I have an 01 4.7...overheated, replaced thermostast and water pump. runs like crap.. shuts down after 15-20 minutes. Im thinkin new engine.. How bad is the swap?? and is there anything else suggested before swapping? Finally< computer puked a year ago... has ran like crap since. $1500.oo for a new one and programming isn't in my realm of finances. Dump and run?? God I luv my DINGO!

 

Kst8r:

How many miiles on the D?? Hopefully the damage is not as bad as you think. Todays engines are pretty tolerant of short term/mild overheating, but with the aluminum heads of the 4.7 I would guess that if the damage is severe you either have warped/cracked a head and or lost a head gasket.


You might start by running a compression test on it which will tell you alot about its health. While you have the plugs out, look closely at them and see if they look normal, ie kind of a light gray shade with no signs of oil or coolant getting into the cylinders.

If you do end up needing a motor, plan on $1800-2500 for a used one and $5-6k for a new one. Labor to install is extra.

If you do need a PCM, you should be able to find one in a bone yard for way less than $1.5k. You will have to get a dealer to program your VIN into it. If you go this route, make that the donor D is equipped same as yours regarding ABS and factory alarm as I have heard this makes a difference.


Don

 

Learn to burp the 4.7land you won't over heat. Dont burp it and you will. $1500 for a PCM replacement? Someone is smoking crack... you or the guy you bought it from.

IndyD

 

I appreciate the response. I figured as much. just double checking before I bite off the new engine. The D has 130k miles and the best truck I ever have had. Outside of the Water pump and computer, new tires brakes is all It has cost me.. I really can't complain to much. I just don't want to get rid of it.
Thanks again

 

Indy:
Congrats on the Superbowl.... I haven't spent the 1500. I didn't burp it. Is it still possible that by burping it (since the new waterpump install) the problem will subside? or is it to late, damage is already done? I have only driven it once since the install and not since. Thanks for the info..and ur right the mechanic is on crack.

thanks again

 

Superbowl baby!

Yes you can go ahead and burb it. If it hasn't been done, do it right away. Getting hot itself won't hurt it alittle, it's long term heat that causes the lasting problems.

Instructions here: https://dodgeforum.com/m_806395/tm.htm

HTH,

IndyDurango

 

How about a Hemi (5.7 ro 6.4)? They make a motor mount to replace the 318 or 360 with the 5.7 Hemi block.

tti headers makes them.