How much oil consumption is normal for the Hemi?

[peewee86]

My first oil change for my 6.4 hemi was just shy of 2000 miles. I considered this my break in oil change. I drained out less than 6 quarts of oil. Including the oil that was in the filter, call it a full 6 quarts. Since I didn’t know exactly the quantity of oil that was put in from the factory I made a mental note that it was down one quart and didn’t think much of it. Perhaps there is some additional oil consumption during the initial break in. My truck does not seem to smoke anymore than what I would consider to be normal.

Yesterday I gave my truck it’s second oil change. I know that I had put in the full 7 quarts on the previous oil change. This oil change interval was approximately 6200 miles. I was only to get able to drain out a little over 5 quarts. More than a quart and a half of oil consumption in 6200 miles seems excessive to me. Should I be worried? I am using the approved spec Valvoline oil.

I searched the word “consumption” and this was the only other oil consumption thread I could find.

6.4 Oil Consumption, puff of smoke at start up only...

So, 2500 is 7 months old, only about 2,700 miles on it (very short trip to work) and I noticed today a quick burp of blue smoke at start-up, just literally until the truck was running. Never noticed it before, but honestly I start it from inside the house most of the time, just happened to be...

hdrams.com

They never talked about quantity of consumption so I thought I should start a new thread. I haven’t noticed a puff of smoke from mine at start up. I’ve only experienced lifter tick one time in this truck and that was when the truck had been parked for more than two months. My 2003 hemi ticks regularly at start up so I know it what it sounds like.

 

[Firebird]

My Hemi’s have never used oil, I would definitely let your dealer check that out.

 

[farmallboy]

At 4400 I'm about to do my first change. My dipstick reads halfway down the use bar. So I know mine has used some. Truck hasn't missed a beat. Planned on asking a dealership about it.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Mine does a puff of smoke at startup sometimes. But it runs great and doesn’t make any noise

Edit:

i just checked the level. I do 5000 mile oil changes on it and it’s at 13000 miles right now so 3000 miles on this oil. the oil is fully covering the word SAFE on the dipstick. (3/4 between the low and full mark) So it is plausible that it has used 1/4 quart in 3000 miles assuming it was FULL on the dipstick after I changed the oil. the oil looked good.

 

[Truckman]

I am only at 3200 miles, but it still reads full on the dipstick.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Should not use any oil lol.

 

[Firebird]

I tow heavy 1 to 2x a month camping, oil is always full on the dip stick

 

[peewee86]

Everyone thanks for your replies. It appears that the oil consumption that I have experienced is not normal. The question now is what can be done about it? I will definitely take it to a dealer and have it documented but beyond that I’m not sure how to proceed. I’m guessing I would have to wait for something to fail. This is a vehicle that does not get driven more than about 5-6K miles a year. Currently 8200 miles in 20 months of ownership. The warranty could expire based on its age before I experience a failure.

Any thoughts?

 

[WXman]

They'll do an oil consumption test, where they fill it, you drive it and don't touch it, then you go to the dealer periodically so they can check levels and take notes. It's a PITA but it is the way they do it.

Problem is, there's usually a ridiculous specification on how much is acceptable to Ram. So unless your engine is REALLY burning through some serious oil they probably won't warranty it.