4.7 valve covers - Dodge Dakota Forum

Subject: 4.7 valve covers
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From my 2004 Dakota Service Manual:

“The cylinder head covers are made of die cast magnesium, and are not interchangeable from side-to side. It is imperative that nothing rest on the cylinder head covers. Prolonged contact with other items may wear a hole in the cylinder head cover.”
“CAUTION: Do not use harsh cleaners to clean the cylinder head covers. Severe damage to covers may occur.”
“CAUTION: DO NOT allow other components including the wire harness to rest on or against the engine cylinder head cover. Prolonged contact with other objects may wear a hole in the cylinder head cover.”

Magnesium! What the hell for?!

So now I'm looking for some good, old-fashioned better valve covers. Regulation steel would work, and I would never have to worry about anything wearing a hole in them.

Any of you know of aftermarket steel valve covers for the 4.7?

Rob C
Dodge Dakota
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3/22/2005
01:00:57

RE: 4.7 valve covers
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Steel cam covers! What the hell for?
Why are you trying to fix somethings that's not broken. Magnesium because it's light.

Bruce
Dodge Dakota
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3/22/2005
09:41:58

RE: 4.7 valve covers
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Mine have a black, kinda wrinkly finish to them, and they feel and sound like plastic.
You sure about that magnesium?
I guess if you need fire starter, you can scrape some flakes off yer valve covers, and if yer engine ever catches fire, good luck putting it out!

Kowalski
GenIII

3/22/2005
13:00:33

RE: 4.7 valve covers
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Early 4.7 valve covers are magnesium, I heard they were switching to plastic ones on the newer 4.7s. Rob is right - its for lighter weight. No wear marks on the trick stock valve covers on my '00; why fix what isn't broken ? No need to be a worry wart on this one.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way

JimD
Dodge Dakota
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3/22/2005
14:26:59

RE: 4.7 valve covers
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You're all right, of course.
Worrying over nothing.
Weird that the Service Manual would have such a warning, though.

rtdkota
R/T