Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: Petrou
Ok so here it is. i finally convinced my dad to use synthetics. he has 2008 dodge with a hemi, 12200 miles on the clock. My brother and i are mobil 1 users, heres the problem, dad bought the lifetime warrenty, i asked a tech at the dealer, he said keep it at 3000 oci, i would like to do 6000oci, obviously i dont see a reason in using mobil 1 unless on sale, any other ideas, oh and it requires 5w-20 motor oil, which is the reason i want synthetic in it.
I actually own a 2008 HEMI Ram myself. Had an 04 HEMI Ram too. Great trucks! Few things for you...
1) - A Lifetime Powertrain Warranty comes standard with the truck. It is not an additional charge item. If the dealer charged your Dad for it you need to get that money back asap and call Chrysler and report the dealer for fraud( report to the state's Attorney General's office as well )! If this is some kind of extended warranty above and beyond any standard warranty that comes with the truck that is different but I have never heard of a lifetime one? Usually 100,000 miles is the max. Check that out for your Dad. If he has JUST the regular Chrysler Liftime Powertrain Warranty and had to pay extra for it you need a lawyer.
2) - You are correct his engine requires a 20 weight oil. MDS uses oil pressure to operate so do not use a 30 or 40 weight oil. IMO just run the 5W-20 and skip the 0W-20. 5w-20 synthetic is going to handle some pretty cold extremes. Unless your Dad lives in northern Canada or Alaska where he sees day in day out -50 temps just use the 5W-20.
3) - Oil change interval. Why dealers continue to tell customers that they MUST do 3K OCI's is beyond me? Your Dad does NOT have to do 3K OCI's to protect his warranty. Absolutely NOT! Page 517 of the owner's manual( well the online PDF manual from Dodge anyway - in the actual manual it may be on different page #? - I didn't want to run out to the truck = BRRR! ), under Maintenance Schedules, CLEARLY shows that 6000 miles/6 Months is ok. The dealer can
NOT make your Dad do 3K OCI's or void his warranty for going to 6K. Take the book in and show them. IF they still say it call Chrysler and complain.
4) - Yes, his truck does have an OLM( change oil message appears on speedometer where mileage shows ). Seems early on it is set to come on every 2500 miles. My truck had it pop up at 2501 miles. I have read reports from a lot of guys who report that it will come on every 2500 until approx 10K where it starts to lengthen out. I wonder if Chryselr designed it this way to ensure proper OC's during engine break in? Whatever the case if it is popping on every 2500 I would just reset it if your Dad is running synthetic and not worry. Go by the 6K/6 Month allowance in the owner's manual.
Resetting the OLM is very easy...
I - Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not start the engine).
II - Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
III - Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position, wait 2-3 seconds, then restart and see if the oil change message comes back on.
IV - If the oil change message comes back on when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset, and you will need to repeat the procedure.
Here is page 517 from the owner's manual( online PDF from Dodge for 08 Ram 1500 )showing the 6K/6 Months for you...
5) - Your Dad needs to run an oil that is as follows...
A) - 20 weight( as said )
B) - API Certified w/ Starburst( requires an SM service level rating )
C) - Meets or Exceed Chrysler's MS6395 oil standard( Note - does NOT have to be certified just needs to meet or exceed the spec/standard - the oil mfg should list what oil standards their product covers - API "Certification" does matter though )
Here are some excellent full synthetic 5W-20 oils that meet these requirements you can look into. All are readily available locally( for the majority of folks )for a reasonable cost...
Penzoil Platinum
Quaker State Horsepower
Valvoline Synpower
Kendal GT1 Full Synthetic( available in 0W as well but that may be hard to find - 5W-20 will be easier )
If you are interested in Amsoil their XL line offers a 5W-20 that is API Starburst certified and "should" meet or exceed Chrysler MS6395. Amsoil XL oils are good for up to 7500 miles. They cost less than the extended drain versions and are the one to choose if you want to use their oils while under factory warranty. Do not go 25K and 1 year on your OC while under warranty. Don't risk that Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. Not worth it. Their XL line is very good oil and will do the job just fine during required intervals.
If you are interested in a Blend these are good choices...
Schaeffers 7000 series
Valvoline Durablend
Kendal GT1 Hi Performance Synthetic Blend( they have a high mileage blend as well so get the right one )
If your Dad has a Pepboys near him they sell the Kendal GT1 full synthetic oil for just $4.99 p/qt. It is a very good oil and would be a good choice for 5-6K OCI's to stay within warranty requirements. Actually, Kendal is now made by ConocPhillips. If your Dad has access to any 76 Lubricants synthetic oils they are the exact same thing as the Kendal. Just a different bottle.
Hope this helps.
2004 1500 SLT QC 4WD HEMI:
2008 1500 SLT QC 4WD HEMI:
hey thanks for the info that really helps. i plan on changing it here in the next week. now i want to use quaker state synthetic but is mobil 1 an ok oil for it, i gat like three 5quart jugs for another truck here in the shop