Dodge 4.7L overheat and died - Engine Troubleshooting


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Dodge 4.7L overheat and died

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Bob Friesen
New User

Jul 7, 2017, 9:46 PM

Post #1 of 4 (1349 views)

Dodge 4.7L overheat and died	Sign In

While pulling a small trailer, my 2002 Dodge Dakota 4.7L engine, 100,000 km overheated and then stopped running. I let it sit to cool down but would not start, actually fountained coolant through the rad cap as the engine (freely) turned over. Initial thought was blown head gasket and truck was towed to a mechanic in nearby town. Coolant poured out of the exhaust when truck was lifted onto flat bed. He pressure tested the cooling system, says pressure measured at twice the usual PSI, says doesn't think it is head gasket but something internal broke and plugged a water jacket somewhere. Suggested replacing motor as cost of even pulling it down to discover what broke would exceed the value of a 15 year old truck. I'm looking for opinions as to what may have caused the problem before I make a decision on what to do with the truck.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jul 8, 2017, 2:47 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1340 views)

Re: Dodge 4.7L overheat and died	Sign In

! You witnessed "coolant" pouring out the exhaust? Lower miles and all check out this engine as much as possible to see if you can locate where it failed THAT badly. Must have been a very serious overheat up to that engine not worth it now still may not know till taken apart?

T

(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jul 8, 2017, 2:48 AM)

Hammer Time
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Jul 8, 2017, 4:03 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1333 views)

Re: Dodge 4.7L overheat and died	Sign In

Quote

Suggested replacing motor as cost of even pulling it down to discover what broke would exceed the value of a 15 year old truck.

That's good advice. I agree.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Jul 8, 2017, 1:40 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1305 views)

Re: Dodge 4.7L overheat and died	Sign In

If this overheated to the point the engine died and you now have coolant coming out the exhaust.....It would be very unwise to attempt any repair on this engine short of a complete rebuild.... so an engine swap would be the more economical route.....

FYI....This model has an audible warning when any gauge goes out of range....gas & washer fluid included....yours should of gone off when it 1st started to overheat

Overheats are the single biggest killers of engines and can happen very quickly......As soon as you start overheating, you need to shut it down....Immediately...... If your life is in real danger, that's different....a life is worn more than an engine...but those would be the only 2 choices....

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