Diagnosis And Testing: Mechanical

2013 Dodge and Ram Journey Crew, AWDSECTION Mechanical
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VALVETRAIN NOISE 1. High or low oil level in crankcase. 1. Check and correct engine oil level.
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil to correct viscosity.
3. Thick oil 3. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
Β  (b) Run engine to operating temperature.
Β  (c) Change engine oil and filter again.
4. Low oil pressure. 4. (a) Check and correct engine oil level.
Β  (b) Check pressure regulating valve.
5. Worn cam lobe. 5. Install new camshaft.
6. Worn tappet bucket. 6. Install new select fit tappet bucket.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. Replace cylinder head.
8. Excessive runout of valve seats on valve faces. 8. Grind valve seats and replace valves.
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
Β  (b) Run engine to operating temperature.
Β  (c) Change engine oil and filter again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Connecting rod journal out-of-round. 6. Replace crankshaft or grind surface.
7. Connecting rod out-of-round. 7. Replace connecting rod.
8. Misaligned connecting rods. 8. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
Β  (b) Run engine to operating temperature.
Β  (c) Change engine oil and filter again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Excessive end play. 6. Check thrust bearing for wear on flanges.
7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round or worn. 7. Replace crankshaft or grind journals.
8. Loose flywheel or torque converter. 8. Tighten to correct torque.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Install new sending unit.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check sending unit and main bearing oil clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace balance shaft module.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect, clean, or replace.
8. Excessive bearing clearance. 8. Measure bearings for correct clearance.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated gaskets. 1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous metal part. 2. Tighten, repair or replace the part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or threaded plug. 3. Replace as necessary.
OIL CONSUMPTION OR SPARK PLUGS FOULED 1. PCV system malfunction. 1. Check system and repair as necessary. Refer to VALVE, POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV), DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
2. Worn, scuffed or broken rings. 2. Hone cylinder bores. Install new rings.
3. Carbon in oil ring slots. 3. Install new rings.
4. Rings fitted too tightly in grooves. 4. Remove rings and check grooves. If groove is not proper width, replace piston.
5. Worn valve guide(s). 5. Replace cylinder head.
6. Valve stem seal(s) worn or damaged. 6. Replace seal(s).
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.