Reliability & Durability of the V6?

[KingTuna]

the only issues the Pentastar had was back in the 12's and early 13s the drivers side heads had issues. They resolved that and I haven't read any more about it being an issue. Only other thing I have seen is the oil cooler on top of the engine leaking, but that was only on a few vehicles. Look up the 3.6 and you'll see its built stout, it has 6 bolt mains and piston squirters to reduce detonation. The engine was designed with boost in mind.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Here's mine 'loaded' down for a partial move today from our storage unit in VA back to SC 6.5hr drive. Still need to unload it this weekend ...

2013 Ram 1500 SLT CC 4x4 : 41k miles
V6/8spd/3.21

- @ 5200 lb truck
- @ 1000 lb payload approx.
(3 adults & son's college dorm stuff)
- @ 2500 lb 6x12 trailer
(Loaded with 2 roll around tool boxes, air compressor, 10kw genie, kit. table & chairs, bedroom set, lawn mower/equip., 7 ft serving hutch and a few other things)

@ 8700lbs total +/-
- 65-75 mph more of the way, 10.8 mpg avg
(vs 17/22 normally)
- tow/haul mode w/ top gear limited to 6th or 7th depending on conditions.
- Aired the stock 20" SRA's to 42lbs in rear/41lbs front

Yeah, the Pentastar does just fine for my needs and has been very reliable so far.
(She's got some squat on her)



M² Mods.

 

[mxer201]

My 2016 big horn 4x4 v6 extended cab with 3.21 axles is at 22k miles. No regrets buying the truck. Does have one oddity, the ac clutch engages even though the display says the ac is off. Not a big deal but wonder. Back to the v6. Very pleased, traded in a 2015 GMC Sierra z71 for the Ram. Why? Well wanted a ram to begin with but couldn’t find exactly what I wanted and the local dealer was no help. While the gmc was a very nice truck, I started thinking about rams after I had it a few months. The v6 is silky smooth. When stopped have to look at the tach to know it is running. And the mpg is outstanding for a full size truck. Was able to get 26 mpg on a short about 150 road trip once. Mostly two lane highways, 55 to 65 mph.

 

[zrfraser]

My 2016 big horn 4x4 v6 extended cab with 3.21 axles is at 22k miles. No regrets buying the truck. Does have one oddity, the ac clutch engages even though the display says the ac is off. Not a big deal but wonder. Back to the v6. Very pleased, traded in a 2015 GMC Sierra z71 for the Ram. Why? Well wanted a ram to begin with but couldn’t find exactly what I wanted and the local dealer was no help. While the gmc was a very nice truck, I started thinking about rams after I had it a few months. The v6 is silky smooth. When stopped have to look at the tach to know it is running. And the mpg is outstanding for a full size truck. Was able to get 26 mpg on a short about 150 road trip once. Mostly two lane highways, 55 to 65 mph.

That 55-65 is the sweet spot for these trucks.

 

[indept]

That 55-65 is the sweet spot for these trucks.

Thats impossible to get that with my hemi. Mostly because I can't bring myself to drive it at that speed without punching it to 80+

 

[zrfraser]

Thats impossible to get that with my hemi. Mostly because I can't bring myself to drive it at that speed without punching it to 80+

Tickets are expensive and I've had plenty. Gas is also expensive when you drive 150+ miles a day.

 

[huntergreen]

My 2016 big horn 4x4 v6 extended cab with 3.21 axles is at 22k miles. No regrets buying the truck. Does have one oddity, the ac clutch engages even though the display says the ac is off. Not a big deal but wonder. Back to the v6. Very pleased, traded in a 2015 GMC Sierra z71 for the Ram. Why? Well wanted a ram to begin with but couldn’t find exactly what I wanted and the local dealer was no help. While the gmc was a very nice truck, I started thinking about rams after I had it a few months. The v6 is silky smooth. When stopped have to look at the tach to know it is running. And the mpg is outstanding for a full size truck. Was able to get 26 mpg on a short about 150 road trip once. Mostly two lane highways, 55 to 65 mph.

The AC circulates when the windshield defroster is on.

 

[mxer201]

The AC circulates when the windshield defroster is on.

Correct, when outside temp was in the low 70s and inside temp set to 70 and vent setting was dash and floor, the ac clutch was engaged even though the display said the ac was off.

 

[Dusty]

The PentaStar V6 had two significant issues when first introduced: 1) cam phaser failures, although I think this was only on cars and Jeeps, 2) inadequate valve guide hardening on #1 cylinder (left cylinder head only). Both issues were addressed very quickly and since then the PentaStar has been extremely reliable. As previously mentioned, it is a ruggedly built motor.

Regards,
Dusty

 

[mxer201]

Thought I would bring this thread back to the top rather than start a new one. 2016 Ram Big Horn V6 4x4. The AC clutch again. If you look at the attached photos, the one when the outside temp was 60 degrees F, the ac clutch is engaged. When 43 degrees F the ac clutch was not engaged. So, wondering is this by design or a faulty temp sensor? Probably fall of 2017 when I noticed. Here is a response from FCA in regard to the photo when the outside temp was 60:

By looking at the setting you have it on, there is no reason the AC should be on. The AC will turn on automatically with MIX (the fourth little guy in the center of the screen) and DEFROST modes even if the A/C button is not pressed. However, you do not have these on.