Brand New 2018 RAM Cummins found small copper pieces in oil.

[jaallen]

seafish. This is my plan at this point, wait while they diagnose. I will ask them politely to pay this first payment coming though after the diagnosis though. I am going to work with them at this point. They have never given me a bad hand. Will have to take it one step at a time.

 

[petersonj]

I just don't know if I should threaten a new truck now, call FCA with that intent, or talk to original salesman.

"Seafish" has offered very sound advice. Use words that do not lay blame or fault. If you do, it only goes downhill from there. Get documentation.

If something so serious has immediately happened to the engine that the engine will need to be replaced, asking for a new replacement truck is very reasonable. You are not asking to be covered by a warranty; you are asking for a good will gesture on FCA's part; to replace the truck because you have purchased a new truck, not a truck that immediately needs serious and in-depth repairs.

There is no value in talking to the original salesman. You should have a good contact person in the service department of the dealership and you probably should be communication with the owner of the dealership. If I were in your situation, I would contact FCA right away and explain your concerns to someone who has decision making capabilities. Be sure to explain and not blame. State clearly what you want for a resolution. There will be someone there who understands your dilemma.

If your situation would have happened two years and 20,000 miles later, then a replacement engine would be a logical and reasonable solution. But it didn't and that is why a good will gesture from FCA is prudent.

- John

 

[petersonj]

I will ask them politely to pay this first payment coming though after the diagnosis though

The dealership does not owe the money on the truck. I am sure they will politely refuse to pay the first payment and rightfully so. Try to focus your efforts on a final solution that you are comfortable with after all of the evidence has been gathered and analyzed.

- John

 

[Tuesdak]

Weeks to diagnose? It's time to educate yourself on Lemon Laws for *YOUR* state. Lemon laws exist due to a famous Oldsmobile 5.7L Diesel hand grenade engine. Ford's 6.0 diesel tried hard to take that title away, but, being first is hard to get knocked off the mountain and all... Regardless some states have major repairs or any repairs must be done in 30 days and other very specific conditions that make a vehicle a Lemon. Google Lemon Law *your state* and figure out what cards you hold.

With this knowledge you can ask FCA in context of an engine failure for a new truck. You didn't buy a new truck to be showing everyone the POS 1/2 ton loaner you got from the dealer. Cute, but, not enough truck. FCA and ANY OEM will cheerfully warranty claim you to death until you insist on Lemon Law.

One of the RV haulers that started out with us blew his new truck's Cummins engine in 2008 - oil all over the road. The Dealership at the time bought the truck back and maybe reasons unknown like Dodge wanted the entire truck back to see why.

Failures happen even when backing off the delivery trailer - defective timing chain snaps and 'needs new engine' on a vehicle that hasn't ever been titled. Or it falls off the trailer and is totaled with 5 miles on it... Getting back on the road in your truck or a new truck is what matters. Play your cards as needed.

 

[TFucili]

Lemon Law claims do not happen over night. It took me months to stick that Chevy in their butt, and that was with a Lemon attorney.

 

[jaallen]

Left a case with FCA. Got a case #. I will say this, the representative was not at all helpful but I did this part and I will wait diagnosis. Lemon law here in NC is 20 days for brand new vehicle. Wont go there right now. Will try to work with them once we know what happens.
Thank you all you have all been very helpful and helping me deal with this.

 

[jgillott]

seafish. This is my plan at this point, wait while they diagnose. I will ask them politely to pay this first payment coming though after the diagnosis though. I am going to work with them at this point. They have never given me a bad hand. Will have to take it one step at a time.

I would not complicate your issues by requesting them to pay your payment. Keep your note current on the truck at all times during this process. Get it fixed first and then see where things take you.

 

[seafish]

I would not complicate your issues by requesting them to pay your payment. Keep your note current on the truck at all times during this process. Get it fixed first and then see where things take you.

This is accurate and good advice!!!

 

[Bob4x4]

Just a heads up Ozzy,FCA has come out and changed the procedures for major engine work.The cabs are now being lifted to save time/money

 

[Ozymandias]

Just a heads up Ozzy,FCA has come out and changed the procedures for major engine work.The cabs are now being lifted to save time/money

Tx for Info.

 

[EDankievitch]

I don't see an issue with an engine swap. Unless the Dealer does not have a qualified service Tec. Our trucks are not bad to work on compared to a Ford or GMC. It's pretty much plug and play. I wouldn't stress yet give them time to get a RAM rep in to look over what they found and authorize the new engine or truck. Ether way it's a waiting game. but shouldn't take more than a few days. Dealer's shops don't make money with shop space tied up with a project....

 

[Joe Mc]

Jaallen, Welcome to the TDR! You've received a bunch of good advice from folks with more experience than I, relative to problems with new vehicles. I feel your pain and am sorry you've had a bad go of it with your, very nice BTW, new truck. I can appreciate and relate to working hard for our money, whatever "money" means to any of us is usually not come by easily. All that said and what everyone else has said prior to me, if I was fortunate enough to be able to afford to go in debt to purchase my new "dream" truck and ended up with a night mare instead I'd be after what I originally went into debt for = a "new dream truck" and not a "new/old/repaired night mare". Sorry man, that's just me. I see you are leaning towards another new truck, as others have said "major repairs" lead to further potential problems and rougher battles down the road. Best of luck to you (subscribed).

 

[jaallen]

Thanks Joe, ED
Right now, like you said, it is a waiting game. I am just going to wait for the verdict. My truck is bone stock and still had the factory fill before 1100 mile change. Not even opened for the vlave lash yet. So it will probably be one of the two. I will respectfully tell them what I want then. It just sucks. I woke up every morning and did a fist in the air when I would see it in the driveway and how getting to the MX tracks would be so much easier. Just bummed waiting...

 

[jaallen]

I will say the Service Advisor just called me and said they understand how I feel. That they are the best RAM shop in ratings for new vehicle warranty repairs in the South and they will take care of it to trust them, that not one bolt or wire will be in the wrong place. This tells me they may have the issue verdict but have not gone to FCA yet. He couldnt tell me yet. We shall see I guess. I am still pushing for a new truck after verdict, but lets see what happened first. I miss that thing already. Why at this age do I still feel like a kid that broke his new xmas toy? Lol!

 

[Ozymandias]

There is virtually no valve lash adjustment on these engines.

 

[Joe Mc]

Why do I feel like a kid who just broke his new Christmas toy? Sorry man but that made me laugh a bit - thanks. You did nothing wrong for sure = you didn't break your new toy it did it on its own. Sorry. At least you're hearing some info from dealer.

 

[jaallen]

I have received a call from the head of service from them, who will be helping me through the process. He was very understanding and found my options very reasonable. He understands how this is and will go through this with me. He feels he will know by tomorrow. They have called FCA engineering and will let me know once in. He did say they cant tell so they have the engineer coming and because they saw the metal, want him to crack open the filter for himself. I told him I didnt care how well they think it sounds, that metal has probably gone through everything by now, and I wont accept that diagnosis. It is so low milage they handle this in a priority manner. I was very calm and firm and appreciative. We shall see whats next. I feel I may be lucky by buying from a very good reputable dealer. They seem to be great so far. Thanks again guys.

Oh, options I gave were:
New replacement truck
New engine, full max warranty after.
I added I will only accept it if every nook and cranny of that truck is tight and sound if replacing engine. If problems after 20 days, well...
He said working a replacement truck would be first and to work with him, I agreed for now.

 

[Wayne M.]

Ahh man. Been watching this title, but just read everything. Well welcome to the TDR anyway. I remember the joy when I got my ‘04, and I hope you can recoup that feeling once this is straightened out.
I felt the same way the first time I saw a 1gen. I was lucky to have one for a while. What a truck that was!

 

[jaallen]

Update. Truck is back. They said they could find nothing. Compared it to another in stock 2500 CTD and both sound the same. Kept metal shaving evidence and had them write in new service report going back in 5000 miles. I sent for the blackstone oil kit, and will drop this next oil change to them, see what they say. This oil may be to tampered with to use from dealer. I am cutting old filter this weekend to check. Funny thing is the tick noise is louder and seems to be from junction rear oil pan and front trans bellhousing. Valve lash was checked by local shop and all are INT .010 EXH .024. Some were very out of spec new. Tick still there. Local shop says they may be able to find two areas that are known for this, CP3 HPFP gear pulse phasing, and flexplate bolts or TC bolts loose. Ruled out flexplate crack because truck has 1100 miles, but they will check. Going to wait on this until next oil change, so as not to have a warranty issue. Truck runs fine. One last thing, no blowby at all, so that is very good, means he (My trucks name is Leviathan, LoL) is breaking in well, no piston issues they could tell. I did find some white film on the bottom of my oil fill cap. Maybe condensation. Was not in valve cover, valves or pan. I think it does this if sits for a day. I wonder if this normal? No coolant loss or oil level changes either.

 

[Joe Mc]

Jaallen,

Based on posts you've made mentioning that other shops have said "there's something wrong here" and "metal shavings in the oil". I'd have to say something ain't right somewhere for sure. May I suggest going on line to see if there's a local Cummins Service/Parts Center that you could chat with. They may be willing to look at things (the dealer is trying "not" to) for you. This really sucks. I'm PO'ed and it isn't even my truck!!!