Looking at buying a used 2002 Durango SLT With a 4.7 engine. During the test drive I noticed that the oil temp gauge needle seemed to be at 60% or 65%. It seemed to be higher than most cars I've driven in. Where should the needle be normally? I have read a lot of complaints about Durangos overheating tonight and am concerned that I may be buying a problem.

Any thoughts?

Sean

 

4.7s need burped to get the trapped air out. They run fine then. That one may need burped.

The 4.7 D should run at 195 degrees and always less than 210.

IndyD

 

are you talkinga bout the coolant temp gauge, or the oil pressure gauge? the oil pressure gauge on mine tends to move based on engine load/ engine speed/current conditions, but the coolant temp should move up to about the middle of the gauge range and stay there

btw mine is a 2002 slt+ w/ the 4.7l engine, no problems with it to date, only work done is regular scheduled maintenance

 

Thanks for the response, I meant the coolant temp gauge. During my test drive yesterday when I got into the truck the needle shot up quickly to nearly 3/4 of the gauge and stayed there.. was driving for about 2 miles at 40 and the needle slowly dropped to about 60% TO 65%. Definitely higher than half way like you mentioned. I mentioned it to the salesman and he assured me that they will go thru it from top to bottom and make sure all is taken care of. Now i work with salesmen and I know that they make money by saying what you want to hear. I am going back for another test drive tomorrow and we'll see what happens. I have no idea if the previous owner did the regular maintenance or not. I understand that Durangos have sludge and coolant system problems when not maintained well but that can be said about any vehicle.

Thanks again for your help.
Sean

 

You say 40psi, but that would be your oil pressure. You need to take another look.

When you first start a motor the oil pressure is higher and runs in the area that you are talking about. This is because the oil is col and harder to be pushed through the tolerances on the main bearings. Once the heated oil becomes more thinner it becomes easyer to go throuhg the bearings. A 40psi at curb idle is within specifications. This is normal.


BTW<------ Thats one LONG name shansen!

 

Well I tried 5 different names... got tired of re entering all my crap...

btw... i was meaning 40 mph.. not 40psi... When it comes to car or truck maintenance I know very little beyond oil changes and a tire change.. i know how to top off teh liquids.. ohh and i got pretty good at changing a starter on a 79 Mercury Zephyr. I've always wanted a Durango and now is the time. I just have lots to learn.. anyways.. thank you for your help... I'll keep you updated.

Sean

 

Sean,

if you are looking at a 2002... you may want to o ahead and step up to a 2003. It is the top of the line Gen1 Durango including 4 wheel disk brakes and the latest in engineering.

The 2003 R/T makes for a really nice platform.

IndyDurango

 

So, I did a second test drive and the coolant temp issue I saw on Sunday was not present today.

I have a few questions:

What would you guys pay for a 2002 Durango SLT+ 4.7 with 100K miles?

I plan on using a synthetic oil but not knowing what the original owner used or how diligent they were about changing the oil do you suggest I use some sort of transitional plan? maybe a fossil oil with some kind of treatment first then do a change to synthetic?

 

Personally? Not more than $4000.

IndyD