I know that the 4.7L is prone to sludge, I've learned that from reading many threads here. However, i have not come across many ways to prevent, or de-sludge a 4.7L. I don't believe my engine has much sludge, if any, but then again I don't know how i could tell if I have it or not.

if you use synthetic oil you wont get a sludge build up. but dont qoute me on that.

The sludge is from coolant mixing into the oil. I believe it gets in at the intake (Is that right guys)? One good thing to do is change your oil every 2k miles instead of 3k that helps a lot and other than that keep an eye on your oil to make sure it doesn't look foamy and keep an eye on the level of your coolant.

2000miles? I'd end up changing my oil every other week!

well I've never had a problem with leaking coolant, so hopefully I'm sludg free. How would I go about getting rid of sludge if I had it? Easy as an oil change? or would I have to flush the system?

Like I said do your oil changes every 2k miles. I've heard that over time that will clean it up.

How widespread is this oil sludge problem with the 4.7L? I've never heard of it. Is it just in the Durangos?

It's common enough with all of the 4.7's.

I remember someone posted that the cause of the continued sludge buildup is as mean green stated. Internal coolant leak mixing with oil. Over time, if this leak gets worse, it won't matter what kind of oil you use and how often you change the oil, the engine will be history. The solution to this is to find and fix the coolant leak and then you can properly clean out the sludge before it kills the engine.

I remember someone posted that there is a TSB on this. They suspect the coolant leak may be coming from a bad intake manifold gasket which seems to be a common issue for most of the magnum engine families. Maybe they use a cheapass quality gasket from factory?

There is a TSB available, and an extra part for the valve cover available, and the rumor of sludge is very over rated. Not that it didn't USED to happen, but not in a few years. Solved long ago if you acted on it.

With that said, you can read up on good article about it on the Durango Owners Club site. Also, it doesn't mean that there are not sludge monsters out there. Just not as many as rumor has it. IF you have the opportunity to buy a sludge monster, I'd pass. Cleaning it out may be futile AND damaging.

IndyDurango

That's good news about the engine sludge not really a big problem.
What is a TSB? and what is the homepage for the Duango Owners Club?

Thanks Indy

TSB=tech service bulletin I believe.

using synthetic will help alot... if you feel it's sludged up already you might try MMO, it should clean the insides pretty well.

what is MMO?

marvel mystery oil... it's the bomb. do a search for it over in the 2nd gen ram forum and you'll find lots of info on it.

Thank you

ORIGINAL: Mean Green

TSB=tech service bulletin I believe.

Correct! :)

IndyD

Does it also effect the 3.7L V6 which is based off of the 4.7L?

I haven't heard anything on that but you may want to ask around in the Dak sections they would hear about that. They only made a few D's with the V6's (not sure if that is the 1st, 2nd, or both gen D's though)

They first offered the 3.7L in 2004, right at the end of the second gen and starting the 3rd gen. Info will be limited, but they complain alot about the engines being noisy when the first start, similar to the sound of a diesel engine.

Is this oil sludge problem as wide spread and bad as the one that effected the 2.7L V6 in the cars?

I have heard it isn't too bad from Indy and It's not a huge problem from what I have seen on the forums but it is present.

ORIGINAL: Mean Green

I have heard it isn't too bad from Indy and It's not a huge problem from what I have seen on the forums but it is present.

Alright, then it's a pretty safe bet when getting one, just make sure the oil is changed regularly, or a situation where to just go ahead and run full-synthetic in it?

If you get one hook up with indy durango he can tell you where to find a TSB on the sludge problem and fix it. Just take a good look and smell of the oil to make sure it doesn't smell like coolant and the problem is starting with it.

TSB for sludge on the 4.7s

http://www.DodgeForum.com/m_164273/mpage_2/key_/tm.htm

IndyD

Yea i have hurd of that stuff working but i know from doing it myself if you want to clean your engine the right way, use this stuff called K&W engine oil clean. That is a miracle!! You add it to your oil run your engine for about 30 min at idle dont drive it!! and then drain your oil and put new oil in it and then an additive and you will even notice a good change in your gas milage and your performance. I use that on all the engines i work on or rebuild. And i even work for dodge and the techs i work with are starting to love this stuff as much as do. Try it out and let me know how you like it.

Also, do the research on your engine before you make a judgement call to flush it out. If you engine is fairly new and does not have too many miles on it, a good flushing can do wonders. But if your engine has alot of miles on it,it may do more harm. Engine can start leaking oil or using oil from worn out components that now has loose tolerances after the flushing. Engines with high or very high mileage should avoid flushing unless you are planning on a engine rebuild or you know the engine has been extremely well kept and trouble free.

Kensai,

Agreed 100%

IndyDurango