2004 Liberty Sludge in Oil fill neck

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branny

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Well my valve is brand new. I will check the hoses are clear.

I can't believe this is just a feature of the engine.
 

LibertyTC

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I have zero sludge in mine. I run full synthetic Mobil1 extended performance or Penzoil Platinum now only, and change it at 4000 miles with a good filter like Mobil1.
Make sure the oil is on the full line & not overfilled.
If it is cold out I will allow the Jeep to fully warm up and try not to do 15 minute trips.
I wont even shut it off unless it has had a good boogie and hit 210+F.
I take the overdrive off and like to find a long upward hill and put er to the floor and hold it there, these jeeps like it when the dust / carbon is blown out!
If I saw after a 200 mile hwy run gunk build up, I would wonder why too!
I would seriously consider a compression test on that engine, then you will know if something is a-wonk.
 

RenKJ

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I have a 2004 3.7L 4x4 Liberty with 90k miles.
I tend to get a heavy build up of white sludge under my oil cap.
The car runs fine and the oil on the dipstick looks good (it was serviced recently).
The coolant system is clean and has never had a noticeable drop in level.
I recently had the PCV valve changed.

Attached is a picture I took after 100 miles at 70mph with the engine still warm. This was quite disturbing to me, so my 800 mile journey consisted of frequent stops to clean it out.

Does anybody know what may cause this problem? I can only think head gasket, but i'm convinced the coolant is staying at the same level and not getting contaminated.

Could it be the PCV tubing? I have checked the integrity, but have not removed it all to see if it's clogged.

How about some sort of crankcase leak or crack?

Thanks in advance.
What kind of environment do you drive? You could try an oil catch can on the pcv, there's some cheap ones made of machined aluminum on ebay and amazon, so far it pulls all the condensation and oil soot out of the vacume line, just have to empty it once a month.
 

tommudd

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So what should I take away from this thread?

I'm thinking check pcv and try better oil. Then not worry any more.

Change the PCV if you haven't and just run it, short trips and driving like Grandma does it. I've never had that issue with mine in over 200,000 miles . Just changed the oil in my Step Fathers that I got for him a few months back and his doesn't have an issue either but he drives it like I told him. The baffle can be popped out when you are filling it with oil not need to leave it in
 

LibertyTC

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Oil Filler Neck= Vanilla Pudding Anyone?

Got a call from a co-worker that has a KJ and asks me if I can come over to look at his with 60 k miles. Says he has lately been getting bad gas mileage and probably needs a tune up.
Ya it needs more than a tune up all right...
First thing I do is pull the oil baffle out..
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Lets now have a look inside shall we...
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All we need is some Ice Cream with the Vanilla Pudding Right? :icon_lol:
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There was so much moisture in there it was ridiculous! Covered the whole paper towel, what was scooped out!
I also used a long handle screw driver with Q-Tips taped to the end to remove the pudding from the bottom inside as well.
The PCV was plugged as well.
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Will have to install a new PCV but you can see after about 20 minutes, I got the interior clean. He was running Dino oil & short trips.
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I guess it is just a Jeep Vanilla Thing :gr_grin:!
 

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profdlp

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I checked mine today and it is clean as a whistle. It also looks like your second picture (minus the tapioca), which means some dilrod didn't replace it at some point, correct? Or am I missing something?
 

profdlp

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...and, decided to order the little rascal and was amazed - an OEM part that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! :banana-mario:

Then I saw the shipping... :emotions34:

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LibertyTC

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My 04 has the baffle. You have an 07 so I would have to assume you should have one too.
Question is...does the baffle add or help in the sludge department, or is the baffle causing this problem?
I would sure like to know if you got a baffle and installed one, if it then would remain clean, or would build ups start?
Call the dealer & see what they cost?
 

uss2defiant

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I use that to order all my mopar parts. It's the cheapest mopar source I've found for parts.
Even free international. Well almost, 1 cent charge.

I'm fortunate to live in the same state so I pretty much get next day delivery. They're a dealership themselves and their support is good based on my experience with their parts guy.
 
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twowings

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I noticed Avondale sells KJ flywheels....wasn't someone here looking for a replacement flywheel ?

Thanks for the link!
 

LibertyTC

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PCV & Crank Case Breathers

This is what My Co-worker PCV looked like inside...No rattle just packed! :thumbsdown:
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While I was at the dealer, picked up a few new PCV valves while there.
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It should also be noted that if you have major build ups in the filler tube and PCV valve, there are two Crankcase breathers and hoses that you might as well inspect too.
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There is a TCB from Chrysler on Oil Emulsion Accumulations NUMBER: 09-01-00 Rev A even though I could not find for 3.7 this applies.'
Why in the TSB did they not recommend a new PCV and vacuum lines etc inspection? Hmm...:whip:
PDF Link: http://starparts.chrysler.com/tsb/en_us/dto/pbd2/08/00/22/080022dc80bc0964.pdf
 

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CzarKJ

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This is what My Co-worker PCV looked like inside...No rattle just packed! :thumbsdown:
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While I was at the dealer, picked up a few new PCV valves while there.
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It should also be noted that if you have major build ups in the filler tube and PCV valve, there are two Crankcase breathers and hoses that you might as well inspect too.
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There is a TCB from Chrysler on Oil Emulsion Accumulations NUMBER: 09-01-00 Rev A even though I could not find for 3.7 this applies.'
Why in the TSB did they not recommend a new PCV and vacuum lines etc inspection? Hmm...:whip:
PDF Link: http://starparts.chrysler.com/tsb/en_us/dto/pbd2/08/00/22/080022dc80bc0964.pdf

If it wasn't for this forum my Jeep would be finished. More to do! Thanks haha
 

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uss2defiant

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Do the breathers function like PCVs?
I don't remember seeing breathers, just ventilation hoses.
I think the 2003s are different from the later models.
 
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John3seventeen

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Do the breathers function like PCVs?
I don't remember seeing breathers, just ventilation hoses.
I think the 2003s are different from the later models.

On the 2003 they run from the head behind the valve covers to each side of the resonator box.
 

LibertyTC

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The crank Case breather's meters (reduces) the air flow.
If you look down the barrel you will see the reducer (small hole) in there and you want to ensure it is clean. (normally it will be but ya never know)
No it wont rattle like the PCV valve located the side of the oil filler neck.
I only have one pic of me using the hairdryer to warm up hose ends before breather removal.
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Hope this helps.
 

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John3seventeen

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You are correct they are crankcase ventilation hoses (aka breather tubes lol)with a small plastic apparatus in the center. However they are attached to the fitting in figure 1 which attaches to the head not the valve cover.
 

ltd02

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My 02 breathers screw right into the heads on both sides. The hoses then travel from there to the resonator box. Rock auto sells them for the 02.
 

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