4.7 sludge fix

From: Michael Maskalans (dml@tepidcola.com)
Date: Mon Jun 30 2008 - 18:07:13 EDT


Thought this might be worth some discussion on The List....

<http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=695250>
>
> Amazing save on sludged up 4.7 engine with no oil pressure and 170k
>
> My buddies 2002 Durango SLT 4.7 liter engine with 170,000 on the clock
> lost pressure. Valve lifters were beginning to knock, and everyone
> thought the engine was a gone-er. He was obsessive about 3k oil
> changes
> with decent quality oil at the dealer, so this engine was not
> neglected.
> The pan was dropped 3 months ago for an oil pump change (done by a
> mechanic friend of his despite not being necessary at the time - long
> story), and it had sludge in it despite oil changes. It was cleaned
> but
> that means the engine musta' been full of crap at that time.
>
> Then I decided to try an old trick. I had him add a quart of gunk oil
> cleanser, the kind you use during oil changes. (Years ago I woulda'
> used
> auto tranny fluid). Ran the engine 5 minutes, drained oil, let engine
> sit 40 minutes to cool, reapplied cheapo oil and another can of
> gunk oil
> cleaner and another 5 minutes. Then drained and inserted new Mobil1
> oil
> filter and Mobil1 5w-30 oil.
>
> Pressure came back to normal!!! Valve lifter tapping went away!!!
> Engine
> is quieter than my 2003 Durango 4.7 with 47k on the clock.
>
> We were both so happy we drove for a victory lap, got snacks,
> beers, and
> celebrated.
>
> Now, does that mean the oil journals are totally clean...I doubt
> it. Are
> they 20% blocked or 80% blocked with sludge?...I don't know. Doom
> could
> be around the corner, but for this hour we live on! A $3k engine
> swap is
> on hold! I wouldn't trust it to go coast to coast, but if it survives
> the next thousand miles I will say it is as safe as its gonna be.
>
> Maybe this Gunk oil treatment might help others. I hope so because
> 170,000 miles is the usual sludge point for these sludge making
> engines.
> I see lotsa' posts about the 4.7 liter dying at 170,000.
>
> I'm not usually on this BB, but I do know cars and I do lots of
> wrenching. This site has helped me with a couple of things, so I
> wanted
> to give something back, even if it is small.
>
> Best,
>
> T



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