My 2004 Durango 5.7 hemi had been sitting for 7 weeks without being started. I tried to start it and it wouldnt start. I heard a metal to metal sound when i turned the key. I put a new battery on and still had the same problem. I had it towed to a shop for them to change the starter. The mechanic said the old starter still had good teeth but the fly wheel was kinda beat up and he got the same problem before changing the starter. He then replaced the starter and would only get a click when he turned the key. He said he went under the car and manually turned it and it turned relatively easy a few times, then he had the key turned and it started. he said once it started it was rattling really bad as if a rod had shot. It is knocking very bad. How is this possible?? The suv has oil and its still kinda clean he said. does this make sense? Now i Need a new engine!! What could have happened?
Country: United StatesMake: DodgeModel: durango sltEngine: 5.7 hemi
Hello and welcome to Just Answer. My name is Denny; now let me see if I can help you with your Dodge question.
I had this problem with 2 hemi's; in both of my cases, the injectors were leaking, and when started the piston stops against the fluid , but the rest of the motor turns, bending the rod. in both cases the rod in 1 cyl. bent, allowing the piston to then contact the crank, causing the knock/rattle. A coolant leak would cause this also. Possibly, if you would have turned the motor over backwards with a wrench, it would have reversed the fluid lock, and saved the motor.
wow, ok so the motor is no good now?
You may be able to save it, but you would have to tear it down; at least pull the pan to see what all is damaged. One of the motors I did was under warrenty, so we replaced 1 piston rod assembly and replaced the injectors. The other customer chose to replace the motor with a used motor.
how much did it cost to replace rod and injectors?
Injectors are about $100 each, (mopar) and the piston rod ring assembly was over $200; and you still need an overhaul gasket set.
Experience: 32 yr ASE Master Tech,9 yr Chrysler Master Tech, 13 years Dodge dealership service