Hi All!
I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with 4.7L V8 engine. All of a sudden, a loud noise that sounds like a plane's propeller is coming from the engine. Thump, thump, thump. The faster I travel, the sound increases in speed and sound. I hope it is not inside the engine.
I have been taking excellent care of my truck. All of the fluids are fine. Autozone recommended I try injection cleaner. Did not help. The engine is starting to feel like it is grinding when I drive.

About 2 years ago, I did have trouble with the engine. My mechanic discovered that the "rocker arm had fallen off." No one knew why. I have only owned Fords before this. Are these engine problems common with this model? How could this have happened? Could an annoying neighbor have put something in the gas tank to damage my engine?

Any idea what might be causing my latest problem? It runs fine, but the noise is louder as the speed increases.

Thanks for your help!
Cape Cod

 

There are a few threads ive seen where the 4.7s have thrown a rocker arm. Im sure other 4.7 guys will testify to that also. Does it make this sound when idling and revved or just in gear and driving?

 

It only makes the sound when I place pressure on the gas when in drive. (Automatic)

btw: I Love your photo!

 

THX

So if you are in park and rev it, it doesnt do it then right? I just wanna make sure I understand you.

 

Unfortunately, the rocker arm issue happens with the 4.7, not really a widespread problem, but you do hear about it once in a while. I've had Furds and Dodges and overall, I'd say that Dodge engines are more reliable than Furd engines (but Furd trannies are more reliable than Dodge trannies).

As for the noise, is your oil pressure staying constant?

 

This is an excellent question! I went out into the artic cold to test it. There is no noise when it is in park and I rev the engine.

There is a loud propeller-type noise when I am driving straight on the highway and a louder noise when I turn to the right. Any ideas what may be happening?

 

The oil pressure has been fine. I have also regularly monitored antifreeze, power steering, and trans fluids. The tires are also fine.

It is REAL cold here, but it does not even feel like it is going to break down. The noise is worrying me though.

 

So the problem only happens when your moving? Not in your engine then. Bad U-joint/CV Joint maybe?

 

Sorry -- what is a U-joint?

 

hahaha. Sorry Boston, didn't mean anything by that. The u joints are the universal joints at the end of your drive shaft. They are what connects your drive shaft to the tranny and also at the rear end.

http://www.tpub.com/machines/1.htm179.gif

http://www.nor.com.au/~hemp/images/UniversalJoint.jpg

By the way, an even bigger question would be 2wd or 4wd????