Hi everyone, I have an 08 durango with the 16 plug 4.7, I purchased it with 173k miles about 5 years ago. I replaced the oil pan due to rust snd the transmission. I drove it for a year or 2 until the muffler failed and I couldn't find a replacement. I finally had a custom muffler installed. The engine seems to have developed minor to moderate noise. The best way to describe it is it sounds like a diesel when idling. Another person described the noise as like marbles in the engine. I believe it has 181k miles now but it's sat for at least half of the 5 years I've owned it.

I'm ready to put it back on the road but am worried about the engine. Are there any common issues with the newer style engine I can look into? Like valvetrain or timing chain issues? I replaced the plugs and the injectors recently. It runs ok but honestly is kind of a dog. My 02 grand cherokee with 4.7 was way faster. I'm assuming the durango is substantially heavier.

It almost sounds like a minor rod knock may be forming but seems to go away when warm. The diesel/marble noise sounds like something else.