New TSB for LX SRT8 engine whine (and the sticker-for-thicker solution)

[ResumeSpeed]

Date: December 9, 2006

Subject: Engine Whine Sound at Idle

Overview: This bulletin describes procedures for diagnosing the whine sound, and if necessary, recommending an oil viscosity change with addition of an oil viscosity label attached to the engine cover.

Models: 2005-2006 LX and LE with 6.1L engine with an engine serial number of TNXE6026620001 or less.

Symptom/Condition: Some owners may notice a whine sound at idle after the vehicle has been driven (engine hot) in warm ambient temperatures over 50° F (10° C). This sound can be caused by the piston oil cooler jets fluttering during hot oil/idle conditions.

If a customer complains about this sound, it should be noted that no detrimental effect or engine durability is caused by the jets fluttering. If the customer wants this noise eliminated, it is recommended to use 15W50 Mobil One engine oil in warmer (summer) months and revert back to 0W40 Mobile One engine oil in cooler (winter) months. If the oil viscosity is changed, a label indicating this should be installed. Clean the engine cover with an appropriate solvent on the flat area in front of the oil cap and apply the viscosity label pn 68024493AA.

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The complete bulletin is available in the TSB section at: http://www.300cforums.com/forums/tsb...lx-models.html

[Rambit]

Thanks RS. It never did bother me all that much, so I must have gotten used to it. I can't even remember if I still have it or not. I'll just leave it be.

Rambit

[artichoke]

Originally Posted by ResumeSpeed

...
Models: 2005-2006 LX and LE with 6.1L engine with an engine serial number of TNXE6026620001 or less.

So they've "fixed" it with the newest engines.

Originally Posted by ResumeSpeed

... If the customer wants this noise eliminated, it is recommended to use 15W50 Mobil One engine oil in warmer (summer) months and revert back to 0W40 Mobile One engine oil in cooler (winter) months. If the oil viscosity is changed, a label indicating this should be installed. Clean the engine cover with an appropriate solvent on the flat area in front of the oil cap and apply the viscosity label pn 68024493AA.

From one viscosity extreme to the other. This confirms what an engineer said in the most recent (mostly Viper-oriented) online chat: that the 0W40 recommendation came because they need a single recommendation for all extremes of climate. Nothing will happen to you if you make another appropriate choice of Mobil 1 viscosity.

We don't have engine covers do we?

[stevesrt8]

thanks for the high quality real info.

If it ain't broke, why fix it? I avoid the stealerships as much as possible.

[SSpray]

Where can I find my engine serial number?

Thanks!!

[bruno]

Good post, RS. (You sure are up early for someone on the West Coast!)

Some members will remember this very discussion posted in April.

bruno
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/srt...t=engine+whine

[srt8danno]

I hear mine whine, but I just ignore it. I guess it doesn’t bother me all that much. I’m in the Steve camp of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Thanks for the information RS!! You’re the best!

[sjz]

Originally Posted by SSpray

Where can I find my engine serial number?

Thanks!!

From the TSB:
"This bulletin applies to models equipped with a 6.1L engine (Sales code ESF)
with an engine serial number of TNXE6026620001 or less. The engine serial
number can be found on a label located on the upper side of the left or right
engine front cover."
BTW: My engine serial number is TNXE613352XXXX and my car's build date was 7/1/2005, just to give you an idea. Looks like the fix was already incorporated into my engine. I've never heard a whine (at least from my car).

Thanks, RS!
-Steve

[HealeyRick]

OOOHHH, Thicker Viscosity. There's an engineering cure. Heard they've got on coming for noisy differentials, too:

[ResumeSpeed]

Originally Posted by bruno

[color="Blue"]Good post, RS. (You sure are up early for someone on the West Coast!)...

Or more accurately, "up late". As a board-certified TSB surgeon I am on call 24-hrs/day