Hey all I just bought me an 02 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L Auto 4x4. The truck is sweet and only has 89k miles. I will get some pics up soon. My question is that I seem to only be getting 9 MPG and want to know what you guys think I should replace first? The air filter is brand new and oil was just changed. The truck runs sweet but man that hurts my wallet! I drive very very slow. Since this is a full size truck i figured I would barely accelerate and well that isn't helping! If I drive aggressively it does the same to a little worse! I feel like im driving a 67 Camaro with a big block!

 

Welcome to DF it sounds like your plenum gasket

 

Aww really how can I tell? Any other ideas maybe a cheaper fix or less work fix? Ive never had to replace something like that and don't know where to begin. Maybe a tuneup? Fuel Filter? Could it be something easy like this?

 

yes it could be tune up or fuel injectors, probably not fuel filter

 

I guess ill get some plugs wires cap and clip. Try that and see if it helps. I was just wondering if there is some easy fix that I may not know about? I have always been a Jeep owner so don't know much about other vehicles.

 

get a can of carb cleaner an clean the throttle body as well

 

If your plenum gasket leaks your idle would be low or rough. With the 4.7 I would be more wary of the pcv valve and oil sludge problems as these engines have been known to suffer from that. Talk to air ram as he seems to be the man here regarding these engines. As for the mpg, small engine pulling big heavy truck mpg is not going to be good.

http://www.airram.com

 

Ya that is what I am hearing about oil sludge. What do you guys think is a good preventative measure to do? Should I put in amsoil? Should I change the oil every 2500 miles? I was thinking about using synthetic and changing before eveyr 3k. Also should I try to clean it? Isnt there some cleaner I put in with an oil change and run it and it breaks everything down? Then change it again?

 

Well there are a few ways to clean it up using oil:

1. Mobil 1 high mileage claims to clean up a lot of deposit and they recommend shorter OCI's for the first few changes.
2. Pennzoil platinum also claims sludge cleanup of up to 48% on the first change, run shorter OCI's w/ it as well until it's all cleaned up.
3. Pick a decent oil and add 20% of your oil capacity in Marvel mystery oil and change it in 3k miles.
4. Autorx added to your oil see here http://www.auto-rx.com/

It's a good idea to change out your pcv, like someone already mentioned and give the vehicle a good tune up. Good luck.

 

You have probably read exactly what I have read on the net. Heads over heat in the centre and cook the oil, pcv design issues, cam bearings that are too thin etc. The only thing I can suggest is keep your eye on the pcv valve (they cost nothing to replace!) test and or replace it often. Use good quality synthetic oil. If anyone suggests miracle oil addatives they're bogus! Any and every oil company will tell you that oil addatives are a waste of money instead give your money to a local charity! At your mileage DO NOT use engine flushes as they can break off a chunk of sludge and block an oil passage. Synthetic oils have detergents in them in an attempt to keep oil sludge at bay. Keep on top of the oil changes. As with everything written on the net, take all the doom and gloom with a pinch of salt. With every article I have seen condemning this engine there is an article of someone doing over 100k with no problem.