I have a 2002 dodge dakota with the dreaded "oil-pressure-drop-for-no-reason problem", and want to put a different year engine in it, not just a rebuilt 02 engine. I firmly believe this is a design flaw with this model engine and would probably happen with any other rebuild or new engine. Does a generation 3 V6 engine fit in this truck?

 

Why do you want to change the engine if you could just fix the oil pump?

It could just be the oil pressure sensor they go bad all the time change it and see if the problem goes away.

I think just buying a new Dakota would be a better solution.

 

It's not a "design flaw."

The 3.9 is based on the 5.2 and 5.9 and has a proven track record. There have been very few complaints about oil pressure loss on any of these engines.

At 11 years old, things happen.

The 3.7 (if this is what you were thinking) is based on the 4.7. Take a look at oil problems with that engine for comparison. None of which should happen in a properly maintained engine.

 

Thanks for the responses guys! I got the truck at 62 thousand miles and on the way home, the oil pressure dropped to zero and the valves started clapping like all the oil just dropped out of the engine! I sat still wondering what the hell just happened after turning the engine off and sitting on the side of the freeway. I started it up after letting it sit for a while and it ran fine... It has happend about 6 times in 6 years and dodge has tested EVERYTING, Replaced oil pump and sensor. If it was just a bad sensor, I would not lose all pressure. I have done extensive investigating on this and it looks like this is VERY COMMON among these engines. Still has plenty of power at 130 thousand miles, no smoke, does not burn oil. I cannot believe the bearing were so worn by 60thousand miles that they would allow this kind of pressure drop when oil warmed up. I dont want to spend 1000 bucks on replacing bearings and another pump and sensor just to have it do it again. Maybe I just got a lemon. So again, any compatible 3 generations engine for this truck??? I got a little room to spare as this truck is completely paid for and still in great condition except for this engine problem. It has done this twice in the last 3 months so it is getting pretty annoying.

 

You'll likely have trouble finding a PCM for a 3.7 since they didn't come along until 2004.

It'd probably be easier to put in a 5.9.