Newbie replacing head on 4.7l: Any tips?
#1
Newbie replacing head on 4.7l: Any tips?
2003 4.7l 4wd quad cab with about 140k miles. Wife's truck, but something went horribly wrong and a hydraulic lifter housing(?) cracked in about four places so it's time to make the tough choices.
My goal is to get the truck running as quickly as possible and let her run it until October, at which point we're planning on getting her a full-size truck. Then I'll have time to make it a project and spend the late fall rebuilding it, which I'm honestly VERY excited about.
I don't necessarily need the excruciating details if anyone can point me to a good howto, but I have two sort of general questions about the process.
Should I consider replacing the lifters/rocker arms/camshaft while I'm at it? I'm thinking lifters yes, rocker arms yes, and camshaft only if it's damaged/worn, which it doesn't appear to be from my cursory inspection.
If I mark the timing chain/camshaft/etc. properly, and manage to maintain some sort of tension on the chain so it doesn't slip, is it possible to service the head without having to take the front timing cover off? Most of the guides I've found have listed some steps that seem to me to be the proper way to do this, but might not be strictly necessary...
Thanks in advance, my wife will be hugely grateful if I can get her back on the road!
My goal is to get the truck running as quickly as possible and let her run it until October, at which point we're planning on getting her a full-size truck. Then I'll have time to make it a project and spend the late fall rebuilding it, which I'm honestly VERY excited about.
I don't necessarily need the excruciating details if anyone can point me to a good howto, but I have two sort of general questions about the process.
Should I consider replacing the lifters/rocker arms/camshaft while I'm at it? I'm thinking lifters yes, rocker arms yes, and camshaft only if it's damaged/worn, which it doesn't appear to be from my cursory inspection.
If I mark the timing chain/camshaft/etc. properly, and manage to maintain some sort of tension on the chain so it doesn't slip, is it possible to service the head without having to take the front timing cover off? Most of the guides I've found have listed some steps that seem to me to be the proper way to do this, but might not be strictly necessary...
Thanks in advance, my wife will be hugely grateful if I can get her back on the road!
Last edited by keenerb; 08-01-2014 at 12:59 PM.
#2
I don't know the 4.7 well but this is a suggestion
1 it still runs correct just short one cylinder
2 it shouldn't harm it much more driving it now so drive it just short trips I think it will be ok for a few months
3 you don't want to race it if you know what I mean just kind of baby it along
I think this is doable 00DakDan can advise more on this possability
1 it still runs correct just short one cylinder
2 it shouldn't harm it much more driving it now so drive it just short trips I think it will be ok for a few months
3 you don't want to race it if you know what I mean just kind of baby it along
I think this is doable 00DakDan can advise more on this possability
#3
If I mark the timing chain/camshaft/etc. properly, and manage to maintain some sort of tension on the chain so it doesn't slip, is it possible to service the head without having to take the front timing cover off? Most of the guides I've found have listed some steps that seem to me to be the proper way to do this, but might not be strictly necessary...
#4
Sounds good.
If you don't have the FSM, download it from here: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-download.html
Are you just doing the one head? If you pick up a boneyard head you can transfer your old parts over and replace what you have to. How badly damaged is the rocker arm? We're only talking a couple of months use here aren't we?
If you don't have the FSM, download it from here: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-download.html
Are you just doing the one head? If you pick up a boneyard head you can transfer your old parts over and replace what you have to. How badly damaged is the rocker arm? We're only talking a couple of months use here aren't we?
But, I guess there's never a good time for a breakdown, is there?
No. You won't be able to get the chain tensioner loose without removing the cover.
#5
I don't think it is easier or faster to do an engine swap. First off, you have a 4x4. Access below is pretty tight and as I indicated, the front differential shares the mounts with the engine.
You also don't know what you're getting. A grand? That's cheap for a 4.7.
There's a bit to remove to access the timing cover but you'd have to remove it to get the engine out as well. To remove the engine you'd also have to evacuate the a/c while you can work around it to replace the head.
I'd suggest you consider replacing the damaged head and rebuilding the other. Change the timing set while you're in there. Basically you'd give your truck a top overhaul and be good for another 250k.
You also don't know what you're getting. A grand? That's cheap for a 4.7.
There's a bit to remove to access the timing cover but you'd have to remove it to get the engine out as well. To remove the engine you'd also have to evacuate the a/c while you can work around it to replace the head.
I'd suggest you consider replacing the damaged head and rebuilding the other. Change the timing set while you're in there. Basically you'd give your truck a top overhaul and be good for another 250k.
#6
I don't think it is easier or faster to do an engine swap. First off, you have a 4x4. Access below is pretty tight and as I indicated, the front differential shares the mounts with the engine.
You also don't know what you're getting. A grand? That's cheap for a 4.7.
There's a bit to remove to access the timing cover but you'd have to remove it to get the engine out as well. To remove the engine you'd also have to evacuate the a/c while you can work around it to replace the head.
I'd suggest you consider replacing the damaged head and rebuilding the other. Change the timing set while you're in there. Basically you'd give your truck a top overhaul and be good for another 250k.
You also don't know what you're getting. A grand? That's cheap for a 4.7.
There's a bit to remove to access the timing cover but you'd have to remove it to get the engine out as well. To remove the engine you'd also have to evacuate the a/c while you can work around it to replace the head.
I'd suggest you consider replacing the damaged head and rebuilding the other. Change the timing set while you're in there. Basically you'd give your truck a top overhaul and be good for another 250k.
#7
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#8
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