[Spoolin]

Well, in terms of engine failures specifically, the availalbe evidence does not support wide spread engine failures caused by any defect in the car to date - period. I have continously kept track of all the YouTube videos, Facebook Groups I could locate, and this forum for reported problems with the Demon 170. First, for those interested in an honest and fair discussion on this topic, there is a normal expected engine failure rate with all production cars which is being ignored almost entirely. While manufacuters try to keep this a secret, it was reported, for example, in 2013 that Audi's engine failure rate was 1 in ever 27 engines produced. See "German cars' among worst for engine failures, Jan. 2013". So that fact of life has to be taken into account, as no production engines have ZERO failure rates and certainly that should not be expected of a 1025 HP drag car. Second, with only a few excepts I could find, the reported engine failures have occured in Demon 170s that were not broken-in the full 1,500 miles as set forth in the Demon 170 manul before dragging. While some will argue passionately Dodge's break-in procedure does not matter, the "fact" of the matter is Dodge tells all buyers in writing that if you dont follow this procedure you risk engine damage - period. We also have Demon 170 owners cutting off thier cats and/or modifying thier tunes, and those engine failures should not be counted because the car is being dragged outside of Dodge's original design and engineering for this specific engine. Thus, while the available evidence over time may change, the fact of the matter is as of today there has not been "wide spread" Demon 170 engine failures reported in unmodified Demon 170s, and certainly not in Demon 170s that were broken in as recommended in the Demon 170 manual so as to avoid "engine damage". Regarding other problems like spark plug regapping and panel fitment, if free spark plug regapping upsets you I would simply say you should not be buing a car desgined for the drag strip. Second, as my friend who owns a body shop told me "ITS A DODGE". My 2018 Demon hood has a minor factory fitment issue too. Happy to post a picture if any needs proof of that by the way, as "proof" of "wide-spread" engine failures has also been lacking particularlly on YouTube. And when you simply ask for proof or evidence, your posted comments get deleted by some of the "click baiters".

How do you explain this, and why wasn't it brought up in your post?

See post #369.

https://www.hellcat.org/threads/racerxs-demon-170-motor-failure-user-error.262124/page-19

 

[Blkout]

The on

I don't know the first thing about Ron's issue. I will however refer to Uncle Tony's analysis that the D170's front sump design might be starving the engines for oil during drag conditions. He said in a video that it's a similar problem they had back in the day until racers put rear sump pans on their cars to avoid throwing rods at the 1,000ft mark.

The only caveat I have to this assumption is that we've had Hellcat's running in the 8's for a few years now and to my knowledge everyone is still using the same design wet sump oil pan. I don't know if anyone has actually changed their oiling configuration and those 8 second Hellcat's aren't eating their bearings.

 

[Under-Pressure]

How do you explain this, and why wasn't it brought up in your post?

See post #369.

https://www.hellcat.org/threads/racerxs-demon-170-motor-failure-user-error.262124/page-19

Let’s keep the facts straight as described on the missing bearing engine. It ran great for hundreds of miles & the only complaint was leaking oil from the rear main seal. Not blown up. Sounds like a claim that got the car a warranty replacement engine instead of a rear mail seal repair. Sure would be nice for the record to be set straight on this amazing engine.

 

[sc4.6]

Still looking for the 500-1500 written break in procedure. Anyone?

@Demon Fan 777 how about you post the requested written break in procedure from 500-1,500 miles. You repeat 1,500 miles like a broken record, surely you have some written documentation on it, right?

 

[Reaperhwk]

Let’s keep the facts straight as described on the missing bearing engine. It ran great for hundreds of miles & the only complaint was leaking oil from the rear main seal. Not blown up. Sounds like a claim that got the car a warranty replacement engine instead of a rear mail seal repair. Sure would be nice for the record to be set straight on this amazing engine.

I think it’s a misnomer for it to say it was missing from the factory. I would think the most probably scenario(and it has been mentioned in some videos I’ve watched) is that the bearing was there when assembled but it failed and came off and ended up in the pan.
I would agree that engine wouldn’t last a few engine cycles with it missing completely but I could see a fault engine assembly or part causing it to fail and come out…

 

[2ndgen]

Didn't we already have another thread with like 100 pages talking about the "correct" D170 break-in procedure?

 

[Luci 36]

Didn't we already have another thread with like 100 pages talking about the "correct" D170 break-in procedure?

At least 100 pages. The odds of engine failures are high but probably not that many. They did only use the camshaft from the Demon and SS. So there’s parts that likely didn’t get thoroughly tested? Unfortunately, engine damages aren’t being available to all dealers or Joe public other than individuals posts. Still think the 170 is a great machine but it was built as a drag machine with performance never before seen in a muscle car. Break in is common sense to allow parts to heat sync. There’s always been those that raced them from day one and others waited 1000 miles or so. Back then it didn’t matter much because most HP engines only had 12 month warranty. Bottom line I saw success either way but I know my engines I built and meticulously broke in lasted longer than some of those who didn’t.
I would not say the 170 issues are wide spread but normal for an HP engine. Glad to see folks pushing them to their limit!!

 

[hell on wheels]

Race em
Dodge sells replacements

 

[Catscratch Fever]

So your saying if my seat belt doesn’t work they won’t give me a replacement engine?😂

 

[Demon Fan 777]

How do you explain this, and why wasn't it brought up in your post?

See post #369.

https://www.hellcat.org/threads/racerxs-demon-170-motor-failure-user-error.262124/page-19

Are you referring to RACERX's post? If so, he did not put 1,500 miles on his engine before dragging it. It was approximately 500 miles based upon his posts on YouTube. Is there some other post you are refferring to? Thx.

 

[Under-Pressure]

Are you referring to RACERX's post? If so, he did not put 1,500 miles on his engine before dragging it. It was approximately 500 miles based upon his posts on YouTube. Is there some other post you are refferring to? Thx.

Did you find those written break in restrictions yet for the miles of 501-1500? Out of curiosity how many miles where on your car when the cats melted? What fuel or E content? Thx.

 

[Spoolin]

Are you referring to RACERX's post? If so, he did not put 1,500 miles on his engine before dragging it. It was approximately 500 miles based upon his posts on YouTube. Is there some other post you are refferring to? Thx.

That post I linked to on RacerX's thread is from another guy in a Hellcat/Demon FB group that was posting about his engine failure due to a missing crank bearing.

 

[V10king]

Thats Wild that there are so many issues with a 2023 designed motor!!!

 

[Vincent]

I only wish I was lucky enough to own one.

 

[Catscratch Fever]

Thats Wild that there are so many issues with a 2023 designed motor!!!

What number is many?