Blue Smoke at Sartup
 

Hi, I have a 2017 Durango Citadel with a 5.7L Hemi. When it is parked at an incline facing forward for an extended period of time (5-6 hours) and you start it, there is blue smoke coming out. If it was parked at an incline facing the other way, there is not blue smoke at startup. I have brought it to the attention of the dealer and they are saying it is normal. Have any of you experienced this? If so, how did it get resolved? Note: it has 1700 miles on it. Thanks.

PS - I did a search on the forum and found old posts and TSB's. I showed it to the Service Advisor and was told that it was old (2014) and should have been fixed for the newer models.

If I recall correctly some of the fixes included a different oil pan design and installing a catch can. I never did have the blue smoke issue, but, then again, I don't park on inclines, however, installing the catch can was one of the best accessories installed on the Hemi. I'm surprised at how much liquid burnt oil I dump out of the catch can every oil change (every 6 months); that's contaminated oil that is kept out of the intake manifold.

I showed the TSB to the Service Advisor which involves replacing the oil pan. The reply I got was that tge TSB was old and any corrections would have been applied to the 2017 model year. As far as the Catch Can is concerned, I ordered one from Billet Technologybin early August. It was backordered at that time and since the hurricane in Florida it has been pushed even further. Latest update I have is that I should get it in two weeks, hopefully.

If I had a 2017 Durango I most certainly wouldn't be looking at a catch can or any other aftermarket nonsense to fix what is not a normal issue. Get that thing to a dealer and have them address it, whether it be the oil pan TSB or a new engine. Burning enough oil to blow smoke isn't normal, ESPECIALLY on a brand new vehicle. Hell even the new diesel trucks don't blow smoke anymore. Get it fixed under warranty immediately.

Hi fledda,

I've asked for some clarification between the TSB and what would have been corrected on the 2017 model year. Please send us a PM if we can assist in getting you another appointment at the dealership to have this further diagnosed.

Kori
Dodge Social Care Specialist

I have to agree with this sentiment. It ain't right, and it's brand new. Dealer needs to fix it.

From the OP: "I have brought it to the attention of the dealer and they are saying it is normal." I hate it when they say that. How to convince them it is not normal?
How much of an incline? How much blue smoke is seen? Did the OP stand behind the vehicle and see smoke pouring out? Does it happen every time it it parked on the incline?

My R/T never did this, but I seldom parked on a "steep" incline. My 6.4 did this occasionally - very occasionally - when it was new but it wasn't a "lot" of smoke and it stopped after 5000 miles.. It may not be normal but it may not be a bad thing either. Pooling of oil in the intake is the probable cause...or not. Try a different dealer.


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Find another one with similar specs, and ask the dealer to 'show me the smoke'....... If they have another one that does the exact same thing, I would buy into the 'normal' gambit...... otherwise, a brand new motor should NOT be blowin' smoke.

Warranty
 

Warranty should cover the cost of anything being wrong. Getting Dodge or the dealership where you bought your DD, to step up and actually do anything for you, could be your worst nightmare come true.

Keep us posted on your progress or lack of progress.

GOOD LUCK.

....... Pooling of oil in the intake is the probable cause...or not......


.[/QUOTE]
Wouldn't the catch can eliminate the pooling of oil in the intake? Where would the oil come from and settle in the intake if not from the PCV system?