What are the catalytic converter and water pump life expectancies?

BIGBROTHER08

MEMBER
2001 DODGE DAKOTA
4.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
154,000 MILES

The vehicle listed above is an SLT Club Cab, 4x2, 545RFE.

All synthetic fluids since new - Mobil 1 for engine and diff, Mopar ATF+4. Ethanol-Free 87 octane since it became available in my area (about 6 years).

Meticulously maintained (minus the damned paint; same problem with my first Dak, a '93 Sport); still running on all original equipment except for usual wear items (coils, plugs, brakes, etc.).

No issues - this truck runs like a thoroughbred.

I prefer to preemptively deal with problems rather than wait for them to crop up, so I ask.

Should I have my catalytic converters and water pump replaced, given their age and mileage?

I do know, from all the forums, that the slightest bit of overheating is big trouble for a 4.7 (valve seats and head gaskets).

FWIW: The electric and clutch fans, and thermostat, are still operating properly.

As for the converters, I have the '2 Pre - 1 Main' system, with 02 sensors fore and aft of the pre-cats.

Thank you for your time and attention.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

The catalytic converters are monitored by the computer and when they have a problem it will trigger a trouble code so I wouldn't worry about that, as far as the water pump, I would get under the truck and use a flashlight to inspect the "weep hole" to see if there are signs of leakage. If there is, I would replace the water pump. Also, you can grasp the fan blade (engine off) and try to move it side to side and up and won to check the play. This guide can help show you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-water-pump

Here is how you can change the pump out if needed in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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