knocking in the oil pan when the car is started and in drive

2007 CHRYSLER ASPEN
5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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MMORA
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2007 Chrystler Aspen-when started there is a banging sound in the oil pan which continues when driving. The car can be driven for about 10-15 minutes before shutting off and will not start again until the engine is completely cooled off. I changed the air filter and oil and there was 20 quarts of oil that went nowhere however there are no oil leaks on the top or bottom of the motor. I was told this is a crankshaft and rod bearing issue and would like your advice.
Aug 24, 2014 at 9:09 AM
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FREEMBA
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Sounds like there is a crankshaft/rod bearing problem. This is usually caused by insufficient lubrication getting to one of the connecting rod bearings - this cause excessive wear of the crankshaft and connecting rod journal. This excessive wear then allows the connecting rod to slap against the crankshaft, causing the noise that you hear.

There is something in you post that puzzles me, please explain this statement: "there was 20 quarts of oil that went nowhere"

Did you put 20 quarts of oil in the engine?
Aug 24, 2014 at 11:02 AM
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MMORA
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Yes,Over the course of a few days I put 12 quarts plus the 7 or so already in there but when the oil was changed the same amount of oil was still in there meanining none of it seems to be burning off. Is this something that can be fixed by replacing the crankshaft/rod bearings? We tried to drop the oil pan and realized to do so the front axel has to be dropped.
Aug 24, 2014 at 2:39 PM
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FREEMBA
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To replace the affected parts (once verified to be at faulty), you'll have to remove the engine, remove the cylinder heads (to be able to get the piston out), replace the defective connecting rod, replace all rod and main bearings, piston rings (while you have it out). Basically an engine overhaul. It would be more cost effective to replace the engine (and would take less time as well). Call around to see what a good engine costs.
Aug 25, 2014 at 5:00 PM