I'm looking at trying to nail down this noise so I can figure out if/how to fix it. What are the typical issues for high mileage 4.7's? It runs beautiful, getting 15-16MPG mostly city, very happy considering. On a cold start it clatters a bit. Not a knock and not any piston slap. Almost positive it is somewhere in the valvetrain, but not too familiar with these motors. I did use a Mopar oil filter last change to rule that out.

It has 345,000KM on it (215K miles). Has minor rust issues, but it was exceptionally well maintained by the last owner (20+yr Dodge dealer mechanic was his wife's truck). Not a single noise/issue other than this noise and a bit of crust on the edges. It has the factory tow package as well and I plan on getting a 3K-4K lb travel trailer in the near future. Mileage does not scare me.

Suggestions?

 

If it rattles at startup, but quiets down when oil pressure comes up, that's likely lifters. Changing them *might* solve the issue, and then again, it might not......

 

Takes about 15 seconds on a true cold start to quiet down, it's quicker when "warm" cold starting.

I'm not feeling the love in just changing lifters, I agree that it is not a guaranteed solution. I guess I should just look into either rebuilding it myself or buying a long block.

 

I say don't worry about it. It's practically normal with these hydraulic lifters. They bleed down when sitting and clatter till they prime. Mine's been clattering when cold since I got it. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-start-up.html

I started running 0W-20 full syn years ago and oil now flows quicker to the top end to silence the clatter. Cold start is where wear really occurs. Just keep your oil level topped off... never let it get low and don't worry about it.

 

i second this, the 4.7 hydraulic lash adjustment (overhead cam engine) bleeds down when you shut off the engine and needs to pump up, its loud until the oil gets up there, i have heard as long as a minute to quiet down so 15 seconds isnt bad.

 

Most likely something with the lifters. My durango with the 5.9 did that at first but than I changed the oil to 5W-30 Synthetic and it went away.