4.7 Dry Start

Tiny
CESMBC
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I just bought a 02 Ram 1500 with the 4.7 and I found that it dry starts after it has been sitting for a few hours. I changed the filter and added a qt of Lucas does anyone have any other suggestions? Is this common with this motor?
Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 AT 11:20 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
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Explain a dry start better.
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Wednesday, November 1st, 2006 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
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I am calling it a "dry start" because that is what I have heard others call it. What actually happens is upon starting a cold engine there is a knocking sound for about 2 seconds and then a light lifter tapping until the moter gets warn. It goes away pretty rapidly, and it never happens when the motor is warm. One fella suggested that the motor is sluggy and to run one qt of risoline in place of 1 qt of oil at ech change to "clean" the motor. I am trying it, and it seems to make it better. I have also talked to two dealerships that told me this was a "problem" with the 4.7 and they did not have a solution for it and they did not have any reports of it breaking anything else. They said it is just anoying, and keep it serviced and live with it. Any thoughts?
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Wednesday, November 1st, 2006 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
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That was a problem with some of the older engines. It seems to me that they designed the head to return every ounce of oil to the crankcase after it stopped. It also seemed to take a bit for the pump to kick the oil up to the valves.

My suggestion is to try the Slick 50 challenge. If you can get the oil to stick to the valves and coat all the parts it should start better, cut down the clatter, and increase the life of the engine. There are other additives but do some digging.
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2006 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for the information. I have had a few other guys suggest the same thing. I trid a qt. Of Lucus, but after seeing how dirty the valve cover looked I thought it would be best to try to celan it up a bit first.
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2006 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
1BIGG1
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The new 5.4 ford 3 valve motors do the same thing after an oil change, unfortunately as far as I know its normal. I personally try to stay away from additives because of build up that may occur, I would suggest using the suggested oil weight in a synthetic motor oil.
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Monday, November 6th, 2006 AT 10:52 PM
Tiny
BOOTDOG
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You could also try a wix oil filter. They do not drain back. This is just an idea. Give it a shot
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Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 AT 6:09 PM

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