Three problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Durango. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer notices a banging noise coming from engine. Vehicle was serviced, and technician noticed no cooling. Engine needed to be replaced. Metal chips and sludge were found in the motor after the dealer diagnosis. The bearings for cylinder 1 and 5 spun the crank shaft, dealer replaced the pitman and idler arms.
First failure oil light kept coming on intermitently took it to dealership they replaced oil pump. No mention of sludge or any build up of material in pan. They said they had seen this happen often at this mileage range. One year later and 4 oil changes the same thing happened only I lost all oil pressure. Was towed to dealership for repair and was told that we should have the gasket replaced between the head and the block because the head was aluminum and the block was steel and over time and heating and cooling the gasket gets extruded and the antifreeze will get into the oil and sludge up the oil causing the failure of the pump. I feel Dodge has a problem that they are not telling the consumer.
When CO. Rep said the CO. Would not compensate due to age and milage even though parts failed far short of normal service life. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Dt.