5.7 Hemi HD Motor Oil in Arctic Temps

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akutak

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I live in Fairbanks Alaska and my '14 5.7 Hemi HD is about due for an oil change. The winter time temps can dip down to -40 F and regularly are -20 F. I've got a block heater and a heating pad for the oil. Looking at 0W-20 Royal Purple Synthetic, this oil change will take me into winter so I'll need something to handle the cold temps. I haul 2,000 lbs of water in the bed on a weekly basis. Wondering if the 0W-20 would be sufficient.


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SYKRAMMAN

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The thinner the better up there with those temps. Just make sure to put thicker in summers.
 

Ratket

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Do you let it idle a lot? - Does it get up to normal operating temps?
Do you run a radiator cover?
 

SouthTexan

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Yeah, I would probably go 0W-30 as well if your truck is getting up to operating temp. The 0W is the viscosity grade at low temps or a cold start and changes as the engine warms up. The 30 is the the viscosity grade at operating temp. If your truck can get to and stay at normal operating temp then I would go with the 30 grade. If your truck stays colder than operating temp then I would go down to the 20.
 

dan1911

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I live in Fairbanks Alaska and my '14 5.7 Hemi HD is about due for an oil change. The winter time temps can dip down to -40 F and regularly are -20 F. I've got a block heater and a heating pad for the oil. Looking at 0W-20 Royal Purple Synthetic, this oil change will take me into winter so I'll need something to handle the cold temps. I haul 2,000 lbs of water in the bed on a weekly basis. Wondering if the 0W-20 would be sufficient.


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Im up in Fairbanks too!!!
I ran the 5w-20 RP all winter last winter. I have a block heater, oil pan heater, transmission heater, and a trickle charger and have never had any issues running 5w20 all year long. RP no longer has any moly in it to protect the engine so I made the switch (2 weeks ago) to Penzoil Platinum which is a superior oil for our Hemi's based on the additive package. Find an oil brand you and your truck like, and I wouldnt worry about the weight of oil too much. Its not humid up here at all and assuming you have a good block and oil pan heater you wont have any issues. Last year when it was -44 at my house, 2 hours of being plugged in my oil temp was already around 90* F.... those things get really f-ing hot lol
 

SouthTexan

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The grade(not weight) of the oil is actually more important than the brand as long as it meets your engines API rating.
 

dan1911

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The grade(not weight) of the oil is actually more important than the brand as long as it meets your engines API rating.

Misspoke, my apologies.
What i was getting at for the OP was that there was little need to mix or start experimenting with other grades since the regular recommended grade does just fine in our climate. Essentially saying "stick with what the cap says, close your eyes and pick a top tier brand" since it will run just fine. If the OP really wants to dig and has the itch to experiment, check out the oil thread... loads of info and that's how I landed on PP 5w-20 with the RP 10-48 filter.
 

DannyMK2

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with temps of -40, your probably close to reaching the pour point of the 5w30 oil the OP's truck calls for. using block and oil pan heaters, you technically shouldnt need need to drop down to a thinner oil. however, i dont see any harm in running 0w30. if the truck is reaching operating temp, i dont see why you would want to run 0w20.
 
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akutak

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I chose 0W-20 because if I remember correctly the manual calls for 5W-20 but I wanted the 0W for the cold weather. This is my first winter with the truck so I’m not positive if it’ll be getting up to op temp. I’ve got about a 15 min commute to work is the only regular driving, other than random errands.


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dan1911

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Yea the manual calls for 5w20
My commute takes me about 11-14 minutes (College road/fairgrounds to Van Horn area). I let it stay plugged in for at least 2 hours when it's really cold, idle for 5-10 max, and then hop in a go. Never had any issues running the 5w but it all boils down to personal preference. The truck will run fine but do what gives you peace of mind because that is worth a whole lot more. Good luck with the ****** winter on the truck, hope it treats ya well!:favorites13:
 

Ratket

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If that oil pan heater is getting it above 20 degrees then you are fine with stock oil weight easily. Guy posted above his gets to 90 degrees wich makes it even better lol. I would run factory recommended weight and make sure u just plug the truck in. Also doesn't hurt to let it idle for at least 2 mins - " Love my remote start" -
 

dan1911

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If that oil pan heater is getting it above 20 degrees then you are fine with stock oil weight easily. Guy posted above his gets to 90 degrees wich makes it even better lol. I would run factory recommended weight and make sure u just plug the truck in. Also doesn't hurt to let it idle for at least 2 mins - " Love my remote start" -



Love my remote start! The lady gets the garage (truck doesn't fit anyways...) and I get the auto start and the carport lol


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coobie

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I am a fan of redline full syn. oil with royal purple oil filters.
 

SouthTexan

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the 5.7 in the 1500 calls for 5w20, but i think the 2500/3500 calls for 5w30.


You are correct. I just checked.

Page 862 of the 2016 owners manual.

"Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine 2500/3500
trucks operating under a gross combined
weight rating greater than 14,000
lbs/(6,350 kg.)

We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting
the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR,
Pennzoil, Shell Helix or equivalent. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade.
"

The 1500 is 5W-20 which is probably due to the lighter duty cycle.
 

Ratket

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I think The main difference in oil weight between the two is the 1/2 ton 5.7 has mds and the 3/4 ton 5.7 doesn't.
 

SouthTexan

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The I wonder why the 6.4L has a 0W-40 requirement? Doesn't it have MDS as well?
 

DannyMK2

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The 1500 is 5W-20 which is probably due to the lighter duty cycle.

im pretty sure this is why. the lighter duty doesnt require the thicker oil and they can squeeze better mpg's out of 5w-20. im pretty sure ive heard about people running 5w-30 in 1500's and mds still being functional.
 

MN-Ram

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In MN we had the "Polar Vortex" a few years ago. We didn't get above zero for something like 30 or 40 days. My 1500 functioned just fine with the standard oil. I used Mobil1 synthetic in that truck, and I never had any issues.

I would just use a good quality 5w-20 oil and call it good. I would also suggest synthetic oil too.
 
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