The 4.7L engine has been in production for 20 years, and for good reason. It’s a heavy-duty V8 designed to get the job done. However, like any engine, problems can still occur, meaning you’ll end up stranded on the side of the road if you don’t act at the soonest signs of an issue.
What are some common 4.7L Dodge engine problems?
The biggest owner complaints are:
- Oil sludge and engine failure
- Overheating and blown head gaskets often caused by engine sludge
- Oil foam from air or moisture in oil
- Broken exhaust manifold bolts
The 4.7L (286.7 ci) engine does have its problems, but it’s not a bad engine. It requires punctual maintenance and an understanding of its quirks to keep it running smoothly. We will look at the common 4.7L Dodge engine problems, and what you can do to prevent them.
The 4.7L Dodge Engine
The 4.7L Dodge engine is a V8 with two valves per cylinder. It features a cast-iron block, aluminum heads, a plastic intake manifold, and the valve covers are made from magnesium. It has a sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection system, and also features a hybrid cooling fan system that uses both electric and engine driven fans.
2005 saw a few minor changes for the 4.7L, including knock sensors. The 2008 engine changed the cylinder heads and uses two spark plugs per cylinder, and light weight pistons. Ports were redesigned for a better flow. The changes improved the compression ratio from 9:0:1 to 9:8:1.
The engine saw the longest run with the Dodge 1500. It was replaced by the 3.6 (219.9 ci) V6 Pentastar engine and the Hemi V8.
Powertech engines have a reputation for being reliable with proper maintenance, and the 4.7L is no exception. The best way to avoid 4.7L Dodge engine problems is to perform routine maintenance and monitor trouble spots. The expected life of the engine with proper maintenance is 150,000 miles.
4.7L Dodge Engine Problems
Oil Sludge and Engine Failure
Oil sludge can mean the death of your engine over time. It affects the power output, and makes the entire engine work harder. Oil sludge can build up in the engine for a few reasons. Ventilation problems with the crankcase or PCV may contribute. Neglecting oil changes and driving for short periods of time so the engine doesn’t get hot enough are also factors.
4.7L Dodge owners report this problem in the older models before 2005 most often, so the improvements made to the engine in 2005 might have solved the problem. Owners recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months if you do a lot of short driving trips, particularly in cold weather.
Full synthetic oil is also believed to help prevent sludge build up. While full synthetic is designed to go much longer between oil changes, given the potential problems it’s still wise to change it every 3,000 miles.
Overheating and Blown Head Gaskets
Overheating can be caused by many issues. With the 4.7L, overheating can be caused by engine sludge.
Broken radiators and leaking head gaskets are also common issues. Routine maintenance can help prevent overheating. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, and shut the vehicle off if it gets too hot.
Overheating can result in a blown head gasket and cracked heads, which require a rebuild to repair.
Some owners state that their Dodge runs hot intermittently. They explain that they have replaced all the common culprits, including the radiator and water pump, but nothing has fixed the issue. It seems to be a problem when the engine runs for an hour or more at a time.
Oil Foam
The first sign of oil foam is often a foam on the bottom of your oil cap. This is often caused when air gets into the system and forms bubbles in the oil. It can also be caused by moisture in the oil. The position of the PCV valve seems to be the cause of this issue.
Insulating the oil fill tube can help. You should also ensure your engine reaches the normal operating temperature for at least 15 minutes before you turn it off. This allows the engine to get hot enough to evaporate the moisture before it causes damage.
This is particularly important if you drive during cold weather, because it takes the engine longer to heat up.
