pmjay

An update: Had the Journey in to the dealer and the top end of the engine (lifters and PCV valve) needed replacement. They said the low oil didn't necessarily have anything to do with it. Sometimes it just happens. BIG SUPRISE was even though I was past the 5 year warranty, my kms were so low, they made a good will offer that Dodge Canada would provide the parts. I just had to pay for labor! $2000 job became $550! Was never so happy to spend 500 bucks!! They did give me a check your oil lecture!

Well, the noise you can hear on the video clip. It's not as loud as it seems on the video, just the camera is right in the hood. That noise has been going on, unchanged for a month,you don't hear it when driving, just at idle and when you first accelerate.. Didn't seem so drastic to uninformed me. Vehicle runs fine, no lights ever came on, no leaks, mpg seems fine, temp gauge normal range. I've probably drove 2000+ kms like this.

I have an appointment with the dealer for a technician to diagnose the engine. I've been checking the oil level to make sure it's not dropping. Wasn't able to get the dipstick out tonight, not sure why? Engine was still hot so maybe I can get it out in the am. I am driving it as little as possible until I get a diagnosis.

So are the connection rod bearings the most likely thing to have been damaged but a lack of oil? They then cause the piston rings to fail? I guess this will be somewhere to start. I don't think my local guy is interested. May need to call the dealer...this could get ugly/costly fast. With all the vehicles I've had over the years...this is a first.

So, I guess I am in a mess and learning the hard way about engine oil levels. I had my "new to me" 2010 journey to the dealer for an oil change and piece of mind check about 6 months ago. Previous owner was my Dad. About 4 months later, the engine sounded louder to me, maybe a "chugging" sound I thought or sounds kinda like a diesel. It didn't mean anything to me, and I figured I'd get it checked out if it got any worse. I checked the dipstick the other day and there was no oil reading visible? I immediate took it to the garage for and oil change. Guy there said it was making a "knocking" sound and there was likely engine damage. I now know I would have caught this sooner if i had changed the oil sooner, but I'm surprised there was no warning light nor did the oil temp gauge every go over normal. After the oil change, the noise has remained the same. My question is what do I do now?? This vehicle only has 58,000 kms on it, but it is out of warranty. My local mechanic doesn't want to touch it, he says to get a dealer to do a diagnostic. Other than the noise, it seems fine. Is it going to get worse? What to do now? Any useful suggestions appreciated. engine noise.mp4

Yeah, adding an oil cooler makes more sense if that's all that's missing from the "tow package". Hitch and wiring hooked up and all good. Aren't some oil coolers air cooled? As in oil circulates in tubing?

Wouldn't that mean everyone who tows with a Journey needs to add an auxiliary transmission cooler? Wouldn't adding an oil cooler be the only thing missing when compared to a vehicle that came with the tow package option?

I thought all the Journeys have a transmission cooler?

Yeah, I posted it before I finished writing. Its since been edited. Thanks And yes, I meant oil cooler.

Hello...I couldn't find any info on this topic... maybe someone can help. I have a 2010 Journey R/T. 6 cylinder. low mileage. The Rv is tiny. 13' Little Bigfoot. About 1200 lbs. Plus gear and food for 2 people. It did not come equipped with the tow package and there is no oil cooler listed on the window sticker. I towed with it for the first time and going uphill there was a distinct smell, like burning rubber or the like. This happened twice. on the trip out and trip back. It was a short trip, less than an hour and the oil temp gauge didn't move. My understanding was that all the Journeys had a transmission cooler , but only those with tow package had an oil cooler. I asked my dealer about installing only and they were totally useless, couldn't find any such part, didn't know what it was.?? Does anyone know what this could be? Also, I may be paranoid, but I sometimes think I hear a "tick" from the engine since that weekend. thanks for any help.