I have bought a 01 Dodge Intrepid with 120K for my sons daily driver. Sorry for the long post, this is going to take some explaination. Apparently this engine is known for catastrophic failure due to various oil related issues and I need help on defining an oil regimen. I’ve read all sorts of issues (true or false on this engine), for the sake of argument, lets just “ASSUME” this engine has some or all the following issues;
1) Small oil galleries, passages, and flow characteristics which are not condusive for good circulation could lead to engine failure
2) Dead areas, eddies, and various nooks and crannies which have no active circulation, allow for oil sludge to build. This eventually affects overall circulation could lead to engine failure
3) Low oil capacity leaves no margin for oil problems and could lead to engine failure
4) Internal Wtr Pmp design which is prone to failure and causes water to unknowing dilute oil and could lead to engine failure.
5) Low, or loss of oil circulation at the timing chain tentioner shortens the life of, or causes a slack tentioner. The ensuing “Knock of Death” results in engine failure on this no-clearance engine.
6) Low or impeded oil flow at the timing chain shortens the life of and causes premature chain failure resulting in engine failure on this “no-clearance” engine.
I have already done a “preemptive” timing belt, tentioner and water pump replacement (new and improved WP design) and what a PITA that was!
When I was in the engine, I was concerned with how dirty the internals were. Crud and grime coated every unloaded surface. I cleaned it as best as possible but I was concerned with how dirty the top end was.
All that for this question? What oil, what intervals, and what additives (if any) do I use to clean this engine up and keep it well lubricated. If this was your car and your list of issues, what would be your oil regime?
1) Small oil galleries, passages, and flow characteristics which are not condusive for good circulation could lead to engine failure
2) Dead areas, eddies, and various nooks and crannies which have no active circulation, allow for oil sludge to build. This eventually affects overall circulation could lead to engine failure
3) Low oil capacity leaves no margin for oil problems and could lead to engine failure
4) Internal Wtr Pmp design which is prone to failure and causes water to unknowing dilute oil and could lead to engine failure.
5) Low, or loss of oil circulation at the timing chain tentioner shortens the life of, or causes a slack tentioner. The ensuing “Knock of Death” results in engine failure on this no-clearance engine.
6) Low or impeded oil flow at the timing chain shortens the life of and causes premature chain failure resulting in engine failure on this “no-clearance” engine.
I have already done a “preemptive” timing belt, tentioner and water pump replacement (new and improved WP design) and what a PITA that was!
When I was in the engine, I was concerned with how dirty the internals were. Crud and grime coated every unloaded surface. I cleaned it as best as possible but I was concerned with how dirty the top end was.
All that for this question? What oil, what intervals, and what additives (if any) do I use to clean this engine up and keep it well lubricated. If this was your car and your list of issues, what would be your oil regime?