Today’s engines are more powerful and reliable than ever before, but that’s not without a few blunders that have happened along the way. Even the most reputable car brands have produced less than satisfactory engines at some point in their history, and while most of them went on to fix their mistakes in the following models, some of the worst engines ever made are still kicking around.
Engines are arguably the most important part of a vehicle. After all, without them a vehicle would just be a pretty piece of metal. Thus, professionals with careers in the auto industry should be aware of engines that are known to cause problems and malfunction.
If you want to become an auto service professional and work as a parts manager, warehousing clerk, or in one of the many other roles available to graduates, make sure you know about these dangerous and unreliable engines.
Grads of Auto Service College Know the Chrysler 2.7 L V6 Cannot Be Trusted
Oil sludge is bad news for engines, and it was a big problem in Chrysler’s 2.7 L V6 engine, which made an appearance in many vehicles including the Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, and Sebring. Oil from the engine’s motor would get stuck in the small passages of the engine where heat would cause the motor oil to thicken and turn into sludge. The sludge would clog important passageways, causing the engine to seize because it couldn’t receive enough clean oil. As if problems with sludge weren’t bad enough, the engine also had a problematic water pump, which would leak coolant into the vehicle’s crankcase.
The Cadillac V8-6-4’s Concept Was Ahead of Its Time
In 1981, Cadillac hoped to deliver an engine unlike anything ever seen before. The V8-6-4 boasted eight cylinders that would turn off and on in accordance with the amount of power the vehicle needed. While the idea behind the engine was a good one, technology wasn’t ready to handle that level of innovation. When the cylinders turned off and on, there would be a severe lag, which made cars with the engine feel jolty and awkward to drive. Despite its interesting concept, the engine quickly became known as a dud by graduates of auto service college. Many car owners even ended up manipulating the engine to make it permanently drive with 8 cylinders in order to create a smoother ride.
Grads of Auto Service College Know the GM 3.1 and 3.4 L V6 Engines Had a Dangerous Defect
While the GM 3.1 and 3.4 L V6 Engines’ unique long-lasting Dex-Cool antifreeze was meant to set them apart from the rest, it actually contributed to their demise. The antifreeze was known to react badly with the engines’ gaskets and burn a gaping hole right through the oil drain and coolant passage. As a result, the entire engine would fill up with coolant, which ultimately would cause the engine to freeze up and seize. Luckily, owners of GM vehicles from 1995 to 2003 with this engine can rely on the expertise of professionals with training in automotive industry technology. Replacing the original gasket with a steel gasket fixes the problem altogether.
The Mitsubishi 3-Cylinder Leaves Something to Be Desired
While the 2015 Mitsubishi 3-Cylinder engine isn’t necessarily prone to breaking down, it does offer a lacklustre performance. With only 74 lb/ft of torque and a miniscule 78 horsepower, it’s dangerous to venture onto a highway in a vehicle equipped with this underperforming engine. Its slow acceleration makes passing cars at highway speeds nearly impossible, and a bumpy and harsh driving experience makes driving at any speed an uncomfortable undertaking.
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