Two problems related to oil pump have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Started in 2005 with a blown lifter at 37000 miles. In 2008 the lifters,valves on one side blew as did the head. Dodge claimed I wasn't changing oil properly as it was full of sludge. The oil pump and sump clogged resulting in all the damage. $3800. 00 to repair. In March 2009 lifters blew again. Cost $600. 00 to repair. Shortly after that the oil pressure dropped. I changed the oil and it was full of sludge. I have been changing the oil every 1500 miles since March 2009 using rinsoline to try and clean motor. It still takes s 6-10 seconds after start to get oil pressure to motor. Lifters are tapping again and I am sure they are ready to go. I have changed the oil using castrol syntec 5-30 every 3000-4000 miles since I bought truck new in 10/2001. I believe the sludge issue is due to a faulty engine design on the 4. 7 l v8 Dodge used. I know find there are many people having the same issue. I feel the NHTSA should look into this issue. Thank you.
My oil pump went out on my 2002 Dodge ram 1500 quad cab and Dodge dealership and daimler Chrysler state they are not responsible. It is still under warranty. They say it is due to sludge in the engine from lack of oil changes. I had the oil changed from service centers. The damage is over $1000. 00.