Members,

I could use your experience...

I have a 2004 Durango 5.7 Hemi Engine 134K miles... no previous issues at all with this vehicle. Well maintained, never abused.

Last winter I started my Durango once and heard a top engine noise that sounded like a loud tapping that lasted about 10 seconds.

Yesterday - I returned from a trip - the Durango sat at the airport for 4 days. No problems going to the airport. When I started the engine - I immediately noticed a sound that was like the engine was being run without oil. Noticeable noise that sounded like a bent push rod (had one of them before in a Jeep)...

Took the D to mechanic today. He said - sounds like internal engine problem. Anything from valve, valve springs, pistons, etc. Engine could last for a while - may go tomorrow. He said that the problem probably was caused by a "dry start" since the engine sat for 4 days all of the oil would have been down from the top of the engine.

I wanted to keep this vehicle a few more years. He said I could try an oil additive that may lessen the sound - but obviously this was only masking a problem, until it failed later.

Said wouldn't know what's wrong until got inside the engine. Would likely be very expensive - and if on thing is fixed - that there could be other issues that crop up soon . And if it's a piston issue - could be up to 8K to fix.

PLEASE HELP !

Advice ? Thanks !

 

Do you trust this mechanic? I would bring it to another and see what he says about the problem. I know new cylinders, heads, and pushrods are atleast 2,000.00 new and refurbishing them is expensive,
FF