7 Common 4.7 Dodge Engine Problems & Possible Solutions in 2023 – Guide

Are you encountering 4.7 Dodge engine problems? Possible solutions are everywhere you look. So, you are probably wondering which ones really work.

That is exactly why we wrote this article – to break down for you the solutions to your strife that bring you results.

This article details the common issues you will see with these powerful vehicles and successful methods for fixing your troubles before they cascade into bigger problems.

Read on to learn how you can keep your Dodge running smoothly and efficiently.

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Contents

What is a Dodge 4.7 Engine?

Dodge 4.7 Engine

On the market for over 20 years, 4.7 refers to the fluid volume the system uses. Generally, you find this engine operating in a V8 system, with each cylinder featuring two valves.

Made of aluminum and cased in iron, this engine is sturdy and powerful, affording the strength you need for your heavy-duty truck to operate smoothly.

Coming in different models, the high output version produces a high power (wattage) and significantly increased torque.

You can find the engines in everything from Jeeps to Chryslers to Dodges. As with any machinery that is so prevalent on the market, you can expect some company designed revisions.

Starting in 2008, you can track, over time, the updates run by the motor company. These work to address some issues, though it is always best to learn to troubleshoot on your own.

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Features of 4.7 Dodge Engines

The features of this model are quite straightforward, including some of the following highlights:

  • Natural ninety-degree aspiration on a V6 and V8 cylinder system
  • Displaces 4.7 Liters of fluid over 225-286 cubic inches of space
  • Lengthy piston strokes (upwards of 3.4 inches)
  • Made in a cast-iron block with aluminum components
  • Operates on a sequential fuel system in a gasoline vehicle
  • It runs on a hydraulic cooling operation system
  • General power output is between 157-236 kilowatts
  • Expected torque is 235 pounds per foot, ranging up to 334

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Common 4.7 Dodge Engine Problems

Chances are, if you are driving a vehicle with this engine, then you are bound to encounter some of these frequently seen issues.

Here we break down the most cumbersome and tricky problems so that you know what to look for when your truck starts to rumble and grumble. The most common problems are:

01. Oil Sludge

Otherwise known as buildup – when the oil thickens, and your engine performance reduces significantly.

This gunk is like a clogged artery for your vehicle and impacts its power output.

It also potentiates other problems like transmission and engine failure. While routine oil changes can ease the trouble, many vehicle users find that the issue remains.

Often, the cause is ventilation issues in the PCV or crankcase. Bear in mind that regardless of the weight of your oil, this issue can present itself.

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02. Engine Failure

Basically, this concern is the equivalent of old age for your engine. You will typically see this when the engine runs for over 70 thousand miles with great upkeep (or less if you do not properly maintain your engine).

That said, the problem arises when you don’ address oil sludge quickly enough and accelerates issues in the engine overall. Since the sludge leads to overheating, you see failure as a result of cracks in the system.

03. Component Breakdown

This should go without saying, but all parts of a vehicle are inherently connected. As a result, if one part breaks down and you do not fix it promptly, it will lead to a cascade of engine failure and overall vehicle trouble.

Keep an eye on all parts of your vehicle. Perform routine maintenance and even if it is something small like light or in-vehicle air conditioning, fix the issue promptly. When one part breaks down, others follow.

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04. Overheating

This issue is pretty straightforward and usually, you will see it from the gauges when you are driving.

It is pretty common when you run the vehicle for too long or have not performed routine maintenance.

As the engine ages, you need to be all the more prudent about keeping your coolant current and making sure to give the truck sufficient downtime.

Otherwise, the issue can present at random and results from too much heat in the engine without sufficient opportunity to release this energy (whether kinetically – by motion, or thermally – into the surrounding air).

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05. Oil Foam

Have you ever taken off your oil cap and found a disconcerting foam at the bottom? Usually, this is the result of air being where it shouldn’t, causing bubbles (however small) to appear.

This also arises when there is too much humidity or moisture in your oil. Generally, you can cause this problem when you do not heat up your engine sufficiently before running the vehicle. It is pretty easy to identify since you can do a visual check on the oil cap to confirm your suspicions.

06. Maintenance Issues

Failing to keep your vehicle in ship-shape is a surefire way to encounter engine issues (and eventually failure). All vehicles come with maintenance recommendations for a reason.

From the most routine like cleaning and oil changes to more dramatic fixes like brake checks, there is no better way to avoid issues than to stay ahead of the curve.

Stick to the recommendations because it is the best way to make sure that your vehicle runs smoothly for as long as possible.

07. Engine Ticking Noises

A notorious issue presents with an unfortunate noise that is at best irritating and at worst an indicator of a huge problem. Usually, drivers find that the issue stems from a lack of lubricant.

Address this first as a method of diagnosis. Should the issue persist, it may indicate a more substantial and systemic concern.

If this is the case, it is best to get a mechanic to take a look at the engine to prevent other (unseen) problems from getting worse.

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The Solutions of 4.7 Dodge Problems

01. Oil Sludge

It might sound straightforward, but once you identify oil sludge as the issue with your engine, the first thing you need to do is an oil change.

Really, it doesn’t matter if you just did one (routine maintenance, etc.). Do another oil change and make sure to use high quality, light, and synthetic oil when you run this maintenance.

You can easily do an oil change in your garage or take it into a lubricating facility. Either way, this step is critical to ensuring that you do everything possible to prevent the issue from worsening.

Change out your filters and upgrade your oil choices. For best results, also use a high-quality fuel when you gas up the truck. Looking for some more helpful hints? Check out this handy video.

02. Engine Failure

Chances are, if you are seeing engine failure, then you have had your Dodge for a while. This is likely because of old age and excessive mileage.

If you kept up with maintenance and made sure to take care of the truck, then really all you can do is slow down how much you use the truck itself.

Sure, you can switch out parts to try and stem the tide, but ultimately, when the engine starts to fail it is a matter of either replacing it as a whole or looking for a new vehicle.

Thankfully, there are a lot of signs that this is coming, such as an overall breakdown of its components.

03. Component Breakdown

When one part of your vehicle goes, you should do two things. The first is to repair that issue itself. If it is a faulty part, replace it. Chances are that you can do this on your own.

A common issue is the water pump breakdown. This leads to cooling issues for the engine which contributes to early engine failure. It is pretty easy to fix this problem (just check out the handy video seen here:

Some other issues are filters and spark plugs, both of which you can swap out easily in your home garage.

04. Overheating

If you have a vehicle of any kind, then you have experienced engine overheating. It is a fairly run of the mill issue, but nonetheless, it is important to know how to recognize it (and fix it quickly).

If your engine is overheating then firstly, your gauge will show you the problem. Secondly, you will get pretty clear audio (engines grumble when they are not happy).

When you run the vehicle for too long, too intensely, or in an arid climate, then overheating is basically an inevitability.

To fix this, the first step is to give the truck a break. When you can, pull over and rest the vehicle (preferably before it starts to fume – literally).

Check the coolant system and take the opportunity to run through a checklist of maintenance.

It can also be the engine telling you it is time for a check-up so remember to stay up to date on your routine maintenance. For more helpful tricks and possible solutions to this issue, check out this useful video:

05. Oil Foam

When your oil is a-foaming, it is a good indicator that air is somewhere that it shouldn’t be.

Chances are that, for this, you will need a mechanic to repair the vacuum seal.

In order to maintain this system as best as possible, there are a couple of steps to take.

First, when you run your vehicle, make sure the engine operates for a sufficient amount of time.

Resist the quick trip and take a couple of extra laps around the block. Your system will thank you.

This step will usually address the issue off the cuff. Try it out before spending unnecessary dough at a mechanic shop.

The other thing you can do is to switch to a high-quality synthetic oil. This prevents low-quality products from weaving their way through your system.

Since oil is the essential lubricant for your engine, it is definitely worth springing for the top tier option. With these two solutions combined, your foaming and frothing will abate.

If they don’t, it is time to seek out professional help as the issue may be a result of the cracked casing and require a mechanic’s fix.

06. Maintenance Issues

Okay, it should go without saying that to keep your vehicle maintained, you need to perform routine maintenance.

The good news is that the handy owner’s manual you got with the trucks lays this out very simply.

Starting with oil and fluids and working its way through all the systems, these steps are more than lip service, they are essential to keeping your engine running smoothly.

Set dates on your calendar, leave sticky notes, or even write it on your hand – just make sure that you are paying proper attention to your vehicle’s needs. This way, you do everything possible to keep it happy and running smoothly.

07. Engine Ticking Noises

Conversely to the foaming issue, the ticking sound is most frequent when the engine is operating too much.

Often seen in cold climates, the best solution is to warm up your vehicle before taking any major trips.

The cold causes the metal to clank (since it isn’t sufficiently expanded). Prevent this with indoor parking, plugging in your block heater, and keeping all fluids topped up at all times.

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Pros & Cons of 4.7 Engine

As with any engine on the market, there are draws and pitfalls. It is up to you, the driver, to determine what is most important to your purposes. Some of the most significant benefits and drawbacks are:

Pros

  • Excellent fuel mileage (especially for size)
  • High power output relative to the size
  • If cared for, show a long shelf life
  • Great for small loads (recreational, personal use, etc.)

Cons

  • Not great for towing large loads
  • Needs high-quality oil to function best
  • The engine is small relative to truck size
  • Relatively low torque compared to other models

It all comes down to what you plan to use the truck for and what you expect from the vehicle.

If you are looking for something to tow lightweight cargo and have time for the maintenance, then this is a great option for your needs (especially since you can troubleshoot almost all issues). For the recreational driver, this engine is ideal.

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The Verdict

In essence, 4.7 Dodge engine problems and possible solutions come in pairs. Forever issue, there is an easy fix.

Provided you have the time and can pay attention to the nuances of these vehicles, then this is the perfect ride for your needs.

Stay up to date on your maintenance and always keep your ears and eyes open for problems as they arise.

This way, not only will you be able to address the concerns, you can keep prevent them before they even take hold.

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