2003 Durango SLT 4x4 4.7

I have a strange sound coming from the engine compartment that I think is coming from the water pump. Sounds kind of like a scraping sound only when revving the engine. When Idling it doesn't make the sound, but when giving a little gas it increases with rpm's and doesn't matter if it is in Park, 1st, or neutral. The same time I noticed this sound I also noticed antifreeze leaking where the lower radiator hose connects on the motor side. I then checked the coolant dipstick and it was bone dry, so I filled it back up.

Tomorrow I'm going to replace the hose and also the water pump to hopefully fix the noise and the leak. While I have the belt off, can I start the motor for just a few seconds to check if that is where the noise is coming from? This would confirm that the noise was coming from one of the devices that the belt is connected to if the noise isn't present with the belt removed.

 

Yeah you can run it for a bit but it's strongly not recommended. You will have no anti freeze going thru the engine and the oil pimp will not be running. All that will be running is the engine so don't let it on too long.

For 10 or 15 seconds however, you'll be fine.

 

running w/ the belt of wont hurt anything for a very short period of time, but dont run it for more than a minute or two, and do it first thing in the morning before you drive it anywhere, this will give the most time before you overheat the engine w/o the belt on.

 

Thanks for the replies, but I didn't have to run it without the belt on. When I took off the belt, I could jiggle the pulley on the water pump all around and it made awful sounds when I spun it. It was probably a few miles away from just blowing apart. I replaced the water pump and the lower radiator hose. All is good now and she runs like a charm! Now to get the Ram running so I can sell the Durango.

 

Sell the D....Now that is what Sharps would call..........."BLASPHEMOUS"...LOL

What part of Maine....I grew up in Saco and still have family there.......dont tell them that I know............LOL!!

 

Is the 4.7 a dry sump with an external pump? If not the oil pump will be running and overheating is the worry. It is really a mute point as the OP has found his problem but this kind of miss info is not good to put out there.

 

Yeah good catch I meant water pump LOL had a little Jack in me that night.

The gauge will not register oil pressure however so I don't like to do it.

 

I live in South Portland. At least you don't have to say you are from Biddeford or OOB

 

damn right im gonna call that blasphemous.

we gonna find you . . .

 

The Durango has been an awesome vehicle and has never left me stranded or stuck. I just have 2 other vehicles that are older and less reliable, but I'm ready for some adventure. That and I need the cash.