Hello Group,



I'm hoping to get some guidance here, as I'm not sure where to start or who to ask. My spouse owns a 1988 Dodge 350 camper van with the trusty 318 engine, which has 160,000 km on it. We've had it since 2020.



So far, the engine runs well, doesn’t consume oil, and has been reliable on every trip. However, my spouse feels uneasy about taking a 36-year-old vehicle on long road trips. She avoids areas with steep climbs, worried the van might not make it to the top or might not stop at a stop sign at the bottom.



My question is: For this 318 engine, is there any specific overhaul or maintenance I should consider to ensure it stays reliable for many years to come? Are there particular aspects of the engine that need special attention? What’s most likely to fail on an engine of this age?

 

Great question!
I worked on these engines regularly at the Chrysler dealership. They're good engines and take a beating, but like everything else they have their vulnerable points.
1. The antifreeze is crucial. It should be changed out every 2 years to prevent the cooling system from corroding. The freezeout plugs are the first to start leaking with the two behind the block requiring the transmission to be removed. If you keep the cooling system changed, you'll be ok.
2. Timing chains on these engines get stretched and worn around your miles. Frequent oil changes are key. No more than 3000 miles or 5000 kilometers will extend the life of the chain.
3. Brake fluid- it's cheap and a good idea to change in about no more than every 3 years. The fluid naturally collects water that causes what feels like brake fade when hot. It prevents the lines and calipers from rusting up too.
4. Your last choice is replacing the engine with a complete block assembly. They are relatively cheap, and it would assure that you have all new.

 

I agree... Maintenance and Inspections can catch things before they get out of hand... But failures you cant avoid, they just happen...
But if your wife feels a problem and has a gut feeling... Then have the issue addressed.... For example: if the brakes feel weird, the have them looked at and repaired if necessary. If the engine feels down one power, then have it replaced with a not so worn out engine...
Cheers and have fun and safe travels.... Just my two cents...

 

Thank you all for your responses. It is greatly appreciated.

 

Hi, thanks for the reply, it helps me too.