Dodge 4.7 Engine Problems

in Problems
Orange Dodge Charger

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The Dodge 4.7 is a component that has been around for two decades, powering many successful machines over the years. It’s a solid, heavy-duty engine, but it’s still possible for issues to appear in the system. If you’re interested in a car with this component, you might wonder - what are some significant Dodge 4.7 engine problems? Are there any?

If you’re interested in learning more about the various issues that come with the Dodge 4.7 engine, you’re in the right place. The more you know about potential issues in this vehicle’s system, the more prepared you will be to deal with them as they appear. Read on to learn more about four of the most common engine issues in the Dodge 4.7.

The Most Common Dodge 4.7 Engine Problems:

  • Overheating and Blown Head Gaskets. Cost to fix: $1,000
  • Engine Failure and Oil Sludge. Cost to fix: $700
  • Damaged Exhaust Manifold Bolts. Cost to fix: $1400
  • Oil Foam. Cost to fix: $500

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Overheating and Blown Head Gaskets

Problem:

Another issue is overheating and blown head gaskets. In the 4.7 engine, sludge could lead to this issue. However, it could also be caused by broken radiators and leaking gaskets, all of which can be prevented with routine maintenance and regular care from you and a professional mechanic. Watch the temperature and turn off the car if it’s too warm.

If your engine gets too hot, there is a chance it will blow a head gasket. If you blow a head gasket or experience a cracked head, you will need a complete rebuild of this portion of the car. Some Dodge owners reportedly run into this issue even if they provide proper maintenance on their vehicles.

Cost:

If you want to deal with this first issue on our list of Dodge 4.7 engine problems, it will cost you around $1,000. Unfortunately, a blown head gasket requires a replacement, and the process isn’t the cheapest. The more damage, the longer it will take, and the more expensive it will be to repair.

Engine Failure and Oil Sludge

Problem:

Engine failure and oil sludge are prominent issues in the Dodge 4.7 engine. Sludge may gather in the system, and it will eventually lead to the downfall of your engine. It will affect the power output and force your engine to work much harder than it needs just to perform simple tasks. According to vehiclehistory.com, this issue is common in engines before 2005.

Several factors can lead to a buildup of sludge in the engine. You might have neglected regular oil changes in your system, driven for too many short periods which prevented the engine from heating up, or there are ventilation problems in the crankcase or PCV. Whatever causes it, sludge will eventually lead to the destruction of your engine.

Cost:

If you want to clean sludge out of your engine, it will cost $700 to remove. The price will vary depending on who you hire to complete the job, the amount of sludge buildup in the system, and how long it takes to finish the job. The end price might be higher or lower than our estimate.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE DODGE CHARGER

Let’s explore the most reliable years of the Dodge Charger. We’ll also touch on the Charger’s background as we highlight the best model years to consider for a used car. 

Damaged Exhaust Manifold Bolts

Problem:

Broken exhaust manifold bolts could also be the root of your Dodge 4.7 engine troubles. This portion of the system is responsible for taking the exhaust and directing it to the catalytic converter, so when there is damage to the exhaust manifold bolts, there is likely to be a leak and the system can’t do its job.

In time, a damaged exhaust manifold bolt could lead to serious damage to your engine. The sooner you get it taken care of, the better your car will come out the other side. If you’re unsure of what’s wrong, it never hurts to take your vehicle to a mechanic to get a simple inspection.

Cost:

It will run you $1,400 to deal with damage to the exhaust manifold bolts. They are an intricate part of the system and require significant replacement and time, so the price point is much higher than other repairs in the Dodge 4.7 engine system.

Oil Foam

Problem:

Oil foam is another trouble that can plague the Dodge 4.7 engine. You’ll first notice oil foam at the bottom of the oil cap, which occurs when air gets into your system and fills the oil with bubbles. Moisture can also lead to this texture in the oil, which will make the engine take longer to heat up and will impact your driving.

The best way to prevent oil foam is to insulate the oil tube to prevent it from experiencing impact from the weather. Also, try to let the car hit regular operating temperature for about fifteen minutes before you completely shut it down to allow the oil to settle in the tubes before resting at night or during the day.

Cost:

If you want to repair this final issue on our list of Dodge 4.7 engine problems, it will cost $500. This repair is one of the cheaper ones on this list. The price will be low if there isn’t a massive oil foam issue, but a huge takeover could raise the price and take much longer to complete on the mechanic’s end.

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Avoiding the Dodge 4.7 Engine Problems

If you want to avoid the most significant Dodge 4.7 engine problems, the best thing you can do is lie in wait for potential engine troubles. Watch and listen for the errors and act on them as soon as they appear. If you’re comfortable around cars, that might mean taking on some of the repairs yourself.

Of course, not everyone is comfortable around vehicles or knows what they are doing. It’s okay if this statement applies to you - you just need a trusted mechanic on your team. Ensure you bring your vehicle to them periodically for an examination. They will determine if there are any engine faults and what you must do about them to get things back in order.

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