It uses a gas distribution mechanism with two camshafts located in the DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) cylinder head, the cylinder block itself with 24 valves, which is made by injection molding of aluminum alloy, with an angle of 60 degrees between the halves of cylinders. Also, small angles of inclination of valve rods in relation to the axis of the cylinder and sufficiently large inlet and outlet paths can be attributed to the distinctive features of this motor.
This system in a compartment with control of duration of cycles of inlet and outlet guarantees rational volume efficiency. The combustion pattern of the working mixture is stable across the entire range of crankshaft speeds and loads. As a result, an exceptionally flat torque characteristic is maintained – the torque “rise” is visible in almost the entire speed range.
Pentastar V6 supports shutdown of cylinders without load and initially no longer uses EGR – exhaust gas recirculation system, which in turn was designed to reduce toxicity in the heating mode, due to the return of some of the exhaust gases back into the intake manifold, but has not gained popularity except European automakers because of low reliability.
It is produced in Trenton, Michigan, and since 2012 in Mexico, Saltillo, Coahuila. The standard volume was chosen 3.6 liters, but there are also non-standard 3.2-liter exhibits, for example, in the younger versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee since 2014.
In turn, the 3.6-liter unit has different capacity at different settings. So, for example, for the coupe Dodge Challenger Pentastar V6 is estimated at 305 hp. (torque 363Nm), but for Avenger and Grand Caravan, on the contrary, has the most democratic power of 283 hp (211 kW) at 6400 rpm. To be fair, it should be noted about another high-speed (6,750 rpm) 2,70-strong V-6 3.6 Pentastar block for Cherokee, but this is an exception to the rule, rather than standard practice.
These motors are very popular both in the United States and abroad, they are characterized by fuel efficiency, smooth operation, sufficient unpretentiousness in maintenance and low fuel quality requirements.
Are Jeep engines reliable?
There have been a lot of changes over the years that might have affected the image of this brand. Its previous engines like the 4.0l, for example, are deemed as great and reliable, however the later models are said to have lost reliability and are not considered as legendary as they were. “Nonetheless, it is based on the year and model. Overall, Jeep engines can usually go longer than the average 14,300 miles that people drive each year without needing major repairs and at the same time still show great performance.
Why is the Pentastar engine good?
In February 2019, the 10 millionth Pentastar engine came off the assembly line at FCA’s Trenton Engine Complex plant in the USA. The family of these engines was launched in 2010. In a relatively short period of time, the engine has won the trust of customers. Demand for the powertrain is explained by its economical fuel consumption, smooth operation and durability.
These figures allowed FCA to replace 7 types of V-shaped six-cylinder engines with one variant of Pentastar. Today, the Pentastar is installed on half of all Chrysler, Jeep cars sold.
It should also be noted that in 2011, the 3.6-liter Pentastar was included in the list of the best engines of “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” rating. This rating is formed annually by the American magazine Ward’s Auto World magazine. In 2015, the 3.6-liter Pentastar second generation engine was launched. The new modification has a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). This function improves the efficiency of the vehicle at high loads. Engineers have also increased torque to 14.9% at speeds below 3,000 rpm. And the 2-stage valve travel height adjustment (VVL) system provides economical fuel consumption. The new Jeep Gladiator Pickup, which will premiere in 2020, will be equipped with the second generation Pentastar engine.
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