Am I creating a sludge monster??

[firefighter6526]

Hey guys,

I have an 03 Ram 5.7 Hemi. It currently has about 14k on the odometer. It has been on a diet of 10w-30 M1 and Pure1 filter since the second drain at 6k.

This is my weekend vehicle so it doesn't get driven too much. When it does, it's usually just around town, maybe 50 miles or so total, stop n go traffic and seeing every parking lot in town. On occasion it will make an out of town trip.

From what I've been reading I feel I my driving habits may be sending my true love to an early $$$rebuild$$$. There isn't a whole lot of info about the Hemi on this site so any info you can share will be greatley appreciated.

I need the engine to last until I can afford the super charger kit so I can really make the parts fly out of it.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I don't think you have to worry about sludge. I often do the same thing to my truck just to put some miles on it. 2002 with 24k miles.

 

[deepsquat]

run a UOA see how it is doing ...what sort of OCI are you doing ..3000K...5000K more ...less?

 

[99]

What you are doing is really not that good for the engine and driveline. When you do drive it, make sure you drive it long enough to get the engine, trans and rearend/frontend hot, not warm, hot. Short trips don't allow moisture in the oil, trans fluid and gear lube to burn off...and that unburnt moisture is what'll do your truck in early. Short trips and lots of garage time qualifies you for severe duty so follow those maintenance guidelines.

 

[RedWolf4000]

Your Pickup Truck is your weekend vehicle? God Bless America.

 

[Pablo]

I think with M1 and 6K and under you should be OK. You really should open her up once a week or so on the highway.

I don't mean to be an arsehole....but why drive a V8 hemi for such? And you are saving the engine for a supercharger. I love it, I am serious - that should be cool, but again the driving habits. Maybe you can alternate cars or something.

 

[Gary Allan]

Your Pickup Truck is your weekend vehicle? God Bless America.


Well, I know a few jeep owners that have commutes that make them very impractical for daily use. Everything from fuel economy to tire wear. Other than that ..whether it's a Vette or any other vehicle ...you can surely turn them into "Sunday drivers". It's not a practical choice, IMHO ..but it's another's choice.

 

[Ray H]

Everything 99 said and add fuel dilution to the equation. The combo is NOT good from a sludge formation standpoint - your driving habits put that motor squarely in "severe service" territory.

 

[firefighter6526]

Thanks for the responses guys. Should I switch to a heavier oil? Truck N SUV formula? What do y'all think. There's gonna be a UOA done in another few hundred miles so I'll have a little better idea where I stand. Until then, I'll start stretching her legs out a little more, WAAHOOOO!!

Hey 99, do burnouts and doughnuts count towards getting things hot??

 

[steveh]

try www.allpar.com lots of good mopar info on this site.

 

[theguru]

If you can afford the two vehicles I think it makes perfectly good sense to drive a more practical and possibly more fuel efficient vehicle for the daily commute.

The M1 you are using is fine. M1 T&S aka D1 is a great oil as well and would be my pick.

 

[Eddie]

When I do alot of short trips on weekends I plan to hit the first stop the farthest away. That gets my engine a chance to warm up the most. Sometime I take the long way around to my first stop.

 

[Bror Jace]

firefighter6526, it might be well worth your while to find some Chevron Delo400 or Pennzoil Long Life (both HDEO) in 10W-30. Look for a distributor in your area as these oils are not usually available in most automotive or discount stores.

Also, be prepared to buy by the case.

These gas/diesel oils will help keep your engine extra clean.

--- Bror Jace