This engine started out relatively quiet, but two weeks after I bought it, it developed a hard knock both accelerating and decelerating. That was in January '08. I changed the oil (Valvoline) and put a whole can of Seafoam treatment in it. After about 100 miles, it had quieted down to tolerable. During the spring, the warmer it got out, the less noise it made.

However, just this past Friday, August 15, '08, I accelerated quietly to 60mph for the last time. It was like hammers in a portable cement mixer. I limped it home and tore it apart on Saturday expecting to find oil sludge like all the others on Youtube. However, it looks pretty clean, and there are no obvious defects in the upper engine. I plan to pull the timing cover and oil pan next, but God only knows what I'll find.... Piece of crap! Where's a Hemi?

i live in Vancouver, B. C. suburbs..... flew to Calgary, Alberta and bought this very nice 2000 Intrepid with brand new engine... drove back to Vancouver using break-in rules, engine was very "tight".... few days after arrival... noticed light engine knock on idle after warmup (no knock on cold engine)... and oil leaking from right near of "plastic" valve cover...(major stink as it falls right on cat. converter).... engine "pings" infrequently... even though i've been experimenting with different octanes..... i suspect timing chain.... could be varying engine timing if loose... will be contacting engine rebuild shop (where i purchased car) in Calgary this week and advising...3-year/36,000 warranty..... after reading these blogs... i'm very scared, is this new longblock a piece of junk?