Dodge Durango Forum II Archive

Fern [Puerto Rico] [Patriot Blue 2000 SLTPLUS 2x4 with 5.2L and many extras]
igimega@coqui.net

It could be that your engine is pinging, due to the use of poor fuel or excessive heat. This is caused because the air/fuel mixture is ignited before the piston compresses the mixture, and that "clunk" or "ping" is caused when the piston vibrates in the cylinder. This can lead to engine failure and wear in the long run, so do try to pinpoint the problem and eliminate it.
What engine do you have? If you have the 5.9L, then you could have a blown belly pan gasket or a plenum gasket. There are TSB's on this. If you want to check it yourself, take the airhat off(where the acordion type hose connects to on the Throttle body) and open the butterflies(have someone push the pedal all the way with the engine OFF!!!) and with a flashlight, look inside the intake manifold, or just stick your finger in it and touch the internals. If your finger comes out oily and black, and you see a black film inside, then it is your belly pan gasket. If so, take it to the dealer and tell them about the porblem, and thell lmow what to do. Also, tell them that the truck "pings" under heavy acceleration. If you have the 4.7L, then let another gearhead help ya, my expretise are with the 5.2L and 5.9L engines. :)

It could also be your differential, but I highly doubt it, as these diff's on the D's are virtually bullet proof, plus its a NEW 2001 D!

Let me know and if you have any other questions, feel free to drop me an email.

Regards,

-Fern