I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4 X 4 P/U and I have just experienced my fourth engine problem. The first occured at 600 miles when the rod bearings failed. The second was a rear main seal leaking. The third was engine knocking which I was told was due to sludge build up, but the dealer would not repair even though it was under warranty. The fourth was the oil pressure going to zero and lifter noise. Has anyone else ever experienced engine problems with the 318 or were there any recalls into this matter.

 

Did you buy this vehicle new, or was it used? Sludge build-up is an indication that the oil was not regularly changed.

 

I agree, the whole thing sounds of an issue directly related to a failure to do maintenance (specifically oil, but likely other things as well) which might explain why the warranty claim is being denied.

 

I bought my 2001 Ram new and it had the 318 and I never had a problem with the motor in 112,000 miles. I only pulled it for the better HP and torque from the 360. The engine was so good I kept it and it's currently mounted to an engine stand in my shed. Maintenance does sound like the problem with yours as mine was and is still rock solid.

 

How many miles on the engine?? A 318 has been around forever and is a very solid engine. They usually don't give you problems unless you seriously abuse the motor or maintenance for a very long time. Your engine sound like it fits into the seriously abused category. Find a 318 long block at a junk yard and swap it. A good weekend project.

 

The rod bearings prb got spun so that casued them to fail, the rear main was prob put in backwards and the sludge and lifter noise was caused by not changing your oil, its the #1 cause of premature engine failure. low oil = metal on metal contact, or if sludge blocked some part of an oil gallery then it wasnt getting enough oil to the valve train. we have a 318 at work and its been beat to crap and is still running strong with 100k + on it