My question would be, isn't there something a mechanic can do to make sure that sludge is cleaned out of an engine/oil journals?
I've used synthetic the whole time, and have over 100k on mine. Maybe it would be worth it to have the mechanic drop the oil pan and check for sludge next time I have it in.
----- Original Message ----
From: Michael Maskalans <dml@tepidcola.com>
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 5:07:13 PM
Subject: DML: 4.7 sludge fix
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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