This past October I purchased a 2001 DODGE Ram Quadcab, V8-318, 2WD, 3.55 open rear, 46RE, option-loaded; scaled at #5,000 with fuel/no load or driver. Had 86m on the clock. Carfax reported no problems; t'was one owner commuting 20 annually, and appeared in very good condition. Was able to purchase at not much above auction/wholesale.
First order of business was to add about 12-ozs of LUBE CONTROL LC-20 (Odis did the honors), and used FUEL POWER FP-60 at every tank. Oil was fresh 10w30 (unknown dino), generic filter.
Was unable to do any work to vehicle until March (had to finish a house remodel and sell), and ran that initial fill about 8k with LC-20 (3-ozs) every 700-1000 miles.
Fuel mileage was below EPA numbers. Under oil filler cap was light-brown/golden-brown varnish, slightly sludgy. LC removed "sludginess" right away. Oil darkened considerably, but did not blacken. Oil consumption was a little under a quart (changed filter to one noted below early on; pan was overfilled and this change brought it to "level").
At about 94k, pulled sparkplugs, ran three ozs LC-20 into each cylinder (hot), cranked over at one hour ("topped off" each cylinder with more LC-20) and let sit overnight. Truck was idled for about 15 minutes from cold, and then driven about 5 miles until smoke cleared. Was very smoky, almost as bad as my old '71 Chrysler with worn rings. Spark plugs 6 & 8 were considerably darker than the rest.
Major tune-up performed with best-possible parts. No problems with old parts noted beyond those appropriate to age and miles. TBI removed and overhauled (IAC replaced).
Oil was sighted in rear of intake through throttle bores (a problem with this engine; DC has revised parts available).
Oil was replaced with DELO HDEO 10w30 (found at FORD big truck dealer) and an ARX clean-up ensued (ATF, PSF and axle oil also dosed and then changed to SCHAEFFERS 204-S and REDLINE 75W-90NS, respectively in complete service/flush & drain). A BALDWIN B2-HPG oil filter is the filter of choice. Now at 99k and oil is REDLINE 5W-40, dosed with 6-ozs LC-20.
The LC got through to the "sludginess", the ARX helped improve overall performance; and the major tune and fluids change have improved highway mileage from 15 or so to 17-19 mpg.
The intake will be serviced soon, but the "problem" of internal engine cleanliness is otherwise under way to improvement. A second ARX run will be done after intake and timing chain/water pump/etc, as well as returning coolant thermostat to 195F. REDLINE/LC-20/BALDWIN is a solid combo when used in conjunction with FP-60.
More will need to be done to it for longevity purposes (heavier electrical cabling/extra grounds/auxiliary filters/shift kit & deep pan/etc), but monies spent will pay off in long run.
This is the fourth vehicle I have used these products with, over a period of more than two years and over 60m combined miles of use.
What that Durango needs is to bring it up to -- and get a little ahead of -- factory-recommended service for its time & age, and the promise to take it out every 3-6 weeks and put 100 miles of highway driving on it.
And that it should go to the dealer twice annually, spring & summer, so that maintenance and repairs are kept to realistic level, and that professional mechanics with factory-training and supplies/parts can stay ahead of problems. One needs to search out the best local Dodge dealer and service writer.
If ones relative finds this to be too much trouble, then I'd allow them a smiling "Good luck", and be about my own business. One cannot force another, many cannot even be persuaded that scheduled service -- by the right organization -- puts money in their pocket. Those many would rather eat tens of thousands of dollars in depreciation monies than to change their ways.
PM me if you like.
Good luck
[ June 03, 2005, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: TheTanSedan ]
First order of business was to add about 12-ozs of LUBE CONTROL LC-20 (Odis did the honors), and used FUEL POWER FP-60 at every tank. Oil was fresh 10w30 (unknown dino), generic filter.
Was unable to do any work to vehicle until March (had to finish a house remodel and sell), and ran that initial fill about 8k with LC-20 (3-ozs) every 700-1000 miles.
Fuel mileage was below EPA numbers. Under oil filler cap was light-brown/golden-brown varnish, slightly sludgy. LC removed "sludginess" right away. Oil darkened considerably, but did not blacken. Oil consumption was a little under a quart (changed filter to one noted below early on; pan was overfilled and this change brought it to "level").
At about 94k, pulled sparkplugs, ran three ozs LC-20 into each cylinder (hot), cranked over at one hour ("topped off" each cylinder with more LC-20) and let sit overnight. Truck was idled for about 15 minutes from cold, and then driven about 5 miles until smoke cleared. Was very smoky, almost as bad as my old '71 Chrysler with worn rings. Spark plugs 6 & 8 were considerably darker than the rest.
Major tune-up performed with best-possible parts. No problems with old parts noted beyond those appropriate to age and miles. TBI removed and overhauled (IAC replaced).
Oil was sighted in rear of intake through throttle bores (a problem with this engine; DC has revised parts available).
Oil was replaced with DELO HDEO 10w30 (found at FORD big truck dealer) and an ARX clean-up ensued (ATF, PSF and axle oil also dosed and then changed to SCHAEFFERS 204-S and REDLINE 75W-90NS, respectively in complete service/flush & drain). A BALDWIN B2-HPG oil filter is the filter of choice. Now at 99k and oil is REDLINE 5W-40, dosed with 6-ozs LC-20.
The LC got through to the "sludginess", the ARX helped improve overall performance; and the major tune and fluids change have improved highway mileage from 15 or so to 17-19 mpg.
The intake will be serviced soon, but the "problem" of internal engine cleanliness is otherwise under way to improvement. A second ARX run will be done after intake and timing chain/water pump/etc, as well as returning coolant thermostat to 195F. REDLINE/LC-20/BALDWIN is a solid combo when used in conjunction with FP-60.
More will need to be done to it for longevity purposes (heavier electrical cabling/extra grounds/auxiliary filters/shift kit & deep pan/etc), but monies spent will pay off in long run.
This is the fourth vehicle I have used these products with, over a period of more than two years and over 60m combined miles of use.
What that Durango needs is to bring it up to -- and get a little ahead of -- factory-recommended service for its time & age, and the promise to take it out every 3-6 weeks and put 100 miles of highway driving on it.
And that it should go to the dealer twice annually, spring & summer, so that maintenance and repairs are kept to realistic level, and that professional mechanics with factory-training and supplies/parts can stay ahead of problems. One needs to search out the best local Dodge dealer and service writer.
If ones relative finds this to be too much trouble, then I'd allow them a smiling "Good luck", and be about my own business. One cannot force another, many cannot even be persuaded that scheduled service -- by the right organization -- puts money in their pocket. Those many would rather eat tens of thousands of dollars in depreciation monies than to change their ways.
PM me if you like.
Good luck
[ June 03, 2005, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: TheTanSedan ]
