Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
#2655318
05/14/19 12:07 PM
05/14/19 12:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,499 God's Country Maryland
GODSCOUNTRY340
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,499
God's Country Maryland
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I've read a lot of negative things about the 4.7 engine, especially when in a Dakota. Why all the negativity?
I love the smell of Deer guts in the morning, it smells like... VICTORY!
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: GODSCOUNTRY340]
#2655336
05/14/19 12:59 PM
05/14/19 12:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,630 in a cattle trailer down by th...
Guitar Jones
Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
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Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,630
in a cattle trailer down by th...
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Because people don't take care of their vehicles properly then whine about the thing having the durability of a potato chip.
"Follow me the wise man said, but he walked behind"
'92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Rear disc and hydroboost coming soon! 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: Guitar Jones]
#2655339
05/14/19 01:02 PM
05/14/19 01:02 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,673 On the parachute mount
n20mstr
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,673
On the parachute mount
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I had a Durango, VERY clean. The 4.7 gave up the head gasket at 147,000. It was a shame to junk it as like I said it was a super clean truck
....BAD A$$ STREET CAR.....
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: Guitar Jones]
#2655364
05/14/19 02:02 PM
05/14/19 02:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,419 Kalispell Mt.
HotRodDave
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,419
Kalispell Mt.
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The plastic timing chain guides are bad, most of the issues come from that, they get hot and get brittle and start breaking between apart around 100,000 and 150,000 miles, there are a few outliers that go more but most will start to have issues with start up rattle and progressively get worse and it seems to have no bearing on how well or poorly the engine was cared for, plastic like that just don't belong in an engine. The only time I have seen bottom end issues is when there are plastic bits plugging the oil intake. When the chain noise gets real bad most shops will diagnose a bad engine. The head gaskets and head surface seem to be very susceptible to overheating, if you have a water leak FIX IT, any overheating will blow a head gasket and probably need head re-surfacing, most shops diagnose this as a bad engine. Sometimes after sitting a while (usually a week or more but ocasionally just overnight) a lifter will bleed down and allow the rocker to fall off causing weird noises and severe misfires that most shops will diagnose as a "bad engine", typically we can just re-install the rocker in an hour and the engine keeps going. We see a lot of people bring their rigs to us with a "bad engine" and it does not need a new engine. We offer timing chains as a menu item here with all guides, tensioners and chains for $750 and if you want head gaskets at the same time $1500 plus $150 if you need them re-surfaced, most shops refuse to dig into one of these at all and most shops in the valley send their customers to us because you can't find a "good 4.7" in a junk yard.
I am not causing global warming, I am just trying to hold off a impending Ice Age!
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: HotRodDave]
#2655367
05/14/19 02:15 PM
05/14/19 02:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,831 Central Florida
larrymopar360
Stud Muffin
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Stud Muffin
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,831
Central Florida
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And pretty hard to fill the shoes of the 318, which it was sort of doing. Sort of.
Facts are stubborn things.
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: GODSCOUNTRY340]
#2655378
05/14/19 02:52 PM
05/14/19 02:52 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,841 S.E. Michigan
ZIPPY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,841
S.E. Michigan
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It doesn't seem to survive abuse and neglect quite as well as the 5.2 and 318. It is overshadowed by the 5.7 in larger vehicles.
Shopping used vehicles, personally it seems every time I have found what seemed like a deal on a vehicle with one, most of them either needed a timing chain related repair, or already had it replaced incorrectly and were throwing codes. The others that were even less expensive didn't have a timing chain issue had blown head gasket, cracked head, cracked block type of issues.
Rich H.
Esse Quam Videri
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: ZIPPY]
#2655405
05/14/19 03:40 PM
05/14/19 03:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,813 Between Houston & Galveston TX
SattyNoCar
Smarter than no class Flappergass by a mile
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Smarter than no class Flappergass by a mile
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,813
Between Houston & Galveston TX
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I lived with one in a 2002 RAM 1500 for almost 5 yrs. Never had any serious issue with it mechanically, but, no matter what I did or how I drove, it would only give me 14MPG. Downhill with a strong tail wind, 14. Around town in stop and go traffic.....14. I could get the MPG lower (easily) but never higher. When I owned this truck, there was a guy on here insisting he had essentially the same truck and he was knocking out 20+ MPG all day long.
And it was kinda gutless at lower RPM. There would be instances where I'd have to slow down for traffic, and just needed a little oomph to get back up to speed, no where near full throttle, and it wouldn't do it.
I had a dealer and an independent shop look at it to see if the computer needed to be reset or if anything was wrong and neither found anything. Both basically said it was just too small of an engine for such a big truck
I bought it when it just turned 40K miles, and I got rid of it when it had about 90K. For giggles, I recently found an old registration with the VIN on it and ran it thru Carfax. Truck is still going with over 250K on it somewhere up around Dallas. I wonder if it's still on the original engine.
John
The dream is dead, long live the dream.......š„
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: Guitar Jones]
#2655477
05/14/19 07:01 PM
05/14/19 07:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668 Buford, GA
I_bleed_MOPAR
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
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Because people don't take care of their vehicles properly then whine about the thing having the durability of a potato chip. Probably true but from all I've heard (first-hand) and read about them, I'll never own one. Plenty for sale around here (Daks & 'rangos) with bad 4.7s in 'em. Tim
'71 Charger 383/727 '17 Challenger SXT (Wifeys car )
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: buildanother]
#2655535
05/14/19 09:30 PM
05/14/19 09:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,171 Park Forest, IL
slantzilla
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,171
Park Forest, IL
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I had an '06 HO 4.7. I liked it other then the fact that at 25K miles I could not keep oil in it. When I traded it in with 60K on it it smoked so bad on startup it appeared the truck was on fire.
"Everybody funny, now you funny too."
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: GODSCOUNTRY340]
#2655564
05/14/19 10:20 PM
05/14/19 10:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,028 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,028
Benton, IL.
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Let's remember that the 4.7 is only 286cid. We kinda loose track just how small an engine it is with the use of the metric numbers. And is just a bit complicated and fragile especially for a truck engine. Lots of premature failures. Of course, some go on forever, but then some early 2.7s went a long way too.
The 4.7 is just a crap shoot. Some deliver a good life span with minimal intrusive repairs while others break parts that require major dollars to fix. You just never know which you will get.
Master, again and still
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: Jim_Lusk]
#2655572
05/14/19 10:46 PM
05/14/19 10:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,306 Laveen, Arizona
GTSDart340
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,306
Laveen, Arizona
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Had an 01 Durango with the 4.7. I bought it with 170k. It ran buttery smooth, do I thought I had gotten lucky. That thought went out the window about a month later when my oil pressure dropped to zero at idle. Come to find out it burned a ton of oil. We drove it from Phoenix to LA and back (300ish miles one way) and went through 4 quarts of oil. We traded it in on a 16 Durango and got $50 for it lol. Only traded it in because I got severely injured and couldn't replace an engine.
1949 International KB-2 "Mater" - 302/T5
1968 Dodge Dart GTS "The Drat" - 340/727
2006 Dodge Magnum R/T - Hemi
2016 Dodge Durango Limited - 3.6
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: GODSCOUNTRY340]
#2655607
05/15/19 07:38 AM
05/15/19 07:38 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,406 New Jersey, USA
yella71
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,406
New Jersey, USA
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I cant stand ohc v8s....that said it is what it is some good some junk just like everything thease days good luck
71 challenger convertable, 64 sport fury 383 ci with factory air
99 sebring convertable
89 CTD pup
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: moparsquid]
#2656346
05/17/19 05:42 PM
05/17/19 05:42 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,568 Omaha, Nebraska
Scott Carl
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,568
Omaha, Nebraska
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Just don't let them over heat. My grand daughter didn't realize that my Durango's plastic filler T had cracked. Kept driving until is "smoking" and "sounding funny". When the 4.7 gets too hot, the valve seats tend to drop releasing spring pressure holding the rockers in place. They go bouncing around under the valve cover wreaking all kinds of havoc.
Last edited by Scott Carl; 05/17/19 05:44 PM.
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: Scott Carl]
#2656354
05/17/19 06:07 PM
05/17/19 06:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,568 Omaha, Nebraska
Scott Carl
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,568
Omaha, Nebraska
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$500 for two used heads later and she ran like a top...................until my grandSon spun a bearing doing neutral drops. Yeah I know, I know. No grief please LOL I've learned my lesson. He's going to help me pull the engine now and put in a crank kit (at least). I'll update when we get it done. Yeah the 4.7 (and the 3.7 V6, which is very similar) has its quirks, but, as said, if well cared for, runs really nice. That being said, WIKN, I wish I'd looked for a 5.2 Durango.
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: savoy64]
#2656553
05/18/19 12:40 PM
05/18/19 12:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668 Buford, GA
I_bleed_MOPAR
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
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4.6 ford fits right in and get better mpg and has more power----just funnin----most 4.7 failures are valve train issues in my book... Funny you should say that. I ran across an '05 1500 QC 4x4? with a 351/C6 furd in it, on FB Marketplace. Only thing I can figure out is he blew the Hemi (or 4.7 if it was still available in '05 rams) and had the furd sitting there. Tim
'71 Charger 383/727 '17 Challenger SXT (Wifeys car )
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: GODSCOUNTRY340]
#2657611
05/21/19 03:40 PM
05/21/19 03:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,442 NW Chicago suburban area
Mopar Mitch
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,442
NW Chicago suburban area
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As long as the engine is well cared for (oil and filter changes, spark plugs as needed) it should be A-OK. BUT... let the oil changes be ignored... and the return passages gradually become clogged and restrictive... welcoming progressive oil starvation and proper flow throughout the engine. This "family" of engines shares this potential problem more-so than certain other engines.
Mopar Mitch
"Road racers and autocrossers go in deeper and come out harder!"... and rain never stops us from having fun with our cars... in fact, it makes us better drivers!
Check out MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, August 2006 issue for feature article and specs on my autocross T/A!
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: Mopar Mitch]
#2657749
05/21/19 08:43 PM
05/21/19 08:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538
Freeport IL USA
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As long as the engine is well cared for (oil and filter changes, spark plugs as needed) it should be A-OK. BUT... let the oil changes be ignored... and the return passages gradually become clogged and restrictive... welcoming progressive oil starvation and proper flow throughout the engine. This "family" of engines shares this potential problem more-so than certain other engines. That almost sounds like the Mopar tag line. The reality is these motors are designed for a 150K life span, some don't make it that far, others go farther. How it was taken care of has some effect, but that doesn't change the fact the motor was designed to die at 150K. Back in the old days, that 150K was probably acceptable because most vehicles didn't make it that far, but by today's standards, 150K should be "just broken in" not "just about broke." I buy used vehicles, several of the modern Mopar motors leave a lot to be desired, this is not the "old Chrysler" for sure. I won't buy anything with the old 2.7, or anything with the 4.7 because most are on their death bed by the time they come into my price range. I really don't foresee a modern car in my future, I'll rebuild the old stuff. Gene
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: poorboy]
#2657798
05/21/19 10:52 PM
05/21/19 10:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493 Granite Bay CA
Kern Dog
Striving for excellence
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Striving for excellence
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
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. The reality is these motors are designed for a 150K life span, some don't make it that far, others go farther. How it was taken care of has some effect, but that doesn't change the fact the motor was designed to die at 150K. Back in the old days, that 150K was probably acceptable because most vehicles didn't make it that far, but by today's standards, 150K should be "just broken in" not "just about broke." I had a 2002 Ram 1500 with this engine. It ran fine but was a slug. Gutless. The mileage was not great, maybe 17 freeway on flat ground. I ran it up to 163,000 miles and sold it when I bought a 2006 Ram 1500 4wd 5.7. The 2006 got better mileage and made more power! The 2002 though...Spark plug changes were easy...Straight down through the intake! They had an interesting oil filter drainage trough too....I wish the 383-440 engines had something similar!
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: poorboy]
#2657981
05/22/19 12:11 PM
05/22/19 12:11 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,766 Holland MI Ottawa
2boltmain
master
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master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,766
Holland MI Ottawa
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As long as the engine is well cared for (oil and filter changes, spark plugs as needed) it should be A-OK. BUT... let the oil changes be ignored... and the return passages gradually become clogged and restrictive... welcoming progressive oil starvation and proper flow throughout the engine. This "family" of engines shares this potential problem more-so than certain other engines. That almost sounds like the Mopar tag line. The reality is these motors are designed for a 150K life span, some don't make it that far, others go farther. How it was taken care of has some effect, but that doesn't change the fact the motor was designed to die at 150K. Back in the old days, that 150K was probably acceptable because most vehicles didn't make it that far, but by today's standards, 150K should be "just broken in" not "just about broke." I buy used vehicles, several of the modern Mopar motors leave a lot to be desired, this is not the "old Chrysler" for sure. I won't buy anything with the old 2.7, or anything with the 4.7 because most are on their death bed by the time they come into my price range. I really don't foresee a modern car in my future, I'll rebuild the old stuff. Gene I remember reading on the hemi when it came out in the early 2000s. I learned the term "Specific Engineering." Built to last to a certain mileage and sometimes not made to be rebuilt as in not enough meat for an overbore..
Keep old mopars alive.
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: Mopar Mitch]
#2658000
05/22/19 01:15 PM
05/22/19 01:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,419 Kalispell Mt.
HotRodDave
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,419
Kalispell Mt.
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As long as the engine is well cared for (oil and filter changes, spark plugs as needed) it should be A-OK. BUT... let the oil changes be ignored... and the return passages gradually become clogged and restrictive... welcoming progressive oil starvation and proper flow throughout the engine. This "family" of engines shares this potential problem more-so than certain other engines. This is the 2.7 you are thinking of, they get water in the oil that makes massive amounts of sludge that plug the return passages, I have torn apart tons of 4.7s and the worst sluged ones did not have enough to plug an oil return passage.
I am not causing global warming, I am just trying to hold off a impending Ice Age!
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: HotRodDave]
#2658097
05/22/19 05:25 PM
05/22/19 05:25 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,499 God's Country Maryland
GODSCOUNTRY340
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,499
God's Country Maryland
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I was asking because my son was looking at a 2002 Dakota with a 4.7 with 160,000 miles. I suggested he look for something with a 5.2 or 5.9, he wanted a gas engine. He ended up buying this, it's an '01 2500 with a 5.9 magnum, 6 speed manual with 180,000. He needs it as a shop truck so the flatbed will work out great.
I love the smell of Deer guts in the morning, it smells like... VICTORY!
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Re: Why does everyone hate the 4.7 V8?
[Re: dOc !]
#2658289
05/23/19 07:38 AM
05/23/19 07:38 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 788 Plymouth, MI
HotRod20
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 788
Plymouth, MI
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Had a Chrysler exec demo Ram 1500 with the 4.7 got rid of it at 90K miles when the lifters starting rattling at every stop light.After much research from mechanics at Dodge dealerships, I was told the oil passages and internal design of this engine was flawed from day one, but Auburn Hills decided not to drop production but let it fly. Kind of like built in failure engineering. Sell the vehicles, repair em' later...
HotRod20
Last edited by HotRod20; 05/23/19 07:38 AM.
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