Hello all, I'm new here and looking for some advice. I have a 2005 Dakota with a 4.7l HO Magnum engine, (N in vin). Recently the oil light started going crazy on it and when i slowed down I heard some knocking in the engine. while now, everything seems fine, I can hear a very slight knock still in the engine. I hear this is a common problem with these vehicles.

Rather than replacing bearings, or oil pump, I hear its just as cheap to replace the engine. I have a few questions for you pros.

1. Where is a good place to purchase an engine for this vehicle? In the Dallas area if you are familiar. I'd want something rebuilt rather than just pulled from some other vehicle.

2. What can I expect to pay for a rebuilt engine and installation?

3. Can I put another type of engine without having to replace other parts such as tranny, and if so, what type of engines are compatible? I'd like to stay near the same power, or more if possible.

4. Since I'm going to be replacing the engine anyway, is it possible to convert this vehicle to a 4x4?

5. This has nothing to do with the engine, but since I'm here, I'll ask. After heavy rains, I have a wet floor board on the drivers side. I brought to the dodge dealership for this twice and the first time they said it was some gasket on the bottom somewhere and the second time they thought it was the windshield. They were wrong in both cases. It's only wet after it rains, and can get wet while sitting in the driveway, a drive way that slops down too. So, I know the water is coming in somewhere from the front. The windshield has been replaced twice, so I know its not that. I took a little strip off that holds the rubber molding around the door.. there were some screwholes there that i think may be the culprit. I caulked them up and have been dry for two rains since. Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks!

 

never experienced them but take sum pics to show us where the screws were just in case some one else might experience it. well i noticed knocking as well and it was because to heavy of an oil, im thinking u could have a sticky valve. also ur oil light take it to a mechanic they will hook it up mine is comming on because of the oil switch/ sensor actin goofy. if u want to replace the engine why not go to the 5.7 hemi and throw 4x4 in it transmission is the same as the rams all u need to do is get a computer and get some information on mounts ect. hope u firgure out what to do.. all of ths cost $$ btw make sure to do sum shocks aswell

 

LMAO, no doubt.

 

The HO VIN starts as J only. The knock if it where valve lash adjusters would only be heard when the engine is cold and last only for a few seconds to a minute or so and that’s it. The oil light flickers etc. could mean sludge build up in the oil sump. This would lower your oil pressure intermittently until the sump fails to pick up oil at all. That would be real bad and real quick.

 

I would agree with above about not needing a new engine, maybe just need to fix some items. Did you have the wrong oil in? Was there even oil in the engine? Do you have the 7yr 70,000 mile warranty? Take it to a dealer and ask! They will probably give you a free estimate if you are not covered.

Also is the valve lash adjustment tick covered by the power train warranty? or are they considered a wear item?

 

awesome, thanks for the responses! Here is a little more history on the problem.

I had about 30 miles or so to get home when my oil light came on. I was on highways, with some stops here and there, mostly about 50-60 mph the whole way. The oil light started beeping at me like mad, and at some point just stayed on. I thought I was just low on oil, but when I came to a stop sign, I heard the engine knocking. I was in the middle of nowhere, so I just prayed that the one gas station nearby was VERY near (i wasn't familiar with this area, I just moved here). I made it to the gas station with no problems and when I got out of the truck I didn't hear the knocking anymore. I don't remember if oil light was still on, but when i checked the oil, it wasn't low... i added a quart anyway just because I was a little confused. (I'm no mechanic)...

As i continued home, the oil light went mad on me a couple of more times but I made it home. The oil light was still on and I heard the knocking again when i got home. It was fairly loud. I shut it off and did some research on the problem. A friend of mine said it was common for the oil pump to go out on dodges and also said that I could need new bearings. The next day I started it up and it was fine again...no noticeable knocking. I went to pep boys and asked them about an oil flush. I had read that sludge could cause the oil pressure to drop. The tech asked me why i wanted one and i told him the same story. He said I need a new engine and even told me I had a dodge.

Anyway, today I plan on doing a seafoam treatment, changing the oil, then praying a little bit.

I was thinking the magnum was HO, so guess its just a 4.7l magnum engine.

I wish, but I have 108k on it. I had the oil that was recommended on the cap, 5w30, but I have since change it to 10w30

 

I would not waste your time with the seafoam if you are trying to use it to fix something. The damage is done the seafoam wont help ya anymore.

If the pump is bad running the seafoam through the engine most likely gonna make it cease the engine up.

I would not even start the truck until you know what the issue is. Do not trust Pep Boys for all your answers. Yes they may be mechanics but maybe they had a bad experience with a dodge and just bad mouth them all day. Talk with a reputable auto mechanic shop and see if you can work out a deal with free towing and have them diagnose the problem.

 

I'm really not interested in bringing it to a mechanic at this time. If it dies, then I have no problem with replacing the engine. I want to keep this truck for a very long time, so a new engine would probably be a good thing anyway.

However, it seems to be running fine now. There is only a very faint knock, possibly even my imagination, and after I changed the oil a few days ago i rode for about 100 miles pretty hard. I only want to use the seafoam to prevent any sludge from blocking the oil flow again, if that was the problem. I can think of no other reason why the oil light would just come on randomly one day then go off.

 

Well take the advise as you wish. I would go buy a oil pressure gauge and make sure you got oil pressure.