Another DEF failure (Maybe)

[Topzide]

Ambulances built on the RAM chassis don't go through the de-rate issue. It's life or death issue, so yes, we should be able to not go into de-rate! I asked an ambulance driver that was purchasing DEF fluid about this issue. They get the warnings but doesn't leave you hanging! They said that when they refill, couple cycles, the message clears itself. It's kinda up there with the autonomous braking systems. Someone steps in front of your vehicle and you can't move! Some of this tech is a way over-reach!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AH64ID]

I wonder if we can change our trucks to the an ambulance in AlfaOBD.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Nephew just updated me on the cost breakdown and they have 5 hours labor figured into that $4100. Allegedly that labor is not for the parts under warranty. I call BS on that one since I cannot imagine all these parts they want to throw at this would amount to the $1200 plus the labor under warranty. He got a referral to a diesel mechanic in the area and is on the way over to speak to that person.

 

[bcbender]

That's some kinda shop labor rate.... $4100 - $1200 in parts leaves $2900.... so $580/hr?... Im in the wrong buisness...

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Vice-versa BC. $1200 labor. But some of the parts/labor are supposed to be no charge due to warranty.

 

[DClark]

So this is exactly why I have questions about buying a newer RAM diesel. My '05 just dropped a lung and fixing an 18 yr old truck is questionable. I live in Montana. I do not drive my truck every day and sometimes it sits for days without being driven. DEF is unstable in hot and cold conditions, which we have both. Other then trips, it is not driven long distances at home. So I questioned the wisdom of buying another diesel truck, considering these issues and the additional cost of DEF on top of higher then gas diesel. I am currently driving a '18 2500 6.4 gas until I can make up my mind about the diesel. I certainly miss the diesel when pulling my 5th wheel. I wish they could come up with something better then DEF.

 

[Ozymandias]

They won't, DEF is the way to go.

But as a buyer nowadays you really need to do the math.

There isn't only the DEF, the whole engine and the emissions system is incredibly complex on any modern Diesel engine whereas the Gasoline engine, especially the RAM platform, is the same as 40 years ago - proven good and working, always.

My opinion - fix your old one if the rest of the vehicle is worth the fix*.
Go with the 6.4 if not* - 10 Grand cheaper and 100x less trouble down the road.

The Gasser you can park for a year and fire it up no matter what.

The Diesel can have algae now because of the biofuel, the filters get clogged more easily, the DEF can deteriorate through time and so on...
If it is worked every day, fine. If it is parked most of the time and otherwise used as a grocery getter - don't buy a modern Diesel, just don't.

 

[Topzide]

Heat affects the DEF way more than the cold. I'm with @Ozymandias on fixing the '05. If the '05 is sound in all other areas, why not look into getting her fixed. Are their crate motors available for 5.9L? Totally your choice on what you want. If you could, at least stay with the RAM platform, as well proven! My '01 1500 has and continues to serve me well! The 5.9 gas motor is strong as an OX! Using it as a plow truck with 7.5' blade with no issues! Get strange looks when doing a few driveways for friends. Either way you'll still have a good truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edit: Found this option; https://www.cummins.com/engines/remanufactured-cummins-turbo-diesel

 

[Mike Wenrich]

I agree with Ozzy and Topside. Besides my 2014 causing me to replace nox sensors twice in 48K miles and issues with DEF because I did not drive it enough, others have had the same problem. My next door neighbor just had the upstream nox sensor go bad on his 2015. He took it to the dealer and said it was a $2500 repair. It was in for service so that might have included an oil change but he does not drive except as a grocery getter and once or twice a year to pull his travel trailer. Gotta use and abuse the diesels. I'm presently looking at going into a 2500 Laramie with the 6.4 when the 24's come out. I see pretty good comments about the truck except of course the towing mileage and some having cam issues that might be the fault of not using the correct oil. My 2004.5 is beginning to have small issues but not with the engine so far. Still pulls great and the milage is good. The uncertainty of an older truck and my wife and I in our sunset years does concern me though. Being stuck in a remote area with bad weather would be tough on both of us to hike out or hunker down. Having A/C problems now and what next???? Besides that, I miss the smell of a new truck. :> )

 

[Timd32]

Never did the math, but can you rent a Rig from enterprise with a 5th wheel or gooseneck?

I think they used to rent diesel pickups.

Might be worth the look at renting for a few vacations.

 

[Ozymandias]

Don't wait to long to buy a 6.4 HEMI, we have no idea how soon the Hurricane engine will show up in the HD pickup. And this new engine is far from being a good old basic gas engine like the 6.4.
Im sure it will be a great engine - but with turbos and GDI it is much more sophisticated then the one we have now.
I wouldn't want to be a Guinea Pig there.

 

[AH64ID]

I’m not convinced the hurricane will end up in the HD’s, just like the ecoboost isn’t in the Super Duty trucks.

 

[wyosteve]

I recently traded my Power Wagon with the 6.4. As soon as I don't need the diesel anymore, I'll be buying another Hemi if available. 17 mph hwy. if I kept it at 70. Towing it wasn't any worse than the diesel at least with loads up to 10k. The 8 speed transmission in the Hemi is great on gearing.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

What rear gear ratio did you have in the power wagon? From what I have read there is not much difference between the 373 and 410. But the 410 would be better for towing when driving from a stop.

 

[06 Dodge]

I recently traded my Power Wagon with the 6.4. As soon as I don't need the diesel anymore, I'll be buying another Hemi if available. 17 mph hwy. if I kept it at 70. Towing it wasn't any worse than the diesel at least with loads up to 10k. The 8 speed transmission in the Hemi is great on gearing.

Read up on all of the Hemi problems with cam & lifters its why I bought another diesel engine truck last year, I get better mpg then that 6.4L Hemi and I don't have to listen to that Hemi screaming at 4500 RPM's climbing a hill....

 

[wyosteve]

The Power Wagon had 4.10 gears.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

I have read a lot about the problem with the cam and lifters and it certainly has caused me not to jump into one of those without an extended warranty. Seems those can fail anywhere between 30 and 90 or 130 thousand miles. But some of the problem may have been not using the recommended brand and weight of oil along with not doing more frequent oil changes. Some users have said they have the hemi tick problem and some have not. Some say the engine will tick after an oil change and then go away later. Like after a warm up. Makes one wonder about the oil pressure and galleys if they are designed correctly. And a lot of folks have had no problems, much like our diesels. Had me looking into Ferds and Chebbies. But problems there also. Seems they are all a risk and maybe long warranties are the safest bet. Probably cannot avoid numerous recalls no matter who makes the trucks.

 

[Ozymandias]

They are designed for 0W-20 grade oil.

They oil recommended for the 6.4 is wrong from the factory and was only choosen because of heavy towing in extreme conditions like the south west.

Put 0W-20 in it and the tick is history.

That's the downside of modern times that the manufacturer gives only one grade oil for every usage and climate. In the older days there was a manual telling you to choose the right oil for your usage by yourself.
Not anymore... Nowadays an oil should work from winter in Dead horse down to summer in Yuma. Stupid.

 

[06 Dodge]

They are designed for 0W-20 grade oil.

They oil recommended for the 6.4 is wrong from the factory and was only choosen because of heavy towing in extreme conditions like the south west.

Put 0W-20 in it and the tick is history.

That's the downside of modern times that the manufacturer gives only one grade oil for every usage and climate. In the older days there was a manual telling you to choose the right oil for your usage by yourself.
Not anymore... Nowadays an oil should work from winter in Dead horse down to summer in Yuma. Stupid.

Been reading over on another Ram forum where to get rid of the Hemi tick they go to $16 qt Red Line synthetic oil along with adding Moly an going to Royal Purple oil filters, some say they developed the Hemi tick using recommend 0w20 oil PUP and Mopar oil filter in the 5.7L and 0w40 in the 6.4L, some claim to have had better luck with 5w30 oils & Molly, based on what I've read it sounds like some kind of poor design in the valve train along with poor roller lifters that are no bigger than my small finger ...

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Good info OZY and 06 Dodge. I too read about the oil issue as mentioned above in my post so we were likely reading the same posts. I also have been talking to anyone I can find that has the 6.4 to see if they had issues and if they used RAM service or local. And of course warranty info. I have a neighbor who lost the transmission and then a lifter in his 2015 5.7 multi whatever it's called cylinder disabling function. The cam was shot and he disabled the multi??? and went back to basics. But...he was not the original owner and the truck had 165K on it when it happened. Now he drives with a constant check engine light. I know he also was not careful with which oil he put in.

If the factory is recommending the wrong oil viscosity then that puts the new owner in a bit of a bind for not having them change the oil and what happens if you have issues putting in your own oil. Should the engine fail then somehow you would have to show what you did to stay in warranty. Buy 7 quarts of 0-20 take a picture and put in what is right??? Whatever saves the engine is the way to go and not have a problem that brings RAM into the picture.