Motor not running right...

[Track3r]

I sent my 2003 dodge ram off to get the valve cover gaskets replaced because they were leaking and when it got back to me I was informed that it needed new head gaskets. I just want to try and confirm that this could be the cause of the problem.

Symptoms are that the truck will start up with motor noise and as soon as you give it gas and let off the truck dies out.

It has 186,000 miles on the little 4.7l motor.

Does it sound like the head gasket could be the problem and if so would it just be cheaper to drop another motor in it our replace the gasket?

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Sounds about right. Has the truck ran warm that you know of. 4.7s have been know to also warp the heads some if heat was the issue. Where was it checked at and have you had any other issues?

 

[OlDirtyJohn]

The heads and head gaskets are s common problem with the 4.7

 

[Track3r]

Has not ran warm since I owned it and other than that no not really.

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Get the shop if they do it to run a straight edge on the head to make sure there is no flex

 

[icywhite]

yeah 4.7s have a problem with it uselly happens on the number 8 cylinder check you oil filler and see if there is a choc. milk look on the cap or in the rad.

 

[hemi04]

Pull that 4.7 out and put in a hemi

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

^Now thats an idea lol. Have heard of the 4.7 Pcms being able to run a hemi just runs alill lean at WOT from what peeps have said.

 

[Track3r]

i found a 5.7l engine and trans with 80k on them for $1200 just gotta find the cash.

So the ecm and all should work just a motor swap and good to go?

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Will need a diff TB also, you will need a TB with a cable. Shoot Hemiswapped a Pm on here hes does it on his but just a newer year. Also does that motor come with all the pullys and accesories?

 

[Track3r]

I was reading on another forum... could it just be the oil pump or oil pump gasket?

I am going to check my antifreeze tonight or in the morning to see if the signs of blown gasket are there but I am just trying to find some hope

 

[Track3r]

Ok so checking the antifreeze and oil they dont look like the 2 have mixed and there is no more oil developing under the truck. So now I am stumped because the oil pressure gauge is stable also. No knock at startup just a slight tick while running (common 4.7 problem?)

I am debating just doing a oil change with thicker oil and finding out if that helps or hurts it.

Any suggestions?