How I made my oil-burning, pinging, clattering 3.8 purr like a kitten.
12-29-2012, 05:00 PM
#21
JK Freak
Join Date: Apr 2011
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I'm nearing 200 000km and switched to 10-30 at 50km. I drove 14 km home as I bought with 36 on the dash and changed it that day. Only issue I've ever had was it over heated one time and the dealer tried to blame me, changed the thermostat and never went back. 5-20 IMHO is engine suicide.
Last edited by Lancejk; 12-30-2012 at 02:25 AM.
10-08-2013, 03:19 AM
#23
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Hey Y'all, I've now got 2000 miles since my initial fill with 10W-40. I pulled the dipstick today and I see the oil level is about 1/16" below the level of the mark on the dipstick. So it has used a small amount of oil over 2000 miles. With 5W-20 I would have had to add nearly 2 quarts by now. Since the level is still well into the "safe' area on the dipstick I decided not to add any oil right now. I'm going to see if it will remain in the "safe" area until the oil minder light comes on to prompt an oil change. For me that is usually about 6000 miles between oil changes. At that time I'll measure how much oil I have to add to get the level back to the mark on the dipstick and post an update. Happy New Year and stay safe.
10-08-2013, 06:16 AM
#24
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Atlanta, GA
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I'm curious to know what, if any, impact switching from 5w-20 to 10w-40 had on your gas mileage? I know most car manufactures switch to the 5w-20/5w-30 weight to increase the MPG rating of the vehicle, but I wonder if it really makes that much of difference? Logically, a better running engine should probably be a more effecient engine!
10-08-2013, 06:39 AM
#25
JK Freak
Im glad someone appreciates this motor. I was beginning to think the only way that motor was gonna purr is if u shoved a happy cat into the oil pan.
My solution is gonna be transplant an angry motor in it, like a 5.3l chevy....
My solution is gonna be transplant an angry motor in it, like a 5.3l chevy....
10-09-2013, 01:12 PM
#26
JK Super Freak
I'm curious to know what, if any, impact switching from 5w-20 to 10w-40 had on your gas mileage? I know most car manufactures switch to the 5w-20/5w-30 weight to increase the MPG rating of the vehicle, but I wonder if it really makes that much of difference? Logically, a better running engine should probably be a more effecient engine!
10-14-2013, 07:46 AM
#27
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Hazzard County, GA
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I like the way you think, partner! This 3.8 is a decent engine (for minivans) and I'm sure Chrysler meant well. I'm gonna try and keep this ol paperweight runnin as long as I can but when the day does come to sell or upgrade....I'm scoopin out that thing and ploppin in a tried and true 5.3 (or 6.2 depending on where my finances are by then
)
10-19-2013, 06:23 AM
#28
Super Moderator
My 3.8L has not burned any oil and I now have 68K miles on it. I also change my oil every 3K miles.
If I was you and had oil burning problems like you described, then it seems pretty obvious that there is something wrong with your engine. I wouldn't be trying a combination of castor oil, bubble gum and baby butt cream to get it fixed.
My 1st stop would have been to the dealer when you 1st noticed the problem, and if I didn't get any satisfactory results there, my next step would to be contacting an attorney who specializes in lemon laws.
What you described is the reason lemon laws exist.
Although, I would love to have a V8 in my JKU. Currently my 3.8L is part of my power train lifetime warranty. When it drops dead, I'm having Chrysler put in a new one, since I'm planning on keeping this vehicle until the frame rusts away.
The OP mentioned their JK was out of warranty....but then mentioned it's been 2.5 years and 55K miles later. You either have the lifetime power train warranty or you have the 10yr/100K warranty. How's an engine problem out of warranty when that is part of the power train?
If I was you and had oil burning problems like you described, then it seems pretty obvious that there is something wrong with your engine. I wouldn't be trying a combination of castor oil, bubble gum and baby butt cream to get it fixed.
My 1st stop would have been to the dealer when you 1st noticed the problem, and if I didn't get any satisfactory results there, my next step would to be contacting an attorney who specializes in lemon laws.
What you described is the reason lemon laws exist.
Although, I would love to have a V8 in my JKU. Currently my 3.8L is part of my power train lifetime warranty. When it drops dead, I'm having Chrysler put in a new one, since I'm planning on keeping this vehicle until the frame rusts away.
The OP mentioned their JK was out of warranty....but then mentioned it's been 2.5 years and 55K miles later. You either have the lifetime power train warranty or you have the 10yr/100K warranty. How's an engine problem out of warranty when that is part of the power train?
Last edited by Rednroll; 10-19-2013 at 06:35 AM.
10-19-2013, 06:50 AM
#29
JK Jedi
10-19-2013, 06:54 AM
#30
JK Jedi Master
800-1000 miles per quart is considered normal oil consumption by virtually all vehicle manufacturers. I know it sucks, but you won't win any lawsuits. Lemon laws vary by state, but typically last only a few months from initial purchase. The beyond 36K mile warranties only apply to the first buyer, and never applied to many of the 2007 JKs that were sold (including mine).