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Dodge Ram Oil Questions
Nephews truck has gas in oil and low oil pressure. here's what he says.
Truck is a 1990 automatic trans, fuel injected model.
He seemed to have more difficulty starting it when it started getting cold outside. It always seemed as though it was probably burning some oil as dark grey exhaust was noted. According to the starting instructions in the manual, he is supposed to turn on the key and start without pumping the gas. This used to work OK but it cranked for some time before starting. As it became more difficult to start, sometimes he would pump it a bit. Later when it wouldn't start, we would sometimes follow the "flooded" instructions by cranking it with the pedal down to the floor.
We put in a small container of IsoHeet gas antifreez. This contains isopropyl alcohol and the instructions said it could be added before or after filling tank and that it treats 10 gals. of fuel. The guage shows about 1/4 tank. It still wouldn't start.
After changing the spark plugs last weekend, it started up without too much cranking. We let it idle for a while and noticed that it was putting out a light gray-white smoke (even smoke rings). I drove it back and forth in the driveway a few times and let it warm up. When moving it over to the parking space, I noticed the oil light coming on a bit then going off, then on again. He also has a guage which shows oil pressure but I unfortunately did not pay attention to it. After turning it off, I checked the oil and there was none on the dip stick. I assumed that over the months with him starting it, some had burned away. (we changed the oil and filter soon after getting it in Sept. putting in 5 qts.). There was some light smoke (I assume from the heat) coming from the oil fill opening. I waited for the engine to cool and put in a quart.
The next day, we checked the level and the dip stick had "oil" up about 6" on the dip stick. We tried to start it and it made a few small "back fire" type noises and we noticed that the oil pressure gauge was at 0, so we stopped. Chris said he used to see the gauge go up some while cranking it.
After talking to you on the phone, we smelled it and it seems there is gas in the oil. Today we drained it and about 10 quarts of fluid came out. This seems like about a gallon extra of gas. We did not put any new oil back in since we wanted to hear from you if you have any suggestions.
How would gas be getting into this area? Could it have leaked down the pistons past the rings? Could the gas antifeez treatment have caused something to dissolve or was it too much antifreez for the amount of gas he has in his tank?
Thanks for any and all help/advice.
Truck is a 1990 automatic trans, fuel injected model.
He seemed to have more difficulty starting it when it started getting cold outside. It always seemed as though it was probably burning some oil as dark grey exhaust was noted. According to the starting instructions in the manual, he is supposed to turn on the key and start without pumping the gas. This used to work OK but it cranked for some time before starting. As it became more difficult to start, sometimes he would pump it a bit. Later when it wouldn't start, we would sometimes follow the "flooded" instructions by cranking it with the pedal down to the floor.
We put in a small container of IsoHeet gas antifreez. This contains isopropyl alcohol and the instructions said it could be added before or after filling tank and that it treats 10 gals. of fuel. The guage shows about 1/4 tank. It still wouldn't start.
After changing the spark plugs last weekend, it started up without too much cranking. We let it idle for a while and noticed that it was putting out a light gray-white smoke (even smoke rings). I drove it back and forth in the driveway a few times and let it warm up. When moving it over to the parking space, I noticed the oil light coming on a bit then going off, then on again. He also has a guage which shows oil pressure but I unfortunately did not pay attention to it. After turning it off, I checked the oil and there was none on the dip stick. I assumed that over the months with him starting it, some had burned away. (we changed the oil and filter soon after getting it in Sept. putting in 5 qts.). There was some light smoke (I assume from the heat) coming from the oil fill opening. I waited for the engine to cool and put in a quart.
The next day, we checked the level and the dip stick had "oil" up about 6" on the dip stick. We tried to start it and it made a few small "back fire" type noises and we noticed that the oil pressure gauge was at 0, so we stopped. Chris said he used to see the gauge go up some while cranking it.
After talking to you on the phone, we smelled it and it seems there is gas in the oil. Today we drained it and about 10 quarts of fluid came out. This seems like about a gallon extra of gas. We did not put any new oil back in since we wanted to hear from you if you have any suggestions.
How would gas be getting into this area? Could it have leaked down the pistons past the rings? Could the gas antifeez treatment have caused something to dissolve or was it too much antifreez for the amount of gas he has in his tank?
Thanks for any and all help/advice.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
*Something incredibly wrong in the Evaporative Control System, with vacuum pulling fuel out of the canister and in to the engine.
*A defective Fuel Regulator causing an over rich condition which allows unburned fuel to pass the rings and through the valve guides.
* A bad intake manifold gasket.
Best regards,
Dusty
We had a problem with gas in the oil crankcase (see other discussion title).
This was possibly due to faulty fuel injector? but now have no oil pressure reading after draining the gas contaminated oil.
We refilled engine with fresh oil and a new filter.
When cranking engine to try to start it, we noticed that the oil pressure gauge was not moving up as it had in the past and the oil light remains on while cranking.
We did not try cranking too long as we didn't want to do any damage.
Does anyone have any ideas why we are experiencing this, what went wrong and what can we do now? Thanks.
:confuse: :confuse:
My oil pressure gauge reads properly when truck is not in motion or when I maintain a constant speed. But as soon as I accelerate it drops to zero but does not cause a problem with performance. Since there was no problem in performance I ignored it for a month due to cash flow issues. Now the oil light comes on only after it is warm and when I stop and I can feel very slight hesitation while idling and decelerating. Can someone please help me?
I would recommend that you immediately stop driving the vehicle, remove the oil pan and inspect the pump inlet.
Under these conditions I wouldn't be surprised if you've got some scored main and connecting rod bearings from being run with inadequate oil supply. With the pan off I would remove the front and third main bearing caps and inspect the bearings halves. Any signs of galling, heavy scratches, or over heating and I would anticipate a complete bearing change. This can be done without removing the engine by an experienced technician. I'd plan on replacing the oil pump as well.
Good luck,
Dusty
I don't know what the problem is but my guess is if I change the oil pump, it will fix the gage issue... Anyone have experience in dealing with this problem?
Many thanks, CP.
Replaced clutch, pressure plate and bearings now the clutch pedal seems to be one third of the effort to press in. I am attempting to force Dodge to admit a defective pressure plate but as everyone knows I am fighting a brick wall! Any help or ideas will be a major asset in my battle!
Does anyone know if the old warrantees are still good? I bought an 07 RAM 1500 and purchased the additional extended warrantee at the time of purchase. Still good under the "new Chrysler" or not?
Ski in TX
Thank you for your time,
Mudchick
Valvoline.com - Premium Blue Engine Oil
You'll note this in the right side of the page: "Endorsed and recommended by Cummins for use in Dodge Ram Turbo Diesels" - and you'll see the Cummins "big C" logo right on the label.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
Thank you so very much! I appreciate that!!!
Mudchick :-)
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
And is there a particular filter you would highly recommended?
AutoZone has Valvoline Premium Blue in their stores... it's $12.99 per gallon at my local AutoZone (north NJ).
Can't go wrong with the Cummins Fleetguard oil filters. Best place to find them is from Geno's Garage, a well-known Dodge/Cummins parts house. They ship promptly and have a very good reputation - Geno's Garage - Fleetguard Oil Filters. You can order several at a time and have them around for when you need them. Pick up the Fleetguard air and fuel filters from them as well.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
Again, thank you! I will be back with more questions! Hopefully not to soon, but I may seek you out.
Bless you and Happy Holidays to you and everyone!
Mudchick :-)