My Durango is an 04 4.7L 4WD
Here is the problem it runs fine and I'll be going along fine but when I come to a stop (redlight stop sign etc) my oil light will come on and then the vehicle immediately stops, I can restart it no problem and then drive fine until the next stop, I've also noticed this problem when the engine gets hot.

I was reading online and saw a ton of complaints about sludge. Is this a problem for these models or was it the earlier models? My oil has been changed every 2500-3000 miles.

I plan on replacing the oil pump, oil sending unit and was also thinking of running seafoam through it then dropping the pan and cleaning it out.

Anyone ever had this problem? Where is the sending unit located on these engines? Any help is GREATLY appreciated

 

Then you don't have sludge. ROTFLMAO.

 

Maybe not, but if you read some of the consumer reports issues with sludge in the engines you would be concerned with the problem too. Many many reports of people who had regular oil changes with sludge problems killing their engines

 

How many miles does your Durango have on it?
FF

 

around 67-68,000

 

I would get a tune-up even though it may not be the main problem. Do any codes show up?
FF

 

I recently did a tune up, at bout 58,000. There is also no codes showing up.

 

my 5.2 , 99 durango had oil changed regularly at 3000 . same problem. the problem I found lies in the pan design . when they made the pan the thread portion of the pan for the drain plug is a hex nut welded inside the pan . this peice sticks up about a inch above the bottom of the sump area of the pan and does not allow the last remaining pint or so of oil (and or dirt ,debris, or sludge) to be drained. When I removed the pan I found standing oil, sludge and dirt in this area . this is also the sump area where the pickup tube is located. a 7/8 socket fit the hex portion of the nut and with a 1/2 " impact wrench after a few impacts it twisted the weld right off clean . I then moved the nut to the outside portion of the pan and welded in place. chase threads with appropriate tap. insert drain plug and tighten. your pan will now drain 99% of whats in the sump.I opted for a high volume meling oil pump which puts out 20%more volume. I was going to replace the pickup screen with a new meling also but noticed the screen area was about 25% smaller than stock . that means less pickup area = easier to plug up. cleaned up stock one and reinstalled. All is ok now but havent gone the test of time yet.

 

Nice info subma. Most have never had the pan off to see that. Nice catch and repair/fix/solution.

IndyDurango

 

Summoa:

Although most external issues would not be covered, remember that if you are the original owner , OR paid the xfer fee as second owner your D is covered by a 7/70 powertrain warranty.

Most items inside the motor should be covered for a $100 deductible as long as sludge is not involved.

Keep this in mind as you near the 70k mark.

Don