Who made the 4.7 Dodge engine?

The 4.7-liter Dodge engine was designed and built by Chrysler (Mopar), as part of its PowerTech V8 family.

Origins of the 4.7 PowerTech

The 4.7 PowerTech V8 was developed by Chrysler’s powertrain engineering teams and released to meet demand for a robust, mid-size V8 suitable for trucks and SUVs. It debuted in the 1999 model year and was marketed under the PowerTech name, a family of Chrysler engines designed for durability and broad applicability in trucks and sport-utility vehicles.

Key facts about the engine's development and usage:

• Introduced in 1999 for Dodge Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Belongs to Chrysler's PowerTech engine family


• Displaces 287 cubic inches (approximately 4.7 liters)


• Produced by Chrysler at U.S. engine plants, later under FCA and Stellantis branding


• Used across a range of Dodge and Jeep models through the 2000s and early 2010s

The PowerTech 4.7 provided Chrysler with a reliable, mid-range V8 option that complemented larger Hemi offerings and helped expand the brand’s lineup in the truck/SUV segment.

Technical characteristics

The 4.7 PowerTech V8 is a robust, mid-size V8 designed for durability in daily driving and heavy-duty applications. It featured an iron block and was equipped with modern fuel delivery for its era, including electronic multi-point fuel injection. The engine was tuned to deliver strong low- and mid-range torque, making it well-suited to trucks, SUVs, and utility-focused performance.

Variants and evolution

During its production run, the 4.7 PowerTech saw updates to emissions controls, fuel delivery calibrations, and drivability improvements to keep pace with evolving standards and customer expectations. While the core architecture remained conservative and dependable, later iterations reflected Chrysler’s broader shift toward more efficient powertrains in the mid- to late-2000s.

Legacy and replacement

As Chrysler consolidated its brands under FCA and later Stellantis, newer powertrain families—such as the Pentastar V6 and other advanced V8 options—took center stage. The 4.7 PowerTech gradually phased out of new deployments, though it remains in use in legacy vehicles and is a notable chapter in Dodge and Jeep’s engine history for providing a reliable, mid-range V8 option during a period of rapid automotive tech change.

Summary

In short, the 4.7 Dodge engine was a Chrysler/Mopar product—the PowerTech 4.7 V8—designed and built by Chrysler’s powertrain teams in the United States. It served as Chrysler’s mid-range V8 for Dodge and Jeep applications from the late 1990s through the 2010s, before being phased out in favor of newer engine families as the corporate landscape evolved into FCA and then Stellantis.

When did Dodge stop making the 4.7 V8?

On April 9, 2013, the last 4.7 L engine was built; ending 15 years of production with over 3 million units built.

What are the common problems with a 4.7 Dodge engine?

Common problems with the Dodge 4.7L engine include valve seat failure, head gasket failures, and oil sludge buildup, often triggered by the engine overheating. Overheating is a major issue that can lead to catastrophic damage, so maintaining the cooling system is critical. Other problems include external oil leaks, a poorly functioning hydraulic cooling fan, and issues with hydraulic valve lash adjusters.
 
This video explains the common problems with the 4.7L Dodge engine and their potential causes: 59sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 3, 2024
Overheating and associated issues 

• Valve seat failure: The valve seats can fail and come out, causing a loss of power, misfires, and potential damage that requires a cylinder head rebuild or replacement. 
• Head gasket failure: The engine is prone to head gasket issues, especially if it overheats. 
• Clogged radiator, failed water pump, or stuck thermostat: These can cause the engine to overheat if the cooling system is not maintained. 

This video discusses the 4.7L V8 PowerTech engine, its reliability, and the issue of overheating causing head gasket failure: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 3, 2024
Lubrication and internal engine problems 

• Oil sludge buildup: Sludge can form due to incomplete combustion and oil breakdown, clogging oil passages and starving the engine of oil. This is particularly common in early models and can be exacerbated by a poor PCV system. 
• Hydraulic valve lash adjuster problems: The adjusters can become plugged due to lack of oil flow, leading to improper valve train function. 
• Oil leaks: Common leak points include the valve covers, oil pan, and rear main seal. 

Other common problems

• Hydraulic cooling fan: The hydraulic fan system, powered by the power steering pump, can be unreliable. If the pump fails, the fan will not run, leading to overheating. Incorrect power steering fluid can also cause the fan to malfunction. 
• Carbon buildup: Excessive carbon can build up on the intake, valves, and pistons if the engine is not regularly serviced or is run on low-quality fuel. 
• Wear and tear: Like any engine, many problems are age-related, such as failing valve cover gaskets and other rubber components degrading over time. 

This video explains how to keep the 4.7L Jeep/Dodge engine running well and discusses the fatal flaws, including the hydraulic cooling fan: 50sD&E In The GarageYouTube · Jun 29, 2020

Is a Dodge 4.7 a good engine?

The 4.7L Dodge engine is considered a good, reliable engine, but its longevity depends heavily on maintenance, especially regarding the cooling system and oil changes. While it can last for 200,000 miles or more with proper care, it's prone to issues like valve seat failure and head gasket failure, which are often triggered by overheating.
 
This video discusses common problems with the Dodge 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine: 58s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 3, 2024
Strengths

• Durability: With proper maintenance, the 4.7L engine is durable and can last for a very long time, with many owners reporting over 200,000 miles. 
• Reliability: It's considered a reliable powertrain, especially when compared to some other options, and is known to handle daily driving well. 

Weaknesses

• Cooling System Sensitivity: The engine is particularly sensitive to overheating, which can lead to serious damage like head gasket and valve seat failure. 
• Timing Chain Issues: Some versions of the engine are prone to timing chain problems, which are often related to sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected. 
• Performance: Compared to the 5.7L Hemi, it has less horsepower and torque, making it less ideal for heavy towing or high-performance driving. 

How to maintain it

• Regular oil changes: Keep up with regular oil changes using a quality synthetic oil to prevent sludge buildup. 
• Monitor engine temperature: Be vigilant about the engine temperature, especially during heavy use like towing. Consider upgrading the radiator if you tow frequently. 
• Service regularly: Address other common issues like timing chain tensioner failures and keep up with other fluid changes to ensure the engine runs at its best for longer. 

This video reviews the Dodge 4.7L Magnum V8 engine: 1mGrumpy Monkey GarageYouTube · Feb 25, 2023

Is a 4.7 L V8 a Hemi?

No, the 4.7L is not a "Hemi" engine; it is a different design known as the PowerTech engine. The "Hemi" designation comes from its hemispherical combustion chambers, a feature that the 4.7L does not have. The 4.7L engine features overhead camshafts, unlike the Hemi's pushrod design. 

• 4.7L Engine: This is a member of Chrysler's PowerTech engine family. 
  • It uses an overhead camshaft (OHC) design. 
  • It does not have hemispherical combustion chambers. 
• Hemi Engine: This is a specific design by Chrysler that is known for its hemispherical combustion chambers. 
  • It typically uses a pushrod design. 
  • It is known for higher performance compared to the 4.7L.