2007 1500 4.7 Crew160k miles timing chain question

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rvaughnp

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OK… As my title says that’s what I have. My question is the truck runs great fuel mileage sucks! Like 10 to 11 gallons per mile.
Read on other posts that the timing chain, when they are worn, they can advance the timing causing fuel consumption, but yet the truck still runs just fine.
That’s the issue I have.
I do notice a slight bit of detonation whenever I get on it and I use super unleaded religiously. So I know it’s not the gas.
Just wondering if anybody else has had the same issue and wound up changing the timing chains and saw the motor go back to original of running well decent power and decent gas mileage of the 15 to 17 miles per gallon range.
 
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jws123

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When is the last time you replaced the plugs? also in older rams ive never gotten anything over 12-13 around town the engine is a bit under powered for a full sized truck it depends how you drive and the load. As for the chains you will normally hear them make some noise if there is a issue. Nevertheless ive rebuilt like 100 of these engines The guides break due to age and the chains stretch at 160k if they where never done they should be done you can pop the valve covers to see the top guides you wont be able to see the lower guide tho.
 
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rvaughnp

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When is the last time you replaced the plugs? also in older rams ive never gotten anything over 12-13 around town the engine is a bit under powered for a full sized truck it depends how you drive and the load. As for the chains you will normally hear them make some noise if there is a issue. Nevertheless ive rebuilt like 100 of these engines The guides break due to age and the chains stretch at 160k if they where never done they should be done you can pop the valve covers to see the top guides you wont be able to see the lower guide tho.
I use cruise when I can and am light on the pedal. Mix of hi-way and around town.
What were some of the issues the trucks were having when you replace the change?
 

jws123

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I use cruise when I can and am light on the pedal. Mix of hi-way and around town.
What were some of the issues the trucks were having when you replace the change?

Engine will tap when the chains start to go bad. When is the last time you did spark plugs? If you have never done them replace with new ngk plugs other brands tend to not work good in these trucks.
 
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rvaughnp

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Engine will tap when the chains start to go bad. When is the last time you did spark plugs? If you have never done them replace with new ngk plugs other brands tend to not work good in these trucks.
Ok… I haven’t replaced and not sure when they were last done.
Don’t see that helping the mpg that much, but I am a maintenance guy… so. Like I said, it does run fine. Idles fine.
Oddly dies if when filling up the tank and leave it running with the gas cap off. I’ve spent his with all my cars for 20 yrs. First time to have an engine die doing it. And it does it every time. Yes, I am now killing the motor when filling. lol
Anywho. I’ll swap the plugs in a couple weeks and get back. Winter storm coming this weekend and next!
 

jws123

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When you have MPG issues spark plugs are the first thing you do lol it directly effects it expecially if they are worn it will for sure help alot if you find they where never done.
 
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rvaughnp

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Ok… replaced plugs. Half a tank used rechecked… same. 10.7 mpg.
 

jws123

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Ok… replaced plugs. Half a tank used rechecked… same. 10.7 mpg.
just a dumb question are you manually checking this or just going off the dash its usually not to accurate on the dash
 
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rvaughnp

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just a dumb question are you manually checking this or just going off the dash its usually not to accurate on the dash
What’s not usually accurate? The speedometer?!
I know I can only run to my girlfriends place in it about 5 times or so. 25 mile drive x 2 = 50 mile RT x 5 trips = 250 miles on a full tank. 25-26 gallon tank…
Either way I sum it up I’m getting 10 mpg…

Anyhow… thanks for the replies.
 

Harry Paratestes

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Engine will tap when the chains start to go bad. When is the last time you did spark plugs? If you have never done them replace with new ngk plugs other brands tend to not work good in these trucks.
Arent champions the oem plug for this generation 4.7? I know in my hemis i run nothing but oem champions and they run best on those. Is there a reason why you suggest ngk?
 

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