In regards to the Valve covers, there are 2 different "style" factory valve covers out there for the 4.7L. The early production 2000 models had very poor looking covers, mine has an ugly set (Oct. '99 prod.) I noticed the later 2000 models have a very clean, smooth looking valve cover, alot better looking than what I have. It could have been a problem that they found mid production. I have'nt noticed the problems you have had Will, but I do know the casting looks poor on mine. The newer models almost look like they have been power coated, although I'm not sure about this.
As for the coolant temp., I would not be concerned about the 210 range, its normal for these engines on very hot days. I also would not put alot of faith in a factory temp gauge, especially if you are trying to pick a degree or two, or even 5 degrees off of it. They are not that accurate. If you truely want the engine to run cold, then switch over to the 180 tstat, and consider your "problem" solved.
Matt Y2K-HEMI
In a message dated Mon, 26 Feb 2001 3:27:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, SEMIHEMI01@aol.com writes:
<< Will,
I'll have to agree with Ron on the RPM bit. if you continue to baby the
4.7 you are going to have a real sludge problem. This low RPM may also have a
hell of a lot to do with your cooling problem. You are not circulating enough
coolant. I very seldom shift under 2000-2500 rpm in the lower gears. This is
just the beginning of the power & torque band. This engine was designed to
run, I've noticed that lugging it causes the computer to become confused and
the idle goes crazy. It wants to hunt the right idle rpm and will go up and
down. If you just drive it like you would like it to run, it will. Have
someone with an automatic give you the shift points for normal driving and
shift it at that point. It's a lot higher than you think.
As for the valve covers, Take it to the Dealer and see what they say is
happening to them. They would flake only if the magnesium was cast too cold.
(poor casting) Get it documented by the dealer then if anything happens
you'll have it in writing to fall back on. I really think you are worrying
for nothing. Bill
SEMIHEMI01@AOL.COM (Bill C.) 2001 QC, 4.7L, 5spd. 3.55 LSD
K-N + Cool-Air, Quick-D TB, 10w-30 MOBIL 1, 180 T'STAT, SilBlades
GIBSON 3" Single Side-Swept cat-back, G-TECH, <A
HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/semihemi01/">"THE DAK"</A>
>>
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