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SESD | Pentastar motors are well known for lifter(tensioner)/rocker failures, if overheated could lead to a dropped valve seat. Did you inspect the plugs? 130k is lots of miles on factory plugs. I did the rockers/lifters in my 3.6L at 140k miles, had one failed rocker roller causing a tick, no knocking. At 180k miles it got its 3rd set of plugs, so they seem good for about 50-60k miles a set. Is there and codes?
I'd star with pulling and inspecting plugs on all, but usually passenger side is easier, with the plugs out you can do some comp tests and check cylinder variation, but a leak down on the concerning cylinders will tell you a lot more about the valve condition
If you haven't recently changed your oil you can pull the filter and cut it open to inspect for metal shaving, also an oil sample and a magnet could give you some insights. If I find metal I pretty much stamp and ship it at that point, no reason to diag any further, if there's metal it needs a full teardown regardless of what failed, figure on replacing the motor or scrapping the car, you have to decide what its worth for you to fix.
Edited by dodgetruck2 1/9/2026 09:21
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Any Dodge Journey engine experts on here?
