The Dodge 4.7 engine, also known as the Chrysler PowerTech or Magnum engine, was designed by AMC before the company was taken over by Chrysler.
It was first used in made in two versions, including the original 4.7-liter V8 and a 4.7-liter V-8 with high output. It was first used in the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and used in Chryslers, Jeeps, Dodges, and even the Mitsubishi Raider.
Chrysler stopped making the engine in 2013 with over 3 million engines built over that time. That means there are quite a few owners of Chrysler vehicles with the 4.7 Dodge engine wondering how long their engine will last.
A properly maintained internal combustion engine can last hundreds of thousands of miles, and the 4.7 Dodge engine is no exception.
You can expect the Dodge 4.7 engine to last anywhere between 200,000 to 300,000 miles before the engine needs to be rebuilt or remanufactured.
If you’re looking to restore an older Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, or Mitsubishi, getting a 4.7 Dodge crate engine can extend the life of the vehicle as well as enable you to start fresh.
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How Many Miles Can You Expect From a Dodge 4.7 Engine?
You can expect to reach around 300,000 miles from a Dodge 4.7-liter V-8 provided it has been properly maintained over its lifespan.
Proper maintenance includes regular oil changes and you’ve stayed on top of worn-out parts that affect the operation of the engine.
Another factor in achieving max mileage is how the vehicle was driven. Someone who was hard on the accelerator on a regular basis has put the engine through more stress than someone who let the car accelerate steadily.
Being hard on an engine’s acceleration causes it to experience a faster rate of wear-and-tear.
Something to keep in mind when asking about how many miles to expect from a 4.7 Dodge engine is the fact you’re asking about the major mechanicals in the block.
That is, the crankshafts, cylinder heads, connecting rods, lifters, and valves are some of the parts that you’re expecting to go the distance.
Other parts that support the operation of the engine are prone to wearing out and needing replacement as they age due to breakdown.
You can expect to replace hoses, gaskets, serpentine belts, alternators, and other parts throughout the life of the engine.
Part replacement is normal for a vehicle as it ages and is used regularly. No material lasts forever, and sometimes manufacturers make a financial decision to use a cheaper part that’s prone to breakage the older it gets.
The 4.7 Dodge Engine is no exception to these issues, but they don’t necessarily indicate that it’s a bad engine. However, if you want to get the maximum amount of mileage out of an engine or restore a vehicle with this type of engine, you can’t go wrong with a 4.7 Dodge crate engine that’s been remanufactured.
Common Issues With the 4.7 Dodge Engine
The Dodge 4.7 engine is known to have common problems that need to be repaired in order to maintain its operation. Its biggest issue is overheating, which leads to downstream problems related to the issue of overheating.
Cooling system issues
The cooling system used with the 4.7 Dodge engine is prone to failure over time, resulting in overheating. Sometimes a previous owner used the wrong type of coolant that damaged the aluminum parts used in the cooling system.
The thermostat can fail, also causing overheating issues. Another common failure is the engine fan. The fan uses hydraulics to operate and is driven off the power steering pump.
Dropped valve seats
This issue happens as a direct result of the engine fan failing. The engine overheats, causing the valve seats to fail. Valve seat failure causes the engine to lose compression, power, and fuel economy during the initial failure.
Not getting the dropped valve seats repaired as soon as possible will lead to more serious engine problems over time.
Blown head gasket
This is another issue related to the overheating problems that are well-known in the 4.7 Dodge engine. A blown head gasket is an expensive repair, but one that’s necessary to keep the engine operational.
It’s sometimes possible to fix a small leak with a sealant, but larger leaks require partially disassembling the engine and replacing the gasket.
Summarizing the Common Issues in the Dodge 4.7-Liter V-8
The major point of failure in the Dodge 4.7 engine comes down to the inability of the fan to keep the engine cool on demand. What makes it worse is that the average car owner is usually unaware of why their car is overheating and doesn’t see it as something that needs to be looked into as soon as possible.
The cooling system breaks down over time, resulting in a catastrophic failure of the valve seats or the head gasket.
Chrysler stopped making the engines some time ago, but many people love their vehicles with the 4.7-liter engine and want to keep them on the road for the long term.
Replacing the engine when it reaches the end of its lifespan with a 4.7 Dodge crate engine that’s been remanufactured with improved parts can result in a vehicle that runs for more years and miles than originally intended.
In turn, you get to enjoy your vehicle with its Dodge 4.7 engine for longer.
