How best to prevent oil sludge buildup in Chrysler Sebring 2.7L?

Factual Questions
1

My 2001 Chrysler Sebring (2.7 L V6, 75,000 miles) is starting to show signs of a fatal oil sludge build-up problem. I have searched the web and found many complaints about this engine dying due to sludge. It seems the cause is a design flaw that allows coolant to mix with oil, resulting in the sludge.

My oil pressure light is blinking when idle, which seems to be a precursor to engine failure. Others’ experience seems to show that the light will eventually stay lit, and replacing the oil pressure sensor will only keep the light off for a month or two. My recent trip to the Dealer (for an unrelated repair) revealed a coolant leak and an oil leak, which I suspect may be related to this design flaw.

So, My question to you car experts out there is: What can I do to prevent, or delay the inevitable engine failure? I already change the oil every 3-5k miles (doesn’t sound like oil change frequency is a factor though). I have heard that an engine flush can clean up some sludge, and switching to synthetic oil can slow the buildup. Any thoughts on this, or any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

(I may end up selling it before the engine fails, but I would like to keep it running for another year or two, if possible)

2

ETA: I have also had occasional issues with the heater and AC, which are sometimes mentioned by others with the same engine trouble. No “ticking” sound, though, which is the other major symptom.

3

My suggestion is to replace the oil sending unit, switch to synthetic oil, and sell it ASAP. I don’t think anyone can accurately predict how soon the engine will fail, but I believe I can accurately predict that you’ll be extremely unhappy if you still own it when that occurs.

4

OK, this thread only got 41 views, so… BUMP

Switched to synthetic and got the engine flushed… mechanic said my old oil was “BLACK!” which tells me the sludge is building up.

Thanks, Gary T, I will probably get rid of the car, but I need some time to get my finances in order. I just want the car to last me until then. I will look into replacing the oil sending unit on my next visit, but right now, I’m broke.