How to keep a Jeep Dodge 4.7L alive & happy - EVERY FATAL FLAW I LEARNED THE HARD WAY!
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- The 4.7L PowerTech V8 which Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler used in their cars and trucks in the late 90's and early 00's is a good motor.... IF you know how to take care of it. One major issue with these engines is the cooling system. If you hope to keep a 4.7 running and happy you will need to know all of the following, which this video addresses..
How to install a new thermostat
How to (properly) bleep air from the radiator and cooling system
How to maintain the hydraulic cooling fan
How to keep the 4.7 from overheating
What happens if the 4.7L DOES overheat
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We hope you enjoyed this video and will keep in mind that all information included is intended to be purely academic and in fact is only the opinion of D&E. We are not professionals, nor are we qualified to knight you a professional. D&E want to ensure that anyone modify or fixing their own vehicle does so in a safe manner which leaves the vehicle in a legal, roadworthy state. In short, DON'T BE A MONKEY WITH A TOOL BOX! If you don't know what you are doing, leave it the professionals!
Any engine that requires that much concern ain't worth spit, IMO. I love Jeeps and have had 5 4.0s that would have kept going if other things didnt happen. Seen many a "deal" on the 4.7s, and sometimes its tempting, but common sense keeps from a rue the day scenario. I do wonder about one thing though, concerning the cooling fan. The 4.0s have a bolt on version, which is part of the tow package. I added one of those when my electric fan went out and it was the best thing I ever did. Never had a cooling issue after that. Does the 4.7 have a towing package where a fan is added? If so, that might solve all problems related to hydraulic fluid/ power stirring pump scenario - or at least be a back up.
Not really. The hydro fan is considered “HD” by itself. The 99’s had a mechanic fan/e-fan combo before the hydro which is better BUT Chrysler discontinued the parts used so you have to find one in the wild. Not easy as the 4.7 wasn’t popular in 1999 being the first year used.
As for the engine being too much bother to deal with…. Maybe. Haha. Let me preface that I plan to be buried with a 4.0. Hands down my favorite engine because it has EARNED my respect. Amazing piece of iron… BUT it has limitations - specifically the trans it was paired to in the WJ - which the 4.7 fixes. A 4.0 WJ is a bad tow rig. Sad, but true because of the 42re. Also being a more modern engine there is more ability to tune if that is your thing. As a last note.. I am neurotic about my 4.7 and made this video for others like me. Who want to know every quirk and issue. Most drive them for years without knowing about or encountering any issues.
The tow package includes a power steering pump contraption diverter that spins the cooling fan. The engine must be running for it to operate. Mine is well balanced you feel nothing in the steering or feel and the fan speed is directly proportional to engine rpm. The hydro fan is legit. It's only two extra lines and reliable, removing the radiator is a snap, it's a tight fit but stuffing a V8 into a sub-3900lb SUV equals fun to drive. A couple cheep mods and you're at 260 275 hp and 300ftlbs torque. When I'm streeting it I remove. The front shaft and smoke a 01 mustang off the line
😊0p0
Amen to that. that engine is Like a troublesome woman. Just buy a dog and die happy. LOL
Really can't relate. Have a 4.7 sitting at 325k and all I've had to do is fix the attachments that naturally wear out. Love my H.O. block
If you love something you take care of it. If you don't you move on. Just say you don't like jeeps.
I really do believe these engines are some of the most under appreciated engines to ever be created just because of how complicated they can be. But I still love mine and I hope to keep it running as long as possible so thank you for this video
I love mine, but man has it been a journey to truly understand it. The 4.7 is not for the faint of heart, but you will be rewarded if you take the time
FYI for everybody out there with a 4.7 L W J, the fuse for the O2 sensors is the same fuse for the hydraulic fan relay. Found this out the hard way when I changed out my O2 sensor and didn't put the wiring back where it belongs and it shorted out on the exhaust, blowing the fuse, and making the hydraulic fan stop working thus overheating by engine.
You won't believe how perfectly timed this video is - almost destroyed my 4.7 today! I'm paying close attention.
Yikes! Hope something in here helps! email us if you need help dandeoffroad@gmail.com
@@DEInTheGarage
Maaaaaan, I've got to ask. How do you keep that beard so luscious?
Just destroyed mine a week ago! Got another getting put in as we speak
Same, we unfortunately did destroy our 4.7 a while ago but when the new 4.7 gets installed we aren't making the same mistakes
I'm going to look at a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee to buy Monday.
It's a 4.7L V8.
THANKS for this info, super helpful.
Awesome video. I recently purchased a 2004 Durango with a 4.,7. It runs great but after watching all the u-tubes and researching this engine, I decided to get some gaskets to seal up some leaks, especially the valve covers. Getting a little carried away I thought I would get a water pump and serpentine belt as I don’t know the history on this vehicle. So i decided to go a little farther and I pulled the engine out. (I am retired so time doesn’t matter to me:). Anyway, on the back side of the engine it states the engine was rebuilt in 5/14. I had checked the compression before removing the engine and it is between 160 to 170 dry. my vehicle has 123,000 miles. So now I have a new oil pump and decided to remove the heads in order to inspect the valves and seats. All looked fairly clean but I removed all traces of carbon. I replaced the valve seals springs and lifters. the lifters were showing wear as the springs inside were very weak. I am now in the process of replacing the cylinder heads. I also purchased a complete timing chain, guides and gear set as the lower guide was broken.I am replacing all fluids with synthetic oil, Orange coolant as it was green when I got it.
I feel confident that it will run well and with care will last me a very long time. I pretty much have lapped in the valves and replaced all worn parts but did not get into the pistons, connecting rods or crank as it did seem to run good and with the rebuild in 2014 I am confident that the rotating assembly is ok but now I have peace of mind that the rest of the engine will perform and last. (I Hope)
Thank you for inspiring me with your video, oh by the way, my Durango does not have the hydraulic fan assembly, thank God!
Absolute legend , reminds me of my dad
I was wondering how your Durango is running now after 2 years.
I’m thinking to replace the lifters and springs in mine
Had my 4.7 ram for just over 5 years. Relatively "low mile" at just over 150k. Had many issues with the cooling system but to be honest, the best, I guess you would call it "upgrade" is a mishimoto thermostat and rad. Im sure the rad doesnt matter as it is oem style, but the 10 degree colder thermostat honestly woke the engine up. It used to get up to temp and pretty sluggish, but that 10 degree difference keeps it pretty happy even after an hour or more on the highway. I would recommend this for anyone that lives in a hotter state, (im in houston) as it keeps the engine much happier. When its pretty hot out these engines run hotter than usual and this keeps temps down.
I also found replacing the ac fan with a more powerful one and switching from a steel clutch fan to a aluminum one helped alot too.
Maaaaan. I just replaced my thermostat a couple months ago. I wish I knew about the mishimoto!
@@HbEthan. where did you get yours?
What ac fan did you use?
Where did you get your thermostat at?
1 owner 06 dodge Durango SLT AWD 4.7.
I have 180,000 miles on it, it came with green, I only use green.
I have replaced the tires now 4X.
Replaced the water pump in 2016, all new rotors & brake pads and spme lines in 2017, EGR valve in 2018, and speed sensor last month. Everything on the truck works, every button, it just has two rust spots that keep growing. Been one hell of a good vehicle. Im going to rebuild it all and fix the body next year, and keep it. Love the ride, and heated seats....
I did upgrade the air intake and had it retune when it was new.
Very happy with this truck.
My 2003 Durango had the 4.7 V8 - Used it to tow my race car from Florida to New York to Wisconsin to Kansas for 15 years and 360K miles. Never had any issues except for a crank sensor and several vacuum hoses drying up and cracking.
I am curios what maintenance you did on it? What oil and filter and how often you changed.
I had a couple of wj s with the 4.7 and 4.7ho. Used in hot scorching heat and winter. Zero issues with cooling system as long as you change the cooland correctly, it is a well designed system. People that complain are just abusing the 4.7 and then complain about them.
My 2003 Dodge Dakota 4.7 Magnum has just past 271,000 miles still running great. No engine issues other than regular maintenance. It is going through a quart of oil occasionally but with the mileage who could complain. These are pretty common trucks in my area and i have seen several in my local shop getting engines replaced. As for mine it gets good maintenance never have much of a heating problem except when coolant level gets a little low. That's easy to remedy by just adding a little coolant usually about a quart. The key is keeping fluids checked and changing oil at no more than every 5,000 miles if using a synthetic oil if regular oil i advise changing every 3,000 miles.
I love my hydrocooling fan in my 02 overland and i don't care what u say about it. Ive never overheated ever and it is a solid setup that never failed on me. 14 years of ownership and 188k on the clock and i love it. We all know how grands are with the e fan and faulty resistors and overheating lol. To each there own. Great vid
Fair enough, bud. My experience has been poor, but I am glad to hear some folks are doing alright with them
@@DEInTheGarage im a firm believer that fan is the reason it's still on the road. Ive seen many v8 and i6 cooked because faulty electronic fans. If you maintain the system and do what i did and run a bigger hyro oil cooler its just a trouble free design and really the only system in my jeep that hasent failed once unlike every other system.Don't blame the Germans..toyota used that same fan idea in the early 90s lexus so it's nothing new.u could swap it to whatever u want and sell that hydro setup because its desirable to alot of enthusiasts for off-roading
@@---skynet--- they switched to electric for a reason lol
@@zachs.9600 electric fans are way more cost effective as far as manufacturing goes.
I appreciate the coolant filling tips! This video made me feel a little more relaxed about my 4.7l cooling system as it has a mechanical fan. At 135k miles right now and still running strong! hope to make it to 200k+
I’ve owned at least a hundred Chrysler vehicles with 4.7’s. For the most part, I’ve had very good luck with it. I agree that it takes careful maintenance to keep it running.
why have you had so many? do you run a fleet?
Just got a 2000 Dakota 4.7. I've owned two Durango's before this, a 4.7 and a 5.9, both I felt were great trucks. Seeing this video now I'm happy I've kept up my love for Dodge because like all cars/engines, they need to be treated right or they won't last. My 2000 Dakota history has me as 4th owner and at 155k miles I plan to keep her running like a champ. These tips will definitely be useful, thanks for the video!
My 2000 4.7 Dakota just hit 301k on the original powertrain, maintenance and not driving hard seems to be the key.
Love my 4.7 in my 2005 dodge durango didnt have cooling issues till I repalced the rad. Now I am just chasing an never ending issue with overheating but watching you and learning is awsome love it keep it up
I’ve got a 4.7 in a 2000 Dodge Dakota. I haven’t really had any cooling issues with it ever. 152k and still going. Thanks for the video
2005 dakota and same thing never had a issue. I think it's mainly the jeeps and other suvs because there so tucked in and just bake themselves
Finding WJ's not rusted to death with a 4.0 by me is getting nigh impossible, so i was actually considering breaking down and just getting a limited with a 4.7.
This video certainly cured the urge.
Great job explaining to folks not only the importance of burping the cooling system, but the proper way to do it as well. I have tried many times over the years to let the damn thing idle until the thermostat opens and the heater is blowing warm air and temp gauge is where its supposed to be blah blah blah! Then you stare into their vacant eyes and think, well someone's going to need a head gasket soon! Some listen but most just shake their heads at me like i am stupid and they are humoring me so I'll stop talking.
Grooms Engines did a big write up on why the 4.7 is so bad and it comes down to cheap valve seats. Worth a read. You can make any engine reliable if you fix enough design flaws.
Valid. haha
Uk viewer here man. Love your videos. I have the 4.7 in my WJ and I love it. The UK versions haven't had the type of abuse I see the American Jeeps take, but they are still vulnerable to poor maintenance. Mine has thankfully been looked after and soon as I got it I did a full system flush and made sure it was working properly. That was all thanks to your videos on the cooling systems and what to look out for. I've had no issues with the engine or the cooling since. Great advice and information bud. 👍
Thanks for the video, i have a jeep and a durango, i use a plain old clutch fan on both and a lower temp thermostat, all is well! Also i use the bleed port to help fill the timing cover after filling the radiator. Finally, I use green antifreeze, knock on wood, but it has been good so far. I was nervous about buying a 4.7 truck as well, but now I have great respect for it, the biggest thing about these is don't use cheap aftermarket parts, especially the timing system and valve train!
The green antifreeze will cause corrosion in the aluminum engine, that is the reason for the different color antifreeze that is formulated to not cause corrosion to aluminum.
I know this video is 3 years old, but I have a 2010 Dakota with a 4.7. Fully stock and towed a 3300lbs Rpod around the country, through the mountains of BC and Yukon, Canada, and then up to Alaska where I live. after 173,000 miles I've had zero issues.
My 2013 (same exact engine as yours as its post 08) just failed @ 166K.
@@TheSavage3.6 shit sorry to hear that!
@@davidsmith9 Yeah, funny part is that i can’t even figure out what’s wrong with it lol.
@TheSavage3.6 man... are you putting another engine in? Mine is in such great shape I think I'd replace the engine if it went.
Thanks for the solid info in this video! My first 4.7 WJ dropped a valve seat and I drove it 50 miles home on 7 cylinders (LOTS of blow-by) before it went bye bye. I bought my second 4.7 WJ a few years after that it's doing alright. I'll never get over that fear of dropping a seat though. I am considering doing an electric fan conversion because im worried about the reliability of my power steering setup (service history shows the previous owner swapped the power steering pump so that scares me). Other than that, I freaking love 4.7 WJ's, sometimes you gotta take the good with the bad.....If I get REALLY pissed, i'll buy a 4runner
You can't make enough vids on the 4.7 cooling system! Lol. the more I learn the more I'm terrified of digging in to that WJ. I'll totally be picking your 4.7 brain!
Gotta new radiater after going to fast down I 85 one morning,it said ding!!!! check gages!!!
Honestly these procedures are like any other car lol
I really appreciate your dedication to this I'm a 4.0 lover about to buy a 4.7 so I'll be subscribing
Good luck! Feel free to reach out if you ever need help
First thing I did with my 4.7HO was add real temp/pressure gauges. The ones on 03-04 WJ are more of an idiot gauge. FYI, I also use Preston Pro Guard (Green) antifreeze. Its for all (including Aluminum) engines/heads. Only like green because coolant/oil leaks are easy to see.
I see your point there. Good call on the green!
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. My wife drives a '03 Durango we purchased in '05. My pastor had a '03 Dakota in which the water pump failed in 2012 around 100K. Ours was at 108K at that time. A mutual friend changed his pump for him. Our friend changed our pump just as a preventative measure (for $30 no less). In 2013 at 116K miles I changed the radiator hoses. In 2017 at 139K miles the the radiator started weeping. I changed it myself. The engine has NEVER been overheated and is not used for towing. We have always used the green stuff because I didn't know. I am not sure what was in it originally. Here now at 155K and 2022 the 5 year old green coolant looks fine. As far as maintenace goes, I have only changed spark plugs twice the whole time I have owned it. I did have to replace the A/C compressor and drier last year (Thanks RockAuto!). The oil has been changed religiously every 3K since we have owned it. A couple of years ago I changed all the fuel injectors just because. This has been a very reliable rig. Heck, I have had the battery last 8 years, twice in a row.
Running 2005 4.7 and haven't had many issues. Cooling is fine. Normal leaks around trans cooler lines. Just reached 250k miles. Timing chains getting changed this weekend. I'll be instalin new lifters as well. Should be a smooth repair.
First and Foremost thank God for guys like you and Martin Built !!! You guys have been a tremendous help while battling my 4.7..Plus Glad too see this post to confirm my sanity after battling the cooling system on my 02 WJ 4.7 for almost the entire 5 years I've owned it..Extremely Temperamental is an understatement.....Feel like I could write a book on what all ive done too my Jeep within the 5 years I've owned it but love my Jeep and felt its was worth fighting for..... So far this Jeep has been through 3-4 t-stats,Water pump ,Ate a few spark plugs, then started getting a constant misfire on #2 and sometimes multiple cylinders miss which took me nearly a year to finally figure out that it was my harmonic balancer failing/coming apart.. it finally exposed itself when a piece of rubber from the damper created a ticking noise one day while running but when you shut it off it looked normal..So since our local repair shop wanted nearly $800 to repair the balancer I did it myself with the help of a good friend whom is a mechanic...I decided to swap in a new Denso radiator since the Hydraulic fan had too come out and my Jeep has over 200k on the clock...Was definitely hands down the hardest swap me or my friend had ever done..He thought it was gonna be a piece of cake and boy was he wrong...Took us an entire weekend to complete ..... So my next upcoming projects on the Jeep are fixing my stripped purge screw, swapping out hydraulic lifters to remedy the lomgtime cold start tick, along with new VC gaskets, plus the Martin Built PCV mod.. I recently found a severely rusted brake line on the rear driver's side before it drops ontop of the axle, while up underneath looking at my E- Brake cables in preperation to fixing that..I'll get her sorted tho ....Excuse my rambling but I wasn't joking when I said I've been battling this sucker..Lol...Question for ya.. What oils are you running in your 4.7 ?
My daughter/son-in-law have a well taken care of 02 Columbia edition wj, when the time came for a new water pump, I chose one with an aluminum impeller and an aluminum thermostat housing for replacement, no PLASTICS. It runs perfectly.
My 3.7L in my 2006 Liberty Renegade has 260800 miles. Had a head gasket leak in the right bank. Used blue devil and it was fixed.
Great engine, needs to be maintained like any other.
Thanks for your videos !!!
Best regards!
I just purchased a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7 Car fax shows one owner. Proper maintenance. 104k miles. Hoping it treats me well. I want to do the same so here I am. Thanks for the video.
Quick tip. heating system doesnt have valves of any sort in it. Temp is set with blend doors and the coolant (hot or not) goes thru the heater core all the time, no matter if its set to lo or hi nor fan speed. If youd set it to low and fan off, or shut it off completely, it wouldnt make a difference besides it would heat up faster.
5 years ago I purchased a 2000 WJ GC with an apparent engine tick. A massive discount due to a spun big end bearing and a new reconditioned engine, it has been running strong ever since. I was meant to be a launch car for my boat but its such a nice car in very good condition I use it for long drives. Its not my daily. I installed a double row all alloy radiator and ditched the mechanical fan.
The AC Electric fan was re-tuned to run as the engine cooling fan and it works a treat. No cooling issues at all. The green coolant was replaced with red/orange coolant with the new engine.
Sounds like you built a beast of a 4.7!
please remember to tell folks about the sludge filter (change or clean) it will oil starve the engine. had 2001 dakota 4.7 fail from this. and especially the 4.7 ho and for (high out put 4.7 ) rotela t-4 oil. thanks for listening
My bro, I have an 02, 3.7 KJ and your videos have brought sanity into my life, having felt like the gremlins that attack these motors were just attacking mine lol! Thanks for these videos and sharing your DIY expertise.
Hydro fan is controlled by the temp send right up front by the intake mani.... Unplug it at idle.. if you get full power from your hydro fan replace the sender... If not the valve in the fan is stuck from the wrong fluid...
I've got a 4.7 in my 00' Durango, I didn't know how temperamental the cooling system was and Im glad I found this video, I will be doing a drain and flush soon now that I do know. I haven't had any issues cooling wise but I do have a pretty bad exhaust leak which I've heard is fairly common, being that the studs on the manifold will snap or back themselves out, but I enjoy my Durango overall, and hope for many more miles, especially with it being my first and only car
yea bud VERY temperamental, but if you understand the things that make it different you will be fine. I have about 5 videos on the 4.7 cooling system. check them out if you have more questions
Did the exhaust leak sound like a tapping noise?
Thanks. And your not joking. I live in San Antonio.
@@jcstevegigs I had a tapping noise on cold start until the engine warmed up with my 4.7. I thought it may be a bad lifter that would finally pump up when warm but my mechanic said it was just a bad exhaust gasket.
The original green stuff is just fine in fact as far as I’ve ever been able to tell 1999 and 2000 came with it. The problems start when you don’t keep it changed every couple years because the corrosion inhibitors get depleted.
Also 99 and 2000 with towing package got the water pump mounted in addition to the electric fan ... if one fails at least you have one still working.
That’s why! My friends all looked at me weird when I bought a2001 Durango. I see why. I will pay attention. Thanks man.
I have owned (3) 4.7s with over 600k miles between them. People who say these are unreliable make me laugh.
Yes I had 34.76 put in my truck they all went within a month now with the new motor the power steering went and they didn't bleed the system right thanks to you video I'm back on the road thank you very much
I’m getting ready to change the lifters on a 268,000 mile 4.7 . I’m still on the original alternator . I replaced the clutch fan once and the original starter just gave up the ghost . Love my 4.7
How'd it go?.
I still haven't done it . I have the lifters soaking in Lucas for a year now and just can't find the time . I'm actually thinking about buying a whole new toped and new cams and timing chains . Just waiting on vacation time to take the heads off and inspect the cylinder walls .
I got a durango 02. Ive fixed it, well im doing it right now for the 4th time. Replaced the motor, fixed that one, did it again 20000 miles ago. I have 365000 miles, original transmission, just replaced ac motor. Ive had it for 14 yrs and people ask why i keep fixing it. Simple. It always starts, never leaves me on the road. Ive towed why over limit and she still runs great. Its upbto me to keep it up, i do that, she will run forever. The 4.7 is temperamental but learn it and you will live it. I may never get rid of it. My 02 has always kept me going. Just learn your car and you will have very little problems. Thanks for the info. Ive been using wrong antifreeze..
Thank you for all your knowledge and wisdom I'll be putting it to use today because of course I look into my Jeep and it has the lime-flavored coolant
My 4.7 was just overheating. Thermostat. Then, that didn't work, and had to do a water pump and full flush. Works great now. As a teenager, my first Jeep was a 4.2, then graduated to a 4.0. They were forgiving engines that allowed me to trial and error and learn. I now have a 3.7 and a 4.7 for dailies. I don't mess with them since they are much more picky and I just bring them to my Jeep guy. Probably cheaper too to have an expert do it once than me do it three times. There's value in learning, but not in Alaska in the winter haha
Hey! Newbie here!! I just got a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with the 4.7. Well!!!! I was told the thermostat needed to be replaced when I first got her. So. First thing I did was change the thermostat. Bled the coolant. The Orielly’s ppl told me to use the G05 Zerex coolant (was that the right coolant?!!!).
The overheating has stopped but now I’m pretty sure I have a coolant leak now. I tried starting her to get my kid to school and she died 4 houses down the road. I believe that I may have not waited until the engine was hot enough......
I bled the coolant AGAIN after calming down a few hours and got her home.
I filled the coolant and got her up to temperature and made sure there was no more bubbles in the bleeder.
Now coolant leaks from god knows where only when she’s running. I’m afraid it’s from the thermostat housing but I tightened her as much as I could. Help?!
I've got a 2003 Dodge Ram 4.7L V8 with 507,000 miles still running, granted low compression in cylinder 5 but a great transmission haha! Still running and driving though!
I got a 2000 WJ with the 4.7 230k plus on the odometer runs great doesn't burn oil,no leaks, no smoke on start up, no ticks, no knocks it's mint. In other words you do the basic maintenance it can be reliable
I have had a 4.7 Dakota for 18 yrs. Did not about the need for orange coolant. Thanks for the heads up.
I have mentioned this elsewhere but I think it worth mentioning again here: This particular engine, the 3.7 and 4.7 seem to have a lot of heat related head issues on the passenger side. I think the solution is to drop to a 180 or 160 thermostat to give more of a cushion to that passenger side head - which tends to run 30 degrees hotter than the drivers side head. The 195 thermostat leaves that passenger side head dangerously close to getting too hot.
What ...? Hydraulic driven fan clutch!..? Now I see it all I’m looking this up
I have a 2003 Durango sxt with the 4.7. It’s not the exact same design as the 4.7 for the Jeep, specifically the air cleaner is reversed and mounts to the left side of the engine compartment whereas the 4.7 in the Grand Cherokee is mounted on the right. But generally speaking, the parts would be 100% interchangeable. My Durango uses a standard mechanical fan for normal cooling (the old school hydraulic fan clutch type) and then it has the huge ass e-fan that runs only when the a/c is on OR the engine coolant temp gets over like 210 with a/c off (such as when towing a pull behind camper or something like that). This set up actually did pretty good the last time I towed a pull behind camper of decent size, up and down all the hills of southern Alabama/north Florida, towed it about 60-70 miles with overdrive disabled so I was constantly turning about 2,500-3,000 at 55-60mph for that duration and the engine never got hotter than straight in the middle between cold and hot (most 4.7 engines run on the colder side of the normal range, about 195-200 tops). I’d say, all in all, my 4.7 is a damned good engine at 185,000 miles. I’m sure down the line it will take a shit, all engines do. But I’m interested to see just how many miles I actually get off this heifer before she goes out to pasture.
as you i'm just bought a 2003 jeep grand cherokee 4.7 and I find that the motor is fantastic. But you must maintain or like you said it's a big paper weight. When I got mine the first thing I did was replace the plugs . I guess the last owner never changed them and of course they where locked up so im still working on them , slowly but surely
No one ever does plugs anymore!
@@DEInTheGarage what do you mean?
My 4.7 Dakota engine has been dependable as heck for 12 years... I’ve done one service to the cooling system in the life of the truck. A full flush, thermostat, fresh coolant, and a new water pump, maybe 5 years ago... I put in a 185 degree thermostat since I heard these trucks don’t like to get hot. Then again I Never heard of a truck that likes to get hot... I am planning to upgrade the original mechanical fan clutch to a new heavy duty towing fan clutch...
I had no idea it took the orange fluid!!! 🤦🏼♀️ it’s had green as long as I have had it…..and I just flushed my entire cooling system and put green back in. That’s what was in it when I acquired it a few years back. EXCELLENT INFO!! Thank you for this video. Guess we will be doing another flush and go get some orange 😒 ugh 😑
It happens to SO many of these. somewhere in the past someone switched them to green and no one knows it isnt right
Bought my 4.7 l wj for 850$ driven 12000 miles still running strong like you said hiccups in the cooling system but great car reliable and cheap to fix I recommend the 4.7 if it’s been treated properly
I learned all of this along my journey with the 04 overland as well. My plan: I've got a brand new rad with hydro fan and brand new pump sitting on the parts rack. Next is the 08 intake manifold, ported headers, ported exhaust manifold, high flow cat, and downstream deletes!!! Oh, and a trip to Raleigh on the trailer for a hemi fever tune. I take my wj on some remote trips and have no choice but to learn everything about it because help will not be coming. You definitely built my confidence when this all started a few years ago. Thanks for what you do.
I have a ford explorer fan on my jeep wj, works like a wonder, they are 11 blades and are plastic, just need to get the fan clutch for the explorer and the fan, it fits under the existing fan shroud. If i remember correctly you will need the year 98-01 Ford Explorer fan. You can find them used on eBay.
I was going to do an efan on a 5.3 gm I had but decided against it. I had all the parts to do it i robbed out of a wrecked 6.0 denali, but could not find any fan controllers that people didn't seem to report having problems with. I was going to use the fan controller to switch relays instead of directly driving the fan but figured the chance of the controller failing and overheating was not worth it.
I too noticed the belt routing, this will spin the water pump the wrong less efficient direction. I have had good luck filling the cooling system using the bleed port with a transmission funnel when air free coolant comes out of the rad. cap you are done. Nice video, good information.
absolutely love the 4.7, "does everything I ask, but have to watch the cooling system" well said, my sentiments exactly.
I've had mine since 2017 and she just dropped a valve seat. I blew the radiator. I'm just tearing it apart today and wanted to check out a few videos.
My 4.7 has over 300,000 km on it. Starting to think that I ought to replace the timing gears and chain to prevent disaster. Love my '03 Dakota.
These videos are SO AMAZING. So glad I found this bc he did not use the orange coolant. So when I flush it, I will replace the thermostat in it as well. I do not tow anything but a small flatbed. I will look into the cooling fan system
Glad I could help!
Hey boss, I just want to let ya know you saved my ass. Much love brother. Thanks for the great content!
Glad to hear it!
I have both a mech and hydraulic fan. Didn't know about orange only. I found that I have been getting miniscule seepage from the freeze plugs.
I was headed home with the wife and kids few days ago when my 4.7 upper radiator hose blew ended up having to use the good orange plus gas station coolant and to my delight the bright green stuff just to get home. I ended up flushing it like three times using radiator flush. Put in supercool and new coolant so far so good
Jeez.. what a mess! Glad you got her home anyway
Yea me too thanks to stores closing early i was lucky id gotten coolant for my 4.0 wj i had with me
Dad did a mechanical fan and a 4.0 e fan in his WJ. Flawless performance
For starters this video was very informative, thanks for that.
I have an 04 grand with the hydraulic 4.7. It has presented several issues. The first is when it warms up and I turn it off then try to restart it won’t. It usually takes about 2 hours to cool down and start. Next when my engine temp gets to about 210 my fan starts to sound like it’s going to take off. Thanks for any insight.
Replace your crankshaft position sensor. You can test if it’s bad by using a hair dryer on it when it’s cold and heat it and try and start the engine.
Try changing ASD relay.
Stumbled across your video, and i already love your style. Been thinking about one of these in a truck, to pull a camper, even though my Jeep 3.7 blew up idling on a very cold day last year, in the parking lot at work . So, i am nervous about any more Chrysler engines !
Ive had good luck with the 4.7 in my WJ and I'm at 208000 miles definitely get the mech and electric combo fans though. keeps it cool even in super hot weather
Ive been looking into adding the electrical fan on mine since I swapped out the to the mech fan. Honestly I don't think I need an electrical fan because the mech fan keeps it cool with no issues. Even while towing.
@@chewbakka0911 what mechanical fan blade and clutch did you go with I'm thinking about upgrading to a dorman 620-155 fan blade and hayden 2794 fan clutch for my 2000 4.7L with tow package, when I bought the jeep it had the factory steel 5 blade and the electric fan relay was by-passed and the wiring burnt up.
@@richardseaman6221 ya-228 fan blade and clutch from a 97-01 mountaineer F67Z8A616NA
Great video! After watching this and reading some of the comments, I feel the need to chime in. I currently own 2 grand cherokees, 1WJ/4.0 4wd, and a 2007 WK w/4.7/4wd. I drove both of these when I was working and traveled on average around 36,000 miles per year. I bought the WJ with approximately 150,000 miles, while the WK had 167,000 miles. As of today, the WJ has 342,000 miles and the WK has 363,000 miles. I am anal about maintenance on both so I would hopefully avoid any downtime when I was working. I keep the WJ as a spare because it starts and runs, and everything works. The WK has been the best vehicle I’ve owned so far, and my wife drives it now and has for the last 3-1/2 years, as I graduated to a 2012 F-150 (with 283,000 miles). I’m living proof that proper maintenance on anything will make it last longer. Most of my repairs consist of replacing worn out parts. That 4.7 has been so good that I plan on replacing it if it ever fails! Not posting this to brag, but just wanted to let others know that the sky’s the limit on these if you maintain them properly. Again, a great video! Thanks!
Ive got a 2002 dakota sport with the 4.7 206xxx. Runs good, dosent use oil or coolant. Very reliable but rusty, i love this pickup even though its a beater
I have a 05 Ram 1500 with 320,000 miles runs great
Here is a tip or two on my 99 wj the heater lines need to be seperately flushed. The intake and return trap the old (wrong) lime juice in the heater core. The in and out tubes are higher than the air bleeder . Next on my wj even when the air bleeder and radiator are open there is an airlock and all the draing stops and the block is full of juice. One YT er installed a petcock valve on the driver side near the rear of the engine, in an engine bolt replacement. 2 gallons came out to give him a foot bath. Now if you have the all wheel drive as I do your SoL. I have to locate a different low area. One more thing near that freeze plug and bolt their was an air sensor. It is just under 50 dollars take care keep it dry. If you get it wet, it will short out. The valve makes it easier for future fluid changes. My 99 came with a special gift, a blown right head. Just needs a seat replace, wife pulled over when rhe engine got hot he said. I drove it up onto the trailer he said. It runs well he said. I did know right away this was not the case. We broke it down to survey the damage. Looking for a rebuilt engine right now. We found broken valves scored cyclinder wall bent piston rods. And of course lime juice where orange juice should have been, both heads are cracked.😢
Three engines replaced in my 4.7 truck within a month of each other then the water pump went. That they did not bleed right thank you for the video I did it myself
Been working on a lot of these 4.7 and 3.7, BIGEST COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE IS THE IMPELER IN THE WATER PUMP LOOSING GRIP ON THE DRIVEN SHAFT BECAUSE IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC, SO IT FLOWS SLOW, THERE ARE SOME AFTER MARKET ONES MADE OUT OF METAL, INSTAL ONE WITH A METAL IMPELER AND WILL GUARANTEE YOU TEMP WILL BE AT THERMOSTAT SET WITH THE AC ON, WILL NEVER EVER GO OVER 1/2 OF THE GAUGE, I PUT A 180 THERMOSTHAT WITN A METAL IMPELLER PUMP ON MY PERSONAL WJ 2004 WITH A 4.7 AND TEMP STAYS ON 180 WITH THE AC ON ALL TIME, MY 5 CENTS, BY THE WAY LOVE YOUR VIDEO, THANKS FOR SHARING, SILVERVOULTURE
I had a 03 ram 4.7 and I loved it... I got 190k out of it b4 I spun a crank bearing... they are extremely picky on the oils. Don't swap from one to another brand or synthetic to standard... they love to gunk up and come apart... I'm currently buying another one, knowing all I know now. I hope to see 300k.
I bought a 2011 Dodge Ram with the 4.7 sohc with 98k miles I put a electronic fan on it and never had a problem out of them and I ragged it every green light I could and pulled boats and trailers and never had a problem out of mine solid truck it had 150k when I got rid of it now looking at getting another one
I've only owned the 3.7 but yes, it's temperamental. But after going through 5 or 6 of them I've finally taken a liking to them.
Bought a 2010 dakota from a relative. Drove it 6 hours home. Poped the hood to check all fluids. Opened the rad to find it completely bone dry. Later find out the water pump had a leak that my Relative failed to share with me. Buy a new pump and coolant and fix. Next week i find out the water pump has a recall and I could of had it replaced for free...
I got a 2001 dodge Dakota having heat issues the mechanic I took it to just replace rad, and thermostat for 847, after he test drive it still over heating on stop and go and he’s saying water pump needs to be done. Should I call and see if it’s a recall?
@@JohnnyDominoRican I would go online to the dodge/mopar site and search your trucks VIN for any recalls. I know that for the 4.7L v8's, the water pumps are prone to fail.
My 4.7 Durango has been running the lime flavoured stuff for 10 years with zero issues
I wish I would have known about you earlier this year before I got rid of my 2013 Ram 1500 4.7. Great video
I’ve had my wj for almost 5yrs and have changed the therm housing and seal twice. Damn plastic housings warp from heat cycles i keep a spare on the shelf. Also have changed one water pump so far. Other than that and regular maintenance it’s been a good vehicle. i bought it with 80k miles it now has close to 150k.
Currently thinking about buying a wj with a 4.7. its already been replaced because it did 4.7 things. 😂 Price is good enough, glad i found these vids
I have a 2002 ram 1500 with the 4.7 and I love the motor, a little weak for a truck but it’s usable still and sounds good. Mine has seemed to be an oddball compared to other peoples 4.7s. Mine for one I have overheated all the way pegged to the red zone on the gauge and never had an issue. My truck has 253k on it but the motor supposedly was replaced with a new one around 70k miles ago. But it has been a great engine for me. Always started even in -40 and run good. Don’t have the head gasket issue and has around 150-160 compression all around very good. This engine is absolutely dead reliable if you take care of it, keep it cool and give it fresh oil every 3k and it will last. Mine doesn’t even barely have the lifter tick, but it’s easy to get to and I’m paying attention so the first time I ever hear it I’ll do the lifters.
Also specifically about the cooling system on mine, you don’t have to bleed mine, rather, you can’t from the bleeder. I have a coolant reservoir that is integrated into the cooling system. It’s much higher than the bleeder port so coolant just pours out of there and when I started it, it geysered like crazy. All you have to do on mine is fill the coolant up in the tank and run it till it’s mostly warm and make sure it’s topped off and it’s just fine. Thai system was very weird and they only used it’s in 2002-2003 rams and then they changed it to a traditional style overflow tank that is literally just an overflow tank instead of a pressurized container that constantly has coolant flowing through it. I have done so much research and learning and experiments on this motor and have come to know a lot. Take care of it and it’s good.
So because you asked ill share my current 4.7l story. I'm a B Tech at local Midas where I live and one day I decided to finally buy a truck and get rid of my 1.8l Sentra. I bought a nice OD green 03 Dakota SLT with the 4wd and the 4.7l. I picked it up for 750$ with some obvious problems. Basically it broke down the night a bought it and was hit by a Semi on the side of highway as it waited to be towed. But its a strong ass lil truck and the damage I had was a broken rear window, easy fix. Once the truck is in my shop I start tearing the motor apart and find blown driver side cam bearings, warped passenger side cylinder head causing no compression in cyl 8 and sheered timing guides that clogged the oil system blocking the pick up tube. So the deeper I went the more problems I found, but I convinced my wife this wasn't a bad investment and decided to use it as a learning tool to finally rebuild an engine and show my bosses I can do it. I hit up Rockauto spend about 500$ on internal engine components and about 150$ on a used driver side cylinder head and start the rebuild. I looked up all the torque specs for everything, I lapped the vale seats, I cleaned everything, replaced all the gaskets everything. The only thing I couldn't do because I didn't have the money or time because my boss wanted it out (was in the shop for about a month while I got the money together) was machine the heads. so I did my best to make sure the right side would seal and so far the engine runs awesome, lots of power and sounds awesome. But I'm having two issues after rebuild and I'm having a lil trouble. I have a recurring P0344 code, it causes stalling and lack of power and rough idle. when I rebuilt the motor I got aftermarket sensors, so I tested the sensors and they have good readings. so I kept looking and found a tsb 18-015-09 which is a pcm update which allows the pcm to read coded data from aftermarket sensors it doesn't normally decode. so I did that and that didn't work, so I moved onto the harness itself and found some issues with the cam and crank sensor connectors so I repined them and its still coming back. My master tech looked at it and helped me probe wires and shit which is how we found the connectors had problems, but it came back again and haven't had a chance to verify if the recent fix worked because the previous owners actually put a ford fuel injector in it to replace one and now its dumping fuel and I just ordered a new one, so I don't wanna cause more damage so I'm not driving it until I get the new injector in it. The other issue I'm having is a tapping on the passenger side cylinder head. I used a stethoscope and tested the front cover, exhaust manifold (I heard the bolts break and can cause a tapping) and passenger cylinder head. I hear it loudest on the exhaust manifold and cylinder, I haven't yet had time to take that valve cover off yet but I'm hoping its just a faulty lash adjuster or loose rocker arm. But I love the truck when it runs, it ran awesome for a month and I haven't had a chance to take it to the desert yet but I wanna build it into a off road rig. We came up with a name for the trunk, were calling it "Frankenstein" sense its green and I've basically brought it back from the dead. So yea that's my 4.7l story, so far.
I have a 2006 4.7 i removed the hydraulic fan and installed to electric fans on it . no problems at all ever since.
THat is the way to go. It is on my to-do list as well
I have had 4 4.7's, overheating is the biggest killer of these. That and the shitty lash adjusters that bleed down. I believe the best way to bleed the system is to let it cool down completely, overnight and then bleed it again. The sure give away is the waterfall sound in the heater core, that is air. About the hyd fan, I have never had a problem with them, I have had 2 with the hyd fan. Get the hood vented, underhood heat is a huge problem on the WJ also. Mine runs 190 now no matter how hard I push it, the heat coming out the hood vents will burn my hand. AC runs a lot better also. Unibody construction does not allow air to flow around the engine and the 4.7 is stuffed into the compartment, air cannot get through the radiator unless the air under the hood can get out. Any engine with alloy heads and an iron block have the same overheat issues. I have had a 4.0 WJ, never again. Way to slow. Put some solid lash adjusters in, keep it from overheating and it will last a long time. My current 04 4.7 HO has 166,000 on it and runs great.
i got the 08 ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 4.7l i bought it with 140,000 on it and mine runs very well..i have had zero problems i just changed all 16 plugs to ngk iridiums and changed the oil to valvoline full synthetic high mileage 2 days ago..i also put a superchips tuner in it and it seems happy no codes everything does what it is supposed too. i want to get some long tube headers and the remote cutouts a black venom 2 in 2 out 3inch race muffler and a cold air intake.
I had a 2003 4.7 that ran great then had tons of electrical problems. Then I got a 2002 liberty with the 3.7 and it dropped a valve lmao. Said I’d never go back to Jeep’s but now I’m looking at another 4.7👀
Tip to. I'd run a cycle of water through the cooling system flush all green out before putting in orange. Unless formulas have changed orange coolant reacts with green coolant causes a foaming then dries and corrodes entire system. Hats off to the assistant director she's doing a hell of a job!! Jeep jeeeep!!
I’ve had 2 4.7s a high output and one of the last generation of them. They are awesome motors, gas pigs, but very reliable torquey engines.
One of the main reasons they overheat is because the thermostatic radiator valve (radiator cap) doesn't open causing pressure to build causing the radiator to crack causing coolant to leak out. One doesn't notice until it's below the water pump level. By the time the alarms start going off inside, it's too late. When it happened to me, it was 7F outside and I pulled over immediately. As soon as I pulled over, the coolant expanded enough to where the water pump started circulating it again and the temperature dropped to normal almost immediately. Drove it 1 mile back home, filled with coolant and went on with my day with no issues. Oddly, it was only after about 2 hours sitting in the driveway that the rocker arms fell off. Popped them back on and haven't had a single issue since. That was 13 years ago and it's still going strong.
Hey man, I’d like more info on this my wj is leaking coolant believe from the rad. Anyway I can contact you?
Thanks for the video. i just bought my fist car a 2004 dakota with a 4.7 engine
I appreciate that thursday dove there bud
Thanks so much. A ton of info I will apply in the morning. Hopefully my cooling issues will finally be solved. But first off to the parts store to get orange juice...
Use a clutchfan and an E-fan as well, just like the 4.0s with tow package does.
That is looking like the best plan for sure
currently got one with 299k!, had it overheat 3 times and the 3rd time the lower hose failed and it warped the heads, replaced chains, rockers, lifters and guides etc. Just keeps on going!
Thanks, Michael, overheated mine and now just babying it with small coolant loss. Encouraging that it can be saved.
Just added new mechanical fan and electric fan factory tow setup to my Liberty. 15 minute job. Keeps its cool. Good insurance.
I started working on the Jeep 2003 at 52000.and it's always something.
Crazy my 02 started acted up getting hot and leaking never knew there was so much into a simple fluid change I might have screwed it up on the fill up will redo the right way with new housing thanks brotha
I have an 02 4.7 GC. It’s been one of the better vehicles I’ve ever owned but also one of the most frustrating. Just did valve seals, lifters, new radiator, timing chain set, hydraulic hoses, thermostat, plugs, cam sensor, idle air sensor, blah, blah, blah. Got about 210 k on it. Hoping to go for 300.
I’ve got an 02 as well. I oive it but at the point where I either need to get rid of it or put some money into it. Not sure what to do. It has a tapping noise that needs to be dealt with. Not sure if timing chain or lifter or what? Only 132K
All that work must have cost some money. Was it worth it?