Hi, I have a '04 Ram 1500 with the 4.7 engine and I'm almost positive it has a blown head gasket and possibly cracked heads. I really like the truck and I want to fix it but I just wanna confirm this is my problem before just throwing parts at it. Also wanna make sure the block isn't cracked cause if it is then I might as well just replace the engine. It does turn over but will not start I pulled the radiator cap and looks like almost straight oil in the radiator. Also I pulled the codes and I got these 2 P0068 and P0344 looks like something to do with the map sensor and the other is the camshaft position sensor.

Any help from the dodge experts is greatly appreciated.

 

About the only way I know of to reliably verify cracked heads is to run a compression test in each cylinder and see if pressure builds sufficiently. You'll have to look up the specs for your engine but if the pressure doesn't get above a certain level on each cycle, that's the cylinder with the problem.

The easiest way I'm aware of to check for head gasket issues is to see if coolant pulses out of the radiator cap when you have it open. If it does, you've got an issue. Another way is to look at the inside of the oil cap. Got some white ooze in there? You've got coolant getting into the oil.

I had a 5.9 Magnum in 1998 that had bad cylinder heads. Cracks developed right between the intake and exhaust valves. (OEM heads sucked!) Replaced with R/T heads and some other parts and the engine ran better than new.

 

You can also get a test kit from your local parts store, to check for combustion products in the coolant. A sure sign of blown gaskets.

 

Thanks guys it's been so cold out here that I haven't had much chance to check things out more. I don't have the luxury of a garage to work in lol once it warms up a little I will pressure test the coolant system and do a compression test. Also gonna pull the drain plug to see if there is coolant in the oil.

 

I’ve had the “white ooze”under the oil filler cap on my ‘05 4.7 since Day One. I would not consider that indicative of a bad cylinder head or gasket. Per Dodge, it is normal.

 

Yep^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

So I checked things out better today since the temps aren't as extreme and its not looking good. I'm thinking of just swapping it out and was wondering when I find a decent replacement engine what you guys recommend replacing while its still on the engine hoist? I can think of a few things off the top of my head that will be easier to replace like the water pump, head gaskets, valve cover gaskets etc.

 

do the timing chaings, guides and tensioners. your old motor could have jumped time, could be a lot of diffrent things tho