SLUDGE in dodge engines

[T77911S]

a friend has a very nice 03 dodge Dakota truck for sale. 110k miles for 4k and I don't think he is firm on the 4k.

did a quick search yesterday and found that the dodge engines have a sludge problem bad enough to plug the oil pump and kill the engine. this has me really worried about this truck. I cant imagine dodge having THAT big of an issue with their engines and still be selling trucks. oh, it has the 3.9 v6

anyone have experience with this?

https://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-dodge-dakota-slt/6549586675.html

had to type that in so I hope it works.

the NADA TRADE IN on the truck is 4k.

[ckelly78z]

It seems like every slow vehicle on the road in front of me on my commute, is a Dodge Dakota with an old guy at the wheel, with no particular place to be in any hurry. Maybe these engines are filled with carbon from not every being over 50 mph ?

In all actuality, any engine will get sludge buildup if the oil hasn't been changed enough, and not tuned properly.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by T77911S

did a quick search yesterday and found that the dodge engines have a sludge problem bad enough to plug the oil pump and kill the engine. this has me really worried about this truck. I cant imagine dodge having THAT big of an issue with their engines and still be selling trucks. oh, it has the 3.9 v6

anyone have experience with this?

I am refreshing an 02 SXT right now. New fenders and arches above rear wheels.

140k miles. 3.9. Guy has had zero sludging problems because he changes every 3,000.

On the other hand, my ex-FIL (I got him in the divorce) has an 06 3.7 Dakota and it was sludged. We are going through a process now where we used a quart of the anti-sludge right before an oil change. It must have been a long build up as that stuff is still coming loose two oil changes later. Suspect it's just the additives in the fresh oil breaking it down.

Edit: On the 06 what tipped me off is I could hear valve lifters clacking.

[flipper35]

The 2.7l had major issues early on. I have never heard of any issues with the LA based motors and sludge. Those have been around since the 1960s. The Magnum block is basically the same as the LA block. The top end is different and they went to rocker pedestals instead of a shaft like the LA.

[T77911S]

so what do you think, stay away from it?

I am thinking about having him pull a valve cover.....
if the top of the heads look everything should be ok???


some of the posts I read about sludge people said they did regular oil change and service.

[LakeCleElum]

Yes, pull a rocker cover and have a look. I had a different brand known for sludge issues....Still running good at over 240,000 miles. I put 1/2 cup of AFT in about a week before I change the oil. Keeps everything clean.

If it already has a lot of sludge, walk away. You want want to try ATF and have it breaking up what is already there. (I would think).....Dakota was never on my list for a small truck and I've had a bunch, BUT, YMMV?

[T77911S]

it was not on my list either.

ONLY reason I am looking at this one is the price, I know the guy, it IS a good looking truck.

I called my mechanic friend, he said stay away unless I pull the valve cover.
he said he has seen several with sludge problems but frequent oil changes should help.

my friend said they have all service records since new, don't know if it includes oil changes.

[pavulon]

Isn't oil sludge an issue with engines not getting up to temp and/or poor oil change habits? Were these vehicles equipped with a 50F degree thermostat?

[T77911S]

well I bought it.
3500.

going to try to pull a valve cover off today.

issues;
AC works greaet but the doors don't work. probably a diaphragm. iv pulled dashes before to replace the, so not a big deal if I have to go that far.

seal leaking on rear DIFF. none issues with these. I have done one DIFF with not good results. I may tackle this one. since the bearings wont be changed I may mark the nut and put it back on to the same place. will check the rotation torque first. since I have done both rear wheel bearings on the 930 i have much better knowledge of doing crush sleeves.

engine rattle once hot
not sure. may be the timing chain up front. I hear it best from inside the truck at 2k RPM or when letting off the gas. I plan to take a listen under it in case it is just sheet metal.

the amount of work or $$, if any, depends on the condition after I pull a valve cover.

I think dodges rust worse than any Porsche. got some on the bottom of drivers door, inside.
got a spot on the hood. if the mechanics look good I will fix the hood and have it repainted. just a spot about the size of a quarter

[T77911S]

I pulled the valve cover and it looked pretty good in there. I may do an engine flush.
any thoughts on that?

before I bought it I new it had a rattle or noise at 2k. after putting the valve cover back on it had a knock at idle and ran very rough. lifter I suspect now and not the timing chain as it would try to run smooth and when it did the knock went away. it was a deeper knock than what I thought lifters would do though.

I hope dirt did not fall down in there and cause problems. I did pressure wash the engine first but there as still rust flakes from the valve cover.

I do not understand why dodges rust so bad.

[berettafan]

T I gotta say you seem to be a glutton for punishment.

[911SauCy]

It's a Dodge, did you expect anything different.

They're ready for the crusher when they're sitting in the showroom...