Diagnosis and Testing: Lubrication

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSES	CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS	1. Gaskets and O-Rings. Misaligned or damaged.	1. Replace as necessary.
	-	-
	2. Loose fasteners, broken or porous metal parts.	2. Tighten fasteners, repair or replace metal parts.
	3. Crankshaft rear seal	3. Replace as necessary. Refer to SEAL, Crankshaft Oil, Rear , Removal , 3.7L .
	4. Crankshaft seal flange. Scratched, nicked or grooved.	4. Polish or replace crankshaft.
	5. Oil pan flange cracked.	5. Replace oil pan. Refer to PAN, Oil , Removal , 3.7L .
	6. Timing chain cover seal, damaged or misaligned.	6. Replace seal. Refer to SEAL, Crankshaft Oil, Front , Removal , 3.7L .
	7. Scratched or damaged vibration damper hub.	7. Polish or replace damper. Refer to DAMPER, Vibration , Removal , 3.7L .
OIL PRESSURE DROP	1. Low oil level.	1. Check and correct oil level. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL SERVICE .
	2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit.	2. Replace sending unit. Refer to SWITCH, Oil Pressure , Removal , 3.7L .
	3. Low oil pressure.	3. Check oil pump and bearing clearance. Refer to INSPECTION .
	4. Clogged oil filter.	4. Replace oil filter. Refer to FILTER, Engine Oil , Removal , 3.7L .
	5. Worn oil pump.	5. Replace oil pump. Refer to PUMP, Engine Oil , Removal , 3.7L .
	6. Thin or diluted oil.	6. Change oil and filter. Refer to FILTER, Engine Oil , Removal , 3.7L .
	7. Excessive bearing clearance.	7. Replace as necessary. Refer to Standard Procedure .
	8. Oil pump relief valve stuck.	8. Replace oil pump. Refer to PUMP, Engine Oil , Removal , 3.7L .
	9. Oil pick up tube loose, damaged or clogged.	9. Replace as necessary. Refer to PAN, Oil , Removal , 3.7L .
OIL PUMPING AT RINGS; SPARK PLUGS FOULING	1. Worn or damaged rings.	1. Hone cylinder bores and replace rings. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING FITTING .
	2. Carbon in oil ring slots.	2. Replace rings. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING FITTING .
	3. Incorrect ring size installed.	3. Replace rings. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING FITTING .
	4. Worn valve guides.	4. Inspect the valve guides for wear, cracks or looseness. If either condition exist, replace the cylinder head (left) (right). Refer to Cylinder Head, Left , Removal , 3.7L Cylinder Head, Right , Removal , 3.7L . .
	5. Leaking valve guide seals.	5. Replace valve guide seals (Left Cylinder Head) (Right Cylinder Head) . Refer to VALVES, Intake and Exhaust , Removal , 3.7L .