I purchased a 2000 Durango SLT+ a year ago. It has the 4.7 in it. I have read alot of the oil sludge posts and have a few questions. When I did the first service after I bought it, there was some sludge up under the cap. I didn't think too much of it at the time, but have always run Lucas Oil Stabilizer in all my vehicles, so I put it in this one also. Now I haven't seen any sludge under there since then. I am also running Quakerstate SUV synthetic blend, with Fram's top of the line oil filter. I am wondering if there is something I should do different to protect myself against this sludge problem. Also it had 62,000 miles when I bought it and now has 97,000 on it. Let me know your expert opinions.

 

You can try this engine cleaner, it has been used by a lot of skeptical people and they have become believers, but as to anything, your mileage may vary:

AUTO-RX

 

Only a pure synthetic will deal with the sludge. And with your miles, slowly. Better late than never!

 

I have discussed this matter with my dodge mechanic, he had said that the 4.7s are very hard on oil. So frequent oil changes are required. I had purchased a 2001 SLT PLUS with 59000 km and when I brought it home noticed alot of sludge in the filler neck. I took it to the dealer and he said the previous owner may not have changed his oil when he should have. I cleaned up the sludge and have changed the oil every 5500km, and have put 25000km since and have not had a drop of sludge.

 

Also, you may want to have your intake gasket manifold check. From the articles I have read, this seems to be the main cause of sludge buildup on the 4.7 family engines.

 

You mean tearing down the top end of the motor? Or is there another way to check this?

Thanks

Aaron

 

I do not know as I am not really a engine mechanic. I would not know how to check to see if the intake manifold gasket may be leaking or not. I think one of the messages, the user said that this 4.7 engine family and the intake manifold gasket problem has a Technical Service Bulletin posted from Chrysler. Something that over time, a slow leak of antifreeze from the intake manifold gasket will leak and mix with the oil and over time, it will sludge up. Does not matter what type of oil you use. Only way to keep the sludge from building up to the state to lock up the engine is continous frequent short cycle oil changes.

 

Just my opinion, and I'm new here, but I stay away from from stuff like Lucas Oil Stabilizer. I recently bought a '01 Durango with the 4.7 engine. I put in a can of Valvoline engine cleaner before changing the oil and five minutes later when I drained it, it was black. I'm using a synth blend of oil.

I've read posts by people whose engines are ruined from sludge and they insist they changed the oil on schedule. That sounds wrong to me. There are millions of 4.7 engines on the road and I know there are lots of people who almost never change the oil, let alone check it! Keep those fluids clean and a modern engine will last almost forever.

 

I work at a dodge dealer. And have never seen a 4.7L sludged up. I've seen MANY 2.7L V6s sludged up, along with a few 318s and 360. I have also not heard of the problem w/the intake manifold gasket. I do know that was been/was a problem w/the 318 and 360s burning oil. Just keep your oil changed, keep your receipts, and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

is it sludge or moisture build up under the cap due to colder weather