About Jesse Moser Expertise I specialize in the Plymouth Duster from 1970 to 1973, allthough 1974 through 1976 Dusters are nearly identical. 340s, Twisters, Feather Dusters (the cars!), whatever "A" body Duster you have, I can probably give you some info.
Experience I own a 1973 Duster with the Twister options package. I've been searching for information on this specific car since 1995 and have acquired much general and specific knowledge in the process.
Organizations belong to: Mopar Mailing List
Question I have a 1988 dodge, with a 360 motor (not sure what year the engine is it was out in a couple years ago). I was told that I could put transmission fluid in with the motor oil, and it will clean the engine and rejuvinate the seals (a little), and to run it for about 500mi. Is this true? Am I asking for trouble? I know this is not the right category, but every one else is on vacation. Thanks for your time.
Answer Edward, your question is actually a lot closer to my area than many of the questions I recieve.
I spent a few days kicking this idea around in my head, and I don't think that transmission fluid in the oil is such a good idea. I'm not exceptionally knowledgable in the lubricants area, but let me share my thoughts.
Transmision fluid serves, in my mind, 3 purposes inside a transmission. It lubricates, cools, and provides a specific amount of friction. The third purpose listed here is my first idea. I don't know exactly how much friction is produced by trans fluid, nor do I know if it would have any friction effect inside an engine, but it might, possibly wearing the moving parts faster.
I'm not sure if transmission fluid would clean out an engine or not, but there are products such as Gunk brand Motor Flush that are made just for that. As for the seals, my experience is that transmissions leak just as often as engines do, so I don't see how they would be better for old seals in any way. You've probably seen the many new types of motor oils designed for "higher mileage engines" that recondition seals. I would spend a few extra dollars on my next oil change and try one of these before mixing fluids with unknown results(Motor Flush type products are used at this time also).
Again, I'm not well versed in this area, but these are my ideas. You should talk to a few different people and make your own decision, there's probably nothing that you could do here that would cause immidiate and serious damage.
