Bear with me as I try to explain. I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4.7 V8. automatic with 160k miles. This all started with a leaky oil pan. It was old and rusted so I installed a new oil pan and gasket and oil filter, put everything back the way I found it. I put 5 quarts of oil in and started my vehicle. The "check gage" light came on and the engine was a bit louder than usual but started to get quieter, I figured because the oil hasn't circulated through yet. The truck ran for a few minutes maybe 2 then shut off, I started it again and it did the same thing, ran for a few minutes then shut off. The third time I started the truck, a buddy helping me reved the engine, the truck shut off again this time not starting back up just kind of a click noise like its not getting any juice. After scratching my head for a day, I removed the starter took it to autozone to get tested and it failed. I bought a brand new starter installed it and when I try to start it, it clicks or sometimes several clicks but its not turning over. The truck ran perfect a week ago besides the leaky oil pan.


-Do you think I overheated the engine? There was no smoke, no loud noises etc. it was not running long.


Do you think the computer shut the engine down to protect it? I did the ignition trick for codes and P done came up. I've read that means no codes, I also borrowed a friends diagnostic computer and no codes came up I've talked to a few ppl and everyone has different opinions..some say a dead cell in the battery but the battery was fine before, some say its the engine ground but that was fine before also, some say it is the brand new starter I just bought and that sometimes they come faulty, some say its the oil pump...you see where I'm going with this.


Any input would be appreciated before I send it to a shop. I didn't think I would get this much of a headache from changing the rusted oil pan.
Thank you.

 

Where did you get the replacement pan from?

Did the oil pickup look ok?

 

I purchased the replacement pan brand new from world auto parts with a warranty. .the old pan and new pan matched up as well as gasket. ..everything looked fine as far as i could tell. .the truck started 3 times but after the third I'm getting nothing. .I'm wondering if there is an engine shut off?

 

If you pulled/disconnected the battery the alarm/anti theft may have been activated if so it will auto shut off.

If your Dakota has that feature I don't know.

 

Check for a bad ground. Also make sure that you didn't pinch/damage any wires during the oil pan R+R.

Check your oil level too. My Dak, 4.7, takes 6 quarts with a filter change.