Checking the dipstick for evidence of coolant mixing with the oil wouldn't really be an easy way to tell.

Check the oil cap for a milky residue.

Have you also checked your trans fluid to make sure the coolant isn't mixing through the tranny lines?

I'd be knocking at the dealers door in no time though.

 

I checked tranny fluid today, there were tiny bubbles on the dipstick....Is that normal or could we be on to something here? I have an appointment at the dodge dealership tomorrow morning.

 

Bubbles on the dipstick indicates that it's overfilled... which leads me to my next question...

What's the colour? I hope it's not a strawberry milkshake colour or else you've found out where your coolant is going.

If it's a normal red colour or black (well used), then you're okay but you should drain some fluid out.

Easiest method without dropping the pan would be to suck some up through the fill tube.

 

Air bubbles could be overfilled or low. What does it smell like.

FYI, on the 4.7 it is common to have a milky residue on the oil cap, more so if it is run on short trips and cold weather.

 

Well I had the truck checked out by the Dodge dealer today. A test indicated hydrocarbon in the coolant/even though that same test was supposedly negative by the other mechanic. They believe it is either a cracked or warped head. They say they won't know until they take the heads off, but they also say it could be a cracked water jacket in the engine block. Is that common? I am going to have a meeting with the owner of the dealership where I bought the truck tomorrow morning. I'm going to do everything in my power to try to return the truck. I may just have to get a lawyer after reading some of the implied warranty laws. I think I may have a case with some of that stuff.

 

Wow that sucks


They sold you a bad lemon

 

More common would be the warped heads. If the engine ever overheated, it's a common result.

Do check your implied warranty laws. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Well I just got back from the dealership. He was not willing to return the truck; however, was willing to provide all labor in his shop. I would pay to have the heads machined and all other parts required for the repair. I know most of the price I was quoted from other shops is labor, and the other unknown is what is wrong with the heads. I do think this is a fair solution because I really do not think they knew about the problem when they sold me the truck. I had the truck checked before purchase by a third party mechanic and he did not see the problem. The only reason I found out about it is because I noticed it was slowly leaking coolant.


Any advice on what I should have done with the heads? The machine shop said they could rebuild them on top of resurfacing and pressure testing. Is that worth the cost ($275 for the pair). The machine shop also told me that these heads have an issue with the valve seats falling out. He said he could redo all the valve seats, but sounded like it would get pretty expensive. Is that a problem and is that something I should consider? Also any place I should look to buy a new head if I should have to? I saw that advanced auto has them for around $400 bucks a piece and they could get as expensive as $1200 a piece from dodge. I don't want to get cheap parts but also don't want to spend an arm and a leg.


One last thing...What other parts should I replace? I know I will need head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets. Is there anything else I am missing? Thank you for all who have helped answer my questions, you have all been a big help!

 

"Have an issue" is an open ended statement. Yes, some 4.7's have had problems dropping valve seats. Usually the engine has been driven hot, hard, and fast or has a lot of miles on it.

Usually it is #2 that drops the valve seat. Maybe just get that one redone.

You've got most of the parts listed. Labor is the real killer on this repair.

 

You will lose I'm afraid if you go their way.

How long will they take?

I say keep pushing they should pay for it all