Chrysler 2.7 V6: Conventional to Synthetic

[Jaymus]

Ok, we have an '02 Dodge Stratus with the INFAMOUS Chrysler 2.7 V6 sludge engine. This next oil change, I will be swapping it to synthetic. It has a tad under 55,000 miles on it.

Let's say I choose to go the Pennzoil Platinum route in 5w30 flavor. Is it safe for me to just go ahead and do a full swap to synthetic? Would you recommend Pennzoil Platinum for this type of engine (poor oil circulating engine that is KNOWN to sludge on conventional oil)? Or should I try another type of synthetic? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[vronline]

You don't have to do anything special... just switch to PP. It is a good choice.

 

[JohnBrowning]

In that engine I would go to M1 0W40. M1 0W40 has a beefy additive package and flows very well. It was mentioned on M1's site as having the ability to clean out sludge. Id o not know if they still mention this or not. It has a very high TBN and will allow for extended drains if you want to go that route. It will shear out to a 0W30 in no time flat but that is fine it does not seem to effect wear inmost engines. It has plenty of phosphorus which is good for timing chains wich will take a hit if their is sludge in the timing cover area.

 

[va3ux]

Just go ahead and change it Jaymus. I go back and forth on mine all the time and I'm approaching 190K on my 2.7.

The only reason I go back and forth is because I'm overstocked on oil. I'm using up Maxlife HM and Pennzoil dinos, which I use during cool to mild weather. The rest of the time (real cold or hot weather) I use Amsoil, M1 or Quaker State synthetics - whatever I happen to have around at the time. If I didn't have so much of this stuff around, I wouldn't hesitate to Pennzoil Platinum. Note that M1 High Mileage synthetic is supposed to clean deposits.

The '02 2.7s are less sludge prone than previous years. Change the PCV valve at least once a year and make sure the PCV hoses are clean. If you notice your coolant level gradually dropping, get it checked right away. If the internal water pump leaks into the crankcase, the engine will sludge no matter what oil you use. Any engine would.