Need some opinions. I used to hear nothing good about the 2.7L dodge engine in the past and was wondering if the 2008 year would have any changes to it. Early years were nicknamed the "Sludge Engine" as the engines would seem to supposedly sludge up for whatever reasons. Is this true? Is this just a product of poor maintanence? If so true, has anything changed for this year of engine?

Thanks

 

Early 2000's were prone to sludge issues IF not properly maintained. Oil passages were too small in the early engines. They fixed it in 2003 or 2004 I believe. As stated though, it was a problem for people who did not maintain their engines, i.e. oil and filter changes at recommended intervals. I've seen some that were totally ruined and others that were just fine well into the 200k miles range. You have nothing to worry about with a 2008, however, any vehicle engine can be a "sludge engine" without proper maintenance. It was just magnified on the early 2.7's because of the oil passages.

 

what about timing chains and/or tensioners. Didnt they have troubles with something in this area premature?