Cam failure question/poll

[slodsm]

If you guys look into the Variable Valve Lift system on these PUG 3.6 engines (2018 and newer) and look at its design and use, you’ll see why these could be having so many cam and lifter failures. At least, this is my take on it. Mind you I’ve probably done more research and study on this than the average Joe.

Almost every camshaft/lifter failure I have seen on these newer engines post 2018 is the center lobe (high lift) and not the two outer lobes (low lift). The two smaller outer lobes of the cam shaft are what are used 80 percent of the time the engine is running. Most of the damages on these newer engines are the big center lobe/high lift lobe.

The high lift side doesn’t use a traditional roller/rocker. It uses a pin and its engagement is a very abrupt event. Ironically, when I developed tuning on these I actually discovered that “high lift” mode isn’t even used for high power and that high lift is used more like a way to add airflow for emissions purposes at lower load. Think of the engagement points as being very similar to when Eco/MDS/V4 mode kicks in on the hemis and GM V8 engines. The people who have been saying for years high lift kicks in over 2800 RPM are straight up wrong.

I made a whole video about this debacle, and I am confident this hi lift system is partially causing premature cam wear, in addition to less than quality materials.






This abrupt engagement can actually be felt if you feel for it closely while driving. It comes off as a misfire or stutter feeling. Usually around 1800-2200 RPM at lower load and slower acceleration. It can be felt at highway speeds too.

I’ve got a few threads on the JL forum that cover this and a few YouTube videos floating around too. The only fix at this time is having high lift VVL tuned out, which I do. But I can’t help but wonder if disabling the high lift side will help alleviate these failures.

You’ll probably never see a formal fix from Jeep in the USA for this because it will effect emissions and they won’t jump through the hoops for that.

This is the method of engagement Honda used for DECADES on their original vtec engines wirh no failures. Solenoid at the end of the head, RPM activates the solenoid and it feeds oil pressure to the pin which locks the high lift lobes.

It’s not the type of engagement that’s an issue, it’s got to be something else because those engines routinely went 350k with people driving them that didn’t exactly do maintenance.

Not doubting your experience at all, just sharing mine. I worked on those Hondas for many many years.

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[bmpcamry09]

This is the method of engagement Honda used for DECADES on their original vtec engines wirh no failures. Solenoid at the end of the head, RPM activates the solenoid and it feeds oil pressure to the pin which locks the high lift lobes.

It’s not the type of engagement that’s an issue, it’s got to be something else because those engines routinely went 350k with people driving them that didn’t exactly do maintenance.

Not doubting your experience at all, just sharing mine. I worked on those Hondas for many many years.

It’s not exactly like Hondas though. These Jeeps actually remove solenoid voltage in order to activate the high lift side. Removing the solenoid voltage actually stops oil flow which then lowers the pin creating the activation. I think Honda with their VTEC and cam bridge design is far superior and well constructed.

 

[bmpcamry09]

2016, ran to 140k, zero issues (rolled it down the interstate).
2017 ran to 140ish as well, zero issues. Traded in.
2018 ran to 120-130, zero issues. Traded in.
2021, 40k, zero issues. Will replace when it wears out because I’m not buying a new spy on me vehicle once that happens in the next year or two.

Your UConnect in 2018 and your 2021 are already spying on you, collecting your data. As is every bluetooth device and wifi network you pass, even if your not connected to it. Modern tech is constantly pinging off other devices. I'm in LE and the amount of personal data that can be pulled from every UConnect system made since about 2015 with a good search warrant is eye opening. People should be appalled at how much personal info we give up simply for existing this day in age

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Your UConnect in 2018 and your 2021 are already spying on you, collecting your data. As is every bluetooth device and wifi network you pass, even if your not connected to it. Modern tech is constantly pinging off other devices. I'm in LE and the amount of personal data that can be pulled from every UConnect system made since about 2015 with a good search warrant is eye opening. People should be appalled at how much personal info we give up simply for existing this day in age

Somehow LEO's can't find hundreds of pedophiles, millions of illegals, or the guy who stole my Ford Escape though

 

[bmpcamry09]

Somehow LEO's can't find hundreds of pedophiles, millions of illegals, or the guy who stole my Ford Escape though

A massive staffing shortage country wide and liberal judges everywhere doesn’t help any of that

Off topic, but 15 years ago 200 people applied for one opening at my first agency. Today they are lucky to get 5 applicants for 5 openings.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I live in a prison town, they can't keep or get staffing, ever, constantly begging people to go work.

 

[Stan H]

That's exactly how it works!

If they pay twenty bucks, they get the good stuff, but only8? Throw some old Faygo cans in there!

Orange or Grape

 

[Stan H]

I live in a prison town, they can't keep or get staffing, ever, constantly begging people to go work.

I almost didnt catch town.. lol

 

[spncrlwn]

2023 Mojave.
43xxxkm RH cam replacement
63xxxkm RH cam replacement
64xxxkm LH cam replacement

Fingers crossed they got it this time

 

[maximusdecimus2020]

Looks like I may be facing it now. 2020 - 122K miles

I found out Friday afternoon that the motor is shot. At 122,000 MI, with regular oil changes using full synthetic oil, this piece of crap has died. Lost compression in cylinder number four had coolant in three and five cylinders. This is it I'm done, and Chrysler will not stand behind it knowing that this is a common failure. I'll never own another one! And the kicker is Jasper Engines doesn't even have this motor in stock, I can only guess because there's so many of them have to be replaced!
Buyer beware folks that's all I can say.

 

[ajr2025]

Haven't seen it anywhere, so thought I'd ask the question. If you've had the cam/lifter failure, post your year and mileage here. So far I've only seen it on MY22 and older, curious if that's really the case or if it's also affecting the other years.

MY22 at 59000 miles.

 

[zxd9]

2021 - 78k miles

Started Mar 5, 2025 and after multiple trips to dealer and weeks w/o my truck it was fixed Jul 2025.

Replaced right intake camshaft lifters and rockers
Updated PCM
Replaced bank 1 intake camshaft
Replaced left intake camshaft phaser and oil control valve

 

[Jrgunn5150]

It is slightly odd the aftermarket hasn't stepped up with something yet.

 

[MPMB]

It is slightly odd the aftermarket hasn't stepped up with something yet.

AMW & similar isn't aftermarket?



Warden says back to your cell.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

AMW & similar isn't aftermarket?



Warden says back to your cell.

AMW has 3.6 cams?

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