I'm thinking of replacing my 2000 Stratus with a 2005 v6. I have heard that this motor is prone to sludging issues. Is it really something that bad that I should be concerned?

 

I've been reading up on this forum and Google and I'm seeing alot of scary stuff about the v6. I was hoping that the only drawback would be the decreased MPG. I was looking forward to getting something that has four wheel discs. Oh well, I think I'll stay on the safe side and stick with the four banger.

 

Someone said that the sludging problem has been fixed on 2003 and up models. Can anyone confirm this?

 

Can't confirm that it has been fixed. I tell you it's pretty bad when you google a car, and there are complaints pages that come up on the first screen. My 02 V6 has been dead since August. It would have cost me more than 5K to replace the engine. That was more than what the care was worth to me. So, I do not encourage you to buy a dodge unless you have an extra 2.7l engine lying around somewhere that you can have installed.

 

I haven't had any problems with mine, nor have I heard on any others haveing problems.

 

I've not had any problems with my '01 3.0L either.

 

I don't believe the 3.0L was the problem engine, but the 2.7L was.

 

You should be fine with a V6. The 2.7 mopar V6 does have a sludging problem where as I understand certain kinds of oil get trapped in what was explained to me as smaller lines within the engine... the resolution was to use a low viscosity synthetic oil. 0w30 or 5w30... In my opinion 5w30 is best for the engine anyway. I recommend Mobil 1

 

Really i never heard of a engine costing 5k ever unless ur getting a crate engine small block 8. I had 2 engines rebuilt a small block 289 ford and a 3.8 ford thunderbird engine. Both of them cost under 2k.

 

i can tell you first hand, that i see WAY fewer stratus's in our shop than intrepids/concords with the 2.7 v6 in them.

run 5w-20 oil, and keep it changed every 3-4k and you should be fine. just make sure you buy one that has been taken care of.

in 04, they started recommending the 5w-20 oil, on the 2.7 instead of 5w-30.