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2000 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 Lr Sludge problems
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Gordyp
New User
Sep 4, 2008, 10:11 AM
Post #1 of 3
(2839 views)
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2000 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 Lr Sludge problems
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2000 Dodge Intrepid
2.7 Lr V6
50,000 miles
Hi, Guys,
I was really happy when I came across this car. The price was right, especially with such low milage, it looks great, and it was owned by an older couple. Then after I purchased it I checked it out on the internet and to my horror read all about the engine problems, due mainly to oil sludging.
I have two questions:
1. Should I flush with a good synthetic product like AMSsoil flush and then use AMSoil synthetic motor oil.
2. How often should I change the oil? My happy Chrysler dealer suggests as often as regular oil but AMS oil suppliers say not so often.
Thanks,
Gordyp
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 4, 2008, 5:37 PM
Post #2 of 3
(2826 views)
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Re: 2000 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 Lr Sludge problems
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Is it running well right now? Can you see the fudgy build up thru the oil cap or on dipstick or better yet take valve cover off and you'll really know.
Moi alone suggesting: I'd change oil with 1 (1/2 if you are chicken) qt ATF for just the day with cheap but OE rated 5-30 and a cheap filter but still meeting OE specs. Dump it after a good ride and just use plain 5-30 cheap stuff again for a couple weeks or a few hundred miles at least and then switch to your choice of quality synthetic and quality filter.
Synthetic just about doesn't make sludge even when let go too long but I still suggest the 3 month or 3,000 mile rule. Ok to go longer time if car is stored covered and does't pile up many miles.
Plain changing oil will rid the engine of sludge over time. Quality synthetic like Amsoil (sponsor of site thanks you for bringing up the name) will continue to remove the sludge slowly.
If it's so bad that things aren't getting oiled then there's going to be troubles. Can't fix that but I've had luck with low mile, oil abused but still healthy cars with overdoing oil for a while and later they are clean again - takes a couple years but have overcome the original abuse.
The key is not to move the sludge too fast as chunks may dislodge that are harmlessly in there that will disolve slowly. Too much at once can plug a tiny oil passage right off and troubles could happen real soon and non reversable.
Curious what was repaired already blamed on sludge? 50k with slow poke driving doesn't usually make a lot of sludge if let go way too long.
If you've caught it early enough with just on time or early oil changing you could have great luck with the oil part of the life of the engine,
T
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Gordyp
New User
Sep 4, 2008, 5:48 PM
Post #3 of 3
(2821 views)
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Re: 2000 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 Lr Sludge problems
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Thanks for your prompt and detailed reply, Tom. Much appreciated and i'll do as you suggest,
cheers, Gordyp
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