4 Common Dodge 4.7L V8 PowerTech Engine Problems
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Zach is a founder of 8020 Media and TuningPro. He’s been repairing, upgrading, tuning, and writing about cars & engines for over a decade. Zach has written over 400 automotive articles and continues to be a lead writer for TuningPro. His passion, experience, and deep technical knowledge make him a go-to resource for readers looking to take their car to the next level.
The Chrysler V8 PowerTech engine first hit the streets in 1999 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Eventually, the engine made its way into a handful of Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles up to 2009. The 4.7 PowerTech offers average reliability and has a few common issues including the cooling system, head gasket, valve cover gasket, and valve seats. In this guide, I discuss these common Dodge 4.7L PowerTech problems along with symptoms and replacement.
Dodge 4.7L PowerTech Common Problems
- Cooling System
- Head Gasket
- Valve Cover Leak
- Valve Seat Failure
We’ll discuss each of these problems in-depth below. It’s important to note – simply because something is on this list does not mean every PowerTech engine will have these problems. Additionally, the Chrysler 4.7L Magnum V8 is about 14-20+ years old now. All engines are prone to faults are failures, especially with age and mileage. Gaskets, hoses, seals, etc. tend to harden and crack with age. The point is – don’t expect the 4.7L PowerTech to be as reliable as newer engines.
Anyway, let’s dive into the Chrysler 4.7L PowerTech faults and failures.
If you would rather consume this content via a video, check out our CDJR 4.7L PowerTech Common Problems video below:
1) Cooling System Problems
Almost all engines are prone to cooling system problems at some point, and the 4.7L Magnum is no exception. There are a lot of parts to the cooling system such as the water pump, thermostat, radiator, cooling fan, coolant hoses, and water/coolant itself. Some of these are wear and tear parts prone to potential failure. Radiators and hoses may also develop cracks with age and mileage. Point is – there are a lot of things that can go wrong with the cooling system.
While it may not be fair to include the whole cooling system as a “common” 4.7L PowerTech problem, we’re discussing it for a reason. It’s a lead to the next topic, which is head gasket failure. We’ll tie this together shortly.
Symptoms of Cooling System Failure
- Overheating
- Visible coolant leak
- Low coolant
- Steam under hood
It’s rare for problems to slowly develop with the 4.7 V8 cooling system. Rather, when something fails one or more of these symptoms will pop up suddenly. A cooling system issue can quickly lead to overheating. It’s important to pull over and shut the engine off as soon as possible in this situation. If the Chrysler 4.7L V8 is left to overheat you may end up causing additional damage.
Of course, the cooling system component that has failed will dictate how fast the 4.7 V8 will overheat. Some failing components, like the water pump and thermostat can cause rapid and nearly immediate coolant loss. Other failing cooling system components like a fan clutch can cause overheating issues under certain circumstances like when you are moving slowly or at a stop. Either way, it is best to approach all cooling system issues with urgency at the risk of damaging your 4.7 V8.
Cooling System Replacement
Costs may vary quite a bit based on the year, model, and what part(s) in the cooling system failed. Most of the cooling system repairs are fairly straightforward for intermediate DIY’ers. If you’re going to a shop you could end up spending $200-500+ for repairs. It’s always a good idea to check other 4.7L PowerTech parts in the area. You can save time and money by knocking out some preventative items while you’re already in there.
2) Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket problems can potentially pop up naturally on the 4.7L Magnum with age and mileage. However, the most common cause of head gasket failure is overheating. Almost any engine will experience head gasket problems if allowed to overheat severely for too long. However, the 4.7 PowerTech seems much less tolerant than other engines.
That’s why we led into this with the cooling system problems. If you notice a potential issue with the cooling system, pull over somewhere safe immediately. Don’t risk it and try to finish the last couple of miles of your drive. Again, the 4.7 PowerTech head gasket is prone to giving out regardless of whether or not the engine overheated. However, it’s still best to err on the side of caution and not risk a head gasket failure if you already have another cooling issue going on. Head gasket repairs aren’t cheap.
4.7 Magnum Blown Head Gasket Symptoms
- White smoke from exhaust
- Sweet smell
- Engine oil color off
- Coolant loss with no visible leak
- Overheating
Some of these symptoms are shared with the other cooling system problems from above. However, a head gasket failure usually won’t result in any visible leaks. Rather, the coolant will leak internally, burn off, and create white smoke from the exhaust. It will usually have a sweet smell to it. Additionally, if the 4.7L PowerTech head gasket fails then the coolant and oil will likely mix. This will give the oil a milky white appearance.
Head Gasket Replacement
The replacement cost for a blown head gasket is likely to come in around $600-1000. The parts are only about $100, but most shops will probably quote somewhere around 6-10 hours of labor for the job. Fortunately, it’s a cheap job for the DIY crowd. However, head gasket repairs are tedious so it’s best left to experienced DIY’ers.
3) Valve Cover Leaks
Coming from the BMW world we know all about valve cover and valve cover gasket oil leaks. This is a common issue on the 4.7L PowerTech engines, especially with age and mileage. Over time, the rubber valve cover gaskets harden and crack. Oil leaks are typically minor at first as the gaskets develop small cracks. However, the leaks get gradually worse unless fixed.
It’s not an extremely urgent repair, and driving for a little bit with a valve cover leak isn’t a huge concern. We still recommend fixing the leak sooner than later. Oil may cause fire hazards or wear down other components depending on where the oil is dripping. With the Dodge 4.7 V8 being 12+ years old these leaks may occur at any mileage. Valve cover gasket leaks are especially common north of 100,000 miles. Engines driven short distances are also at greater risk due to the constant heating and cooling of the gaskets.
Valve Cover Leak Symptoms
The following symptoms may indicate your 4.7L PowerTech has an oil leak from the valve cover or gaskets:
- Visible oil leak
- Burning oil smell
- Smoke
A visible leak is usually the most common symptom of 4.7 Magnum valve cover leaks. Look for leaks towards the top of the engine bay around the valve covers. Burning oil smells or smoke could also indicate a valve cover gasket oil leak. These symptoms are common as the leaks worsen, especially when oil is dripping onto hot parts.
4.7 PowerTech Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
There are two valve covers and gaskets for each side of the V8. Even if only one side is leaking it’s a good idea to replace both. If one gave out it’s probably only a matter of time before the good gasket gives out, too. Like the head gasket replacement, valve cover gaskets are fairly labor-intensive on the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep 4.7L PowerTech. The gaskets are pretty cheap, but expect to shell out $400-600 on labor.
It’s not a complicated repair so intermediate DIY’ers should be able to tackle it with time and patience. The driver-side gasket is fairly simple but the passenger side may cause some headaches. Grab a few beers and expect to spend the better part of a day in the garage.
4) Valve Seat Failure
Some 4.7L V8 engines may experience problems with the valve seats. If you’re not familiar with valve seats we’ll spare the technical discussion; check out this Wikipedia page for information on valve seats. The above picture (not a 4.7 PowerTech) also gives you an idea of the valve seat’s job – to help seal the intake and exhaust valves when shut.
When these valve seats fail the intake and exhaust valves will not fully seal. This ultimately results in a loss of compression on the Jeep 4.7L PowerTech. As the cylinder attempts to compress air during the compression stroke it will simply leak out. It’s a pretty serious problem that has significant impacts on engine performance. Valve seat failures may also have serious implications if left alone for too long.
As with the head gasket problems the valve seat failures are mostly attributed to overheating. Yet another reason to be cautious of any cooling system problems and overheating. Anyways, valve seat failures can and do happen. However, it may not be fair to call it a common problem since these things tend to get blown out of proportion on the internet. This failure also seems to primarily affect earlier model 4.7L V8 PowerTech engines.
Valve Seat Failure Symptoms
Symptoms of a valve seat failure include:
- Compression loss
- Power loss
- Misfires
It’s not uncommon for symptoms to be pretty minor on the Chrysler 4.7L V8. Some may not even notice the power loss since the failure will typically occur on only one cylinder. You’ve still got 7 cylinders working like normal so the power loss won’t be massive. A compression and leak-down test will help identify if any cylinder (s) is down on compression. Misfires also occur frequently as the cylinder will not fire properly with a loss of compression and leak.
Valve Seat Replacement
Engines that experience valve seat failure will likely need the head rebuilt or a totally new cylinder head. The valve seats are machined into the cylinder head so it’s not a simple process to replace them. It’s probably not a job you’ll be DIY’ing without serious tools and knowledge to rebuild a head. 4.7L PowerTech valve seat problems will likely run $1,000+ dependent upon whether the head can be re-machined or a new head is needed. Either way, it’s not cheap.
Fortunately, it’s not a very common problem and most won’t run into it. It’s simply worth the mention since it’s one of the more catastrophic problems that are well-documented on the PowerTech/Magnum engine.
4.7L PowerTech Reliability
Is the PowerTech 4.7L reliable? Yes and no. Common problem guides can sometimes paint a very dreary picture of an engine. However, there isn’t an automotive engine in the world we can’t write at least a couple problems for. The V8 PowerTech is a pretty solid engine that’s fairly reliable. However, we say yes and no because it is a 12+-year-old engine.
Problems can and will happen with that age and high mileage. Engines have a lot of moving parts subject to wear and tear, and that holds true for the 4.7L PowerTech. Don’t expect it to be as reliable as a newer engine. However, compared to engines of the same era the PowerTech/Magnum engine is solid. It’s not the most reliable, but it’s far far from the worst.
Lastly, some reliability comes down to how well it’s been maintained. Look for a Jeep, Dodge, or Chrysler that was well-maintained in the past. Beware of engines that are potentially overheated or had constant cooling system problems. It’s one of the biggest causes for concern on the 4.7L PowerTech. Keep up with maintenance and minor repairs as they pop up, and the PowerTech should be good for 200,000+ miles.
You can also read our Dodge 3.7 PowerTech V6 Engine Problems Guide for more info on the PowerTech engines and issues.
Overall, It’s Pretty Reliable
The PowerTech engines originally rolled out in 1999 and remained in production until 2009. The 4.7L V8 doesn’t have a ton of power by 2020 standards, but they were stout engines for their era. This is especially true for the high-output variants that made up to 310 horsepower. Chrysler’s 4.7L PowerTech is a stout engine, but all engines are prone to common issues.
Look out for cooling system problems and overheating as it’s a big cause for concern. Severe or consistent overheating may lead to issues with head gaskets and valve seats. These problems can still pop up regardless, but overheating makes the 4.7 V8 more prone. Otherwise, the engine is known to suffer from occasional valve cover oil leaks. Rubber gaskets degrade and crack with age so other oil leaks may pop up, too.
All things considered, the 4.7L PowerTech/Magnum engine is pretty reliable. However, it’s only getting older so many potential issues become fair game. Maintain your Chrysler 4.7 PowerTech well and it should reward you with sound reliability.
What’s your experience with the 4.7L V8? Leave a comment and let us know!
I have a 2006 Dakota with 195,000 miles. Engine still runs great. Doesn’t produce any smoke, and runs smoothly in both city and highway traffic. Next oil change, i think I’ll take the advice of these experts, and have these potential problems checked out.
2002 Dakota with 129,500 miles. Never really had any problems with the motor. I keep up with the maintenance. Since the consequences of overheating are pretty well known with this motor, I have paid particular attention to keeping the cooling system in good running order.
I owned a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 and drove it for 17 years and 385,000 km. I am guilty of over maintaining mechanical things and I was rewarded with almost trouble free service. All problems were minor like ,thermostat, water pump and radiator and all were extremely easy to remedy myself. It never used any oil between changes which may have been the consequence of using good quality synthetic oil. The truck was replaced by a Ridgeline and the dealership used the truck to plow snow from their lot. I would have replaced it with the same truck but I did not need or want a full sized vehicle. A redesigned Dakota with the same engine would have been a perfect choice for me.
Everyone down south has the same problem everything that has the 4.7L v8 likes to stay midway between the middle mark and hot , I redesigned the cooling system and now it doesn’t overheat and thermostat opens like it should , I live in Oklahoma temperatures sometimes get to 115 and high humidity and I’ve had other dodge trucks with other v8’s like the 5.2 and the 5.9 and they never overheated like the 4.7 but they didn’t have the thermostat on the cold side of the radiator either
What changes did make
How did you redesign your cooling system?
How did you redesign the cooling system
I know I’m late to the show, but was wondering what your new design was for keeping it cool.
I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 4,7 liter engine and when i give it gas to take off it takes off but then a few min later it feels like the power goes down so i have to press on the gas to get it to go what could the problem be with this??
2000 Durango 4.7 4X4 now 244K mi. OEM fan clutch was poor. Slight overheat caused cast iron exhaust manifolds to warp and heat shroud studs to break. Fan clutch replaced with a Hayden unit at ~120K, no cooling issues since, though added Gibson tuned headers. Seems to run much cooler with headers and others mods (K&N CAI, Gibson cat-back exhaust – all CARB legal). Nothing else replaced all the way to the axles. Yeah, some rubber stuff like axle boots, hoses, thermostat seal, front oil seal slight drip, but all original inside engine, and alternator and water pump as well. Full synthetic since 40K. So, imo tough stuff, so far, at least. BTW – I ordered it new in late ’99.
02 grand Cherokee with 289k miles on it. Engine still runs great and has good power. Only issue it has is a smokey exhaust (valve seals have gotten a bit of wear over the years). We’ve had no major issues with it, mostly just have had to routine maintenance, though it’s been through a couple alternators and we had to put a new radiator on it a few years back. It’s been super reliable, and is my current daily driver. It’s been in my family since we ordered it new from the factory, and goes to show that just take care of it and it’ll last for awhile. Engine is smooth, and the car is quicker then people expect (though remember, it’s a 20 year old suv, so expectations are low). One issue it has had is the tendency for the oil sending unit to develop a leak, and we have had to replace it twice. I’ve heard people say the 4.7 isn’t a good engine, and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Check engine light is a rare sighting, last time it was on was over a year ago when a catalytic converter went out.
I have a 2006 ram 1500 with 4.7. It has 340,000 miles on it. I bought it new and have done regular maintenance. The engine has never been opened. The only only thing done to transmission is shift solenoid. Original starter and alternator. The last 40,000 miles it started to burn about 3/4 qt. of oil on 5000 mile oil change.
I bought my 2002 Dodge Dakota QC 4×4 with the 4.7 new in 2001. Unfortunately in about year 7 the thermostat failed on a long trip and it got a little hot. We shut it off early enough and were able to continue with that engine for another 5 or so years until it kept running warmer and warmer. Eventually I believe the radiator was the culprit and the engine heated up one too many times causing too much damage to the heads at about 160k miles. We put in a remanufactured 4.7 and have had another 35k of somewhat maintenance free driving.
My guess is that we would have had the same engine if it wasn’t for the cooling system gremlins that sapped the life out of the motor. After we put in the new engine we also replaced the radiator with a Heavy Duty radiator and it has not heated up since then.
I bought my 2002 Dodge Dakota QC 4×4 with the 4.7 new in 2001. Unfortunately in about year 7 the thermostat failed on a long trip and it got a little hot. We shut it off early enough and were able to continue with that engine for another 5 or so years until it kept running warmer and warmer. Eventually I believe the radiator was the culprit and the engine heated up one too many times causing too much damage to the heads at about 160k miles. We put in a remanufactured 4.7 and have had another 35k of somewhat maintenance free driving.
My guess is that we would have had the same engine if it wasn’t for the cooling system gremlins that sapped the life out of the motor. After we put in the new engine we also replaced the radiator with a Heavy Duty radiator and it has not heated up since then.
I have a 2008 Dodge Dakota w/ 4.7L. I live in the mountains of North Carolina and six months of the year I haul loads of wood to my home. Have never had an over-heating problem. I maintain the truck according to maintenance schedule. No leaks and no smoke. My only complaint is it’s a gas-guzzler.
The nut holding the wheel!
I own 2004 grand Cherokee. ,2nd owner,115000 miles
This jeep was clean ,well maintained, and overall has been well taken care of.
Out of the blue with no warning or signs of any problems, a valve seat , lifter, rocker arm failure causing inoperable vehicle condition. Expensive fix, no warning signs. To find out the 4.7 were probe to this problem stay away from jeeps
The original Magnum 4.7L Cooling system is very tricky and time consuming to refill it correctly.
You can’t just fill it – seal up – add coolant to the reservoir and start driving.
The 4.7L Coolant system is overly complex and requires insight that Dodge doesn’t admit (even in the Service Manuals). The Durango, Dakota, Jeep with 4.7L have heater hoses over top and and high into the Cab.
I think this is why it has extra issue with head gaskets, head warp (even valve seats failing). It is from improper topping off the coolant and getting ALL the air out. Even the water pump will fail if a little air is trapped and creating steam which will be above 212F and reaching 400F – even under pressure of 20 psi. I had a water pump replaced by a shop and I could hear faint gurgling (in the cab from the dashboard – heater core) after shutting off the engine and it started cooling. A cold Winter day would be the fastest gurgling and pronounced versus Summer temps. I had replace the coolant before the water pump failed. It was probably from air still in the system. Even this auto shop didn’t refill the coolant correct with no air in the system.
Just opening up the plug up top from the Radiator hose to let air out at operating temp is not enough. Even a few cooling and op temp cycles is not enough.
You have to take a plastic funnel (that can hold at least a Quart or more of Coolant) and screw it into the purge hole. It is standard Pipe thread 3/8 NPT and use a Die on the Funnel to get a slight thread for a tight seal into the hole. Just enough bite of thread to hold the funnel in place with coolant.
Start up the engine with a good Pint of coolant in the funnel. Start squeezing the main heater hose between the fill pressure cap and the purge hole. You’ll see Big bubbles coming out up thru the funnel. As it’s reaching 194F operating (I use a Scan Tool) keep squeezing for air to move up as coolant flows. You’ll wonder if it ever will stop with the bubbles.
You’ll also notice that Pint of Coolant will be rising to maybe 1.5 Pints. Coolant expands that much – its amazing. When the bubbles get smaller – keep squeezing and releasing until they’re tiny.
Now shut off and let the engine cool down cold. You won’t believe it – but all the 1+ Pint of coolant will be pulled into the 4.7L engine cooling system. Now put in another Pint of coolant into the funnel and repeat. You will get more air coming out with the hose squeezing. Just keep hitting it until just a bubble is like the size of carbonated beverage. Shut off and let the coolant be pulled in via the funnel too the engine.
That should do it. Place the coolant plug back and start up the engine till 194F and for fun try slightly opening the plug for air… there won’t be nothing but coolant weeping out and no trace of air sputter.