Hello,

I am seriously considering buying a 2000 Dodge Durango (75K mi) from a
private seller. Assuming the test drive and mechanic's inspection
don't turn anything nasty up, here's what I plan do do once I get it...

***I've done research on the net and have found that the biggest
complaint about this vehicle is the sludge factory engine
(http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom..._dur_oil.html). Since
I don't know the oil changing regimine, I have to assume the worst...
I was hoping to counter this by trying *(a)* a severe treatment of Auto
Rx (http://www.auto-rx.com/pages/applications2.htm) or *(b)* a classic
kerosine flush
(http://forums.probetalk.com/archive/...p/t-4052.html). I am
really leaning towards the Auto Rx, though I am sure someone is bound
to call it snake's oil, I figured that it looks legit, and I have yet
to read a negative comment, so I figure it can't be so bad. Obviously,
I would follow up with regular oil changes, which should keep it clean,
and visually check the pan after 25K or so.

***These are the other things I would do myself.
******Coolant Flush
******"Tune Up" (new plugs, wires, and pcv)
******Add some fuel system cleaner for the first few tanks
******Replace belts (though not timing)
******A thorough detailing

***These are the things I would get the shop to do...
******Tranny flush
******Power steering flush
******Replace brakes & fluid flush (mainly for the warranty)
******Possibly timing belt if it looks the part

I am pretty capable, and have done my fair share of work on cars. Has
anyone got anything else that they think would be of benefit? I am
aware of the dangers of stirring up the sludge in the engine, but I
think it's worth the benefit. Same thing on the transmission, I don't
think it has enough miles to say "the gunk is holding it together"
quite yet. Any opinions, adds, subtracts, warnings are greatly
appreciated. Thanks.

the reverend natural light

My $.02:

If there is sludge buildup, it's best left where it is. If one of your
miracle chemicals will knock it all loose it'll just plug up the oil
pump pickup.

btw, you can get a pretty good idea of the buildup by looking through
the oil filler cap.

A friend of mine bought a car with a Chevy V8 that needed an intake
manifold gasket. With the intake off, it was clear that the lifter
valley was *full* of sludge. We just left it there.

Fast forward 5 years and many oil changes later (every 3k miles), we
pulled the intake for something else (can't remember what) and it was
clean!

Detergent Oil!

Just change the oil every 3k miles like we're all supposed to do. The
fresh oil will gradually and safely clean it all up.

That said, at 75k miles it's probably ready to have all the other
fluids changed as well. Check the owners manual service schedule and
assume the previous owner has ignored all the scheduled regular
maintenence.

-rev

scott

Just change the oil, if it has good oil pressure don't worry about it.
My 98' Dakota has 150K on it and i've never dun a kerosene flush or
anything and it keeps good oil psi. Coolant flush, and tune up would
be good. Just take a look at the belt, if it shows no signs of cracks
or anything it don't need replacing.

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Don't know if I'd do the tranny flush. Has it ever been flushed before?
Besides, when they flush the trannies, they use Dexron/Mercon with
"Friction Modifiers" to make it work in a Mopar tranny.

I wouldn't do it unless I knew for a fact they were using ATF+4!!!
At 75k, draining it, filling it and installing a new filter should do it
well.