Dodge Dart Forum banner

1.4 Oil Distibution Manifold??

2.4K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  Ds9k  
#1 ·
I have a 2013 Limited with the 1.4 Turbo. Ever since I bought it almost 2 years ago, it has kept fouling sparkplugs. I have replaced the plugs and coils no less than 4 times. I have never got more than a month before this car stranded me. The last set I put on, I didn't even get it in gear before it threw a code! I took it to a Dodge dealer and they said it sound like the oil distribution manifold is either clogged or failed some other way. The price they quoted me was only about $500.00 less than a full engine replacement! It has been sitting more than a year and I finally have the patience to try to work on it again. I can not find any reference to an "oil distribution manifold" anywhere. Please help!!
 
#3 ·
From the FSM:

09 - Engine, 1.4L I4 16V Turbo / Lubrication / Description

DESCRIPTION
126844

The lubrication system features pressure regulated full flow filtration. The lubrication system consists of the following components:

•Oil pump pick-up tube attached to the oil pump
•Oil pump that is directly coupled to the crankshaft and is mounted to the front of the engine as part of the oil pump housing
•Pressure relief valve in the oil pump that controls system pressure
•Oil filter housing that supports the oil filter and oil cooler
•Oil cooler mounted to the oil filter housing
•Oil filter located in the oil filter housing
•Four piston oil cooler jets mounted to the engine block
•Filter screen mounted in the variable valve actuation assembly
•Variable valve actuation assembly that uses pressurized engine oil to open the intake valves
•Oil pressure switch located on the oil pump housing
•Oil temperature sensor located on the variable valve actuation assembly



09 - Engine, 1.4L I4 16V Turbo / Lubrication / Operation

OPERATION

The oil from the oil pan is pumped by a gerotor type oil pump mounted to the front of the cylinder block that is part of the oil pump housing. The oil from the pump travels to the oil cooler assembly and then to the oil filter element. After the oil has been filtered and cooled, the oil enters the main oil gallery. The pressurized oil travels through the main gallery to the five main journals to lubricate the crankshaft main bearings and supply oil to four piston oil cooling jets. The pressurized oil travels through the crankshaft main journals to cross-drilling supplying oil to the connecting rod journals. From the cylinder block the oil flows into the cylinder head. Cylinder head oil is supplied to the camshaft journals and hydraulic lash adjusters. Oil also flows through a filter screen and into the variable valve actuation assembly to open the intake valves.
126845
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ds9k
#5 ·
Just posted that info showing there is no such thing as an oil distribution manifold.
Oil fouled plugs are usually caused be leaking valve guides or very worn piston rings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ds9k
#6 ·
Thanks all for the help! I got a whiff of BS when I heard about the manifold. I haven't worked on it for over a year because I got tired of funneling money into it and not getting anywhere. The local Dodge dealers are no help and it shows they don't like working on the Darts. I will see if there's a Fiat dealer in the area. Thanks again!
 
#7 ·
Ok, so I finally found a mechanic to advise me and here's what I've found out. I think I was the cause of the last round of fouled plug(s). When I went to change them last, The plug well was full of oil to about 2 inches from the top. What I didn't realize was that I needed to remove the oil BEFORE removing the spark plug. I let about 4 ounces of oil drain into the cylinder. That's (probably) why it threw a code almost immediately. But by then I was soooooo done with the whole thing I just parked it. For a year and a half. Fortunately, I live close enough to walk to work! Today's weather was finally cooperative, so I pulled all the plugs, cleaned them and reinstalled them. The battery is obviously done, but after a few tries it fired right up! Blew some smoke for a few moments but didn't throw a code! I drove it around the lot for about 20 minutes to see if I would get any codes and to give the battery time to charge. When I shut it down, there wasn't even a cabin light, so I definitely need to replace the battery. I plan to do just that as well as replace the valve cover gaskets and possibly the cover itself if it looks at me funny... Thanks to those who took the time to answer here and try to help me with my problem!