Oil sludge nightmares.

[PalmerWMD]

One wonders if the combination of 5w-30 oils and 7500 miles oil changes works so well after all:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com....html

Fred...

[miteymax86]

Only a few more years until those SRT-4 claims start rolling in....

[BadMojo]

Wow...that's horrible. I smell class action suit.

[sultan]

happens on different engines with some owners claiming 3000 mile oil changes? sounds like a major problem for dodge. but is it only the durango?

[PalmerWMD]

Some engines are harder on oils than others.

Heat pockets in the engine may be too much for the conventional 5w-30 oils that those engines typically get, with extended drain to boot.

Fred...

[UncleBen]

heh, figures. dam american cars. j/k

[PalmerWMD]

This is a quote I agree with (slightly modified by me):

"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------..... with better material controls, slightly tighter clearnces and much better tolerances you would imagine that all vechiles would be hitting 300,000 with no mechanical problems. IT seems like this is not the case. Dodge, GM, Ford and the gold stnadard for power train durability Toyota are all haveing problems with durability. The traditonal domestic makes are no more durable or reliable then 10-15 years ago. The Toyotas are starting to burn oil and sludge up at an alarming rate. The only things that I can see that they all have in common is insistance on 5W30 dino oil for all conditions, longer drain intervals, and higher temp with leaner combustion to apease EPA. If you put these things together you can easily see what we should be doing. ..... 3)Thicker synthetic oils based on the old API VIS/Temp guide.....!!!!!! 4) More frequent serviceing...!!!!.... "

Fred....

[PalmerWMD]

Unlike some of those other brands mentioned all modern Nissan/Infiniti engines are virtually problem free.

Fred...

[Rex]

If I owned a Durango, I'd be afraid to drive it. Actually, I was gonna borrow a friend of mine's to go camping this summer..... Need to find another friend with an SUV and lure them in with the Q for a week long swap...... shouldn't be hard, should it?

[lessthanjakejohn]

EPA= Band of idots

[Toahk]

Would running synthetic in these durango's prevent the sludge build up any less?

[PalmerWMD]

Would running synthetic in these durango's prevent the sludge build up any less?

It should help a lot.Also switching to a stable viscosity like 10w-30 instead of factory recommended 5w-30 will also help.Add 3000 mile oil changes, in combination w/ the above and the problem should be solved.

Fred...

[Rex]

One wonders if the combination of 5w-30 oils and 7500 miles oil changes works so well after all:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com....html

Fred...

Do you mean 5W30 as an overall or in that type of heat?

I use Valvoline DuraBlend 5W30 and now you've got me thinking. Of course when I check the levels it looks like I just pulled the dipstick out of the can not the car.

[reggiegsd]

Fish around on that site for some of the Nissan complaints. Infinity has a total of two.

[PalmerWMD]

Do you mean 5W30 as an overall or in that type of heat?

I use Valvoline DuraBlend 5W30 and now you've got me thinking. Of course when I check the levels it looks like I just pulled the dipstick out of the can not the car.

Valvoline Durablend is one of teh very best oils outside the full synthteics.It's been the only Blended oil to meet ACEA A1/A2 specs.And I think maybe even A3 in its 20w-50 viscosity(am not sure about that one gotto check).

Those are all pretty tough european specs for deposit control volatilty stabilty anti-foaming etc.

Even so I would much prefer you run a 10w-30 or 10w40 (in summer) and maybe 5w-30 in winter <only> (if you live in an area that has real winters that is).

Fred...

[BadMojo]

Fred,

I know we've beaten the whole "which oil?" issue to death, but I've got a question.

I've been thinking of switching from Castrol GTX to a synthetic. I've been considering Valvoline Synpower, but they don't seem to have a 10w-40 oil. I guess I could run 5w-40 for the summer, but I've got some valvetrain noise. At some point I'll get the valve lash adjusted, but I was hoping the 10w-40 would help a bit.

Do you know of something equivalent to the Synpower in a 10w-40 weight? I've considered Mobil1, but heard of increased valvetrain noise with it, which is obviously something I don't want.

My budget is fairly open. Motor oil is cheap compared to other stuff I've done with my car. I'm all about the maintenance.

[Cold_Zero]

Only a few more years until those SRT-4 claims start rolling in....

My buddy bought a full size Dodge Ram truck and the oil pump went out at 60k. Apparently due to sludge problems.

My Subaru dealership keeps saying that 5w30 is the correct type of oil for my WRX. I think they are friggin nuts! I use Mobile 1 Synthetic 15w50 in my car. The WRX creates an enormous amount of heat.

[PalmerWMD]

1)I've been thinking of switching from Castrol GTX to a synthetic.2)I've been considering Valvoline Synpower, but they don't seem to have a 10w-40 oil. I guess I could run 5w-40 for the summer, but I've got some valvetrain noise. At some point I'll get the valve lash adjusted,3) but I was hoping the 10w-40 would help a bit.4)Do you know of something equivalent to the Synpower in a 10w-40 weight? I've considered Mobil1, but heard of increased valvetrain noise with it, which is obviously something I don't want.

5)My budget is fairly open.

1) One of the very best of the non syns at this point.2)Most oil filler make only one xw- for a given weight.The 5w- is Valvoline SYnPowers 40 weight3)A 5w-40 is equivalent, a bit further spread than a 10w- but with a group III base oil still managable and not involving too many VII's4)MOBIL1 0w-40, not as stable as the M1 15w-50 for long drains intervals, but a very good oil. W/ Moly and a solid 40 weight. As for incraesed valvetrain noise with M1 shouldnt be an issue with its 40 weight.Also check out these oils:http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....229.1

5) In that case AMSOIL+redlne make some greatt oils.Redline is an especially strong oil for those willing to spend a bit. at 8$ for a mostly group V pruduct (M1+ AMSOIL are mostly group IV most other syns group III)

If your climate is very warm (it <is> summer) and you drive hard ,consider a 50 weight such as M1 15w-50.

Fred...

[PalmerWMD]

.I think they are friggin nuts! I use Mobile 1 Synthetic 15w50 in my car. The WRX creates an enormous amount of heat.

I agree. You are doing the right thing for your car.

Fred..:thumbup