Hey all,

I recently picked up a new to me 2001 Dodge Durango SLT+ with the 4.7L engine. We picked it up as a replacement to our 2001 Durango that we got t-boned in on 2-15-25. The new Durango has a "blown motor" as per the seller. Think it might be just a head gasket but am building a "spare" 4.7L engine to replace it with.

Couple of questions for the hive mind....

1. I got the existing 4.7 in the new Durango to fire and it ran ROUGH. I mean the whole vehicle felt like it was shaking itself apart, then the white smoke poured out of the exhaust and the passenger side of the engine, but no "rod knock" or other feelings of badness other than the really rough idle and smoke....suggestions as to what it might be? All fluids looked really good when we checked them prior to starting...
2. When I go to rebuild the 4.7l "spare" is the any upgrades to the cam's (like the old RV cams we used to put in the 390 Ford Motors) or other upgrades to increase power/performance? I am planning upgrade the injectors (see other post) but wanted to know if there are any items that the group can think of to upgrade.

Thanks in advance

Steve

 

I'd pull the plugs, and have a look. I am betting you have a couple that are going to be squeaky clean, and those will be the cylinders burning coolant. Might be as simple as blown gaskets, but, you'll likely have to disassemble the motor to know for sure.