Not related to the DAK, but I switched from dino to synthetic in my Plymouth Voyager around 40K, and had to replace the head gasket because it started leaking. Other than that, there were no issues.
I am about to do the same to my Chrysler T&C with 40k on it as well. I can let you know what happens, if you are interested. :)
----- Original Message ----
From: Matt Beazer <teseract@moparhowto.com>
To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 2:48:39 PM
Subject: DML: 134k - To Synthetic or not to synthetic?
What's the general consensus on how well the 318 handles being
switched to synthetic oil at 100k+ miles? My '94 has 134k on it, no
real leaks, no oil being burned, excellent oil pressure, at least as
far as you can trust the stock gauge. The only thing approaching a
leak is a slow leeching from the valve cover gaskets that will be
fixed shortly, but it's barely enough to make the top rail of the
heads damp. It's just the standard hardening of the rubber gaskets
from hundreds of heat cycles, which I'll fix when I get around to
buying new gaskets.
Yes, I know that synthetic oil doesn't cause leaks, it just uncovers
ones that already existed but were plugged by crud that gets eaten out
by the detergents in the oil. Still, no leaks right now makes me
happy, heh.
I don't mind replacing a leaking oil pressure sending unit or
something small like that, but if the rear main seal or something
that's a pain to get to like that is going to spring a leak I'll just
have to live with a decent dino juice oil, 3k oil changes, brown
stained engine internals and a smell that makes me want to gag
whenever I take something apart. :)
Thanks,
MattB
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