2021 6.4 runs cooler

[Bearcatrp]

Every vehicle I have ever owned showed max operating temperature just a hair under the half way mark. Even my 2017 Ram with 6.4 did this. My 2021 6.4 in my 1 ton shows between the quarter and half way mark. Even pulling my 10,000 lb 5th wheel it doesn’t budge. Did Ram makes these 6.4 engines to run cooler? Also notice it warms up a hell of allot faster from cold start. Not complaining but just seems weird.

 

[RedneckHippy]

Every vehicle I have ever owned showed max operating temperature just a hair under the half way mark. Even my 2017 Ram with 6.4 did this. My 2021 6.4 in my 1 ton shows between the quarter and half way mark. Even pulling my 10,000 lb 5th wheel it doesn’t budge. Did Ram makes these 6.4 engines to run cooler? Also notice it warms up a hell of allot faster from cold start. Not complaining but just seems weird.

I wonder if the active shutters over the radiator help with the warmup…

 

[Irishthreeper]

Every vehicle I have ever owned showed max operating temperature just a hair under the half way mark. Even my 2017 Ram with 6.4 did this. My 2021 6.4 in my 1 ton shows between the quarter and half way mark. Even pulling my 10,000 lb 5th wheel it doesn’t budge. Did Ram makes these 6.4 engines to run cooler? Also notice it warms up a hell of allot faster from cold start. Not complaining but just seems weird.

My ‘21 2500 6.4 is the same, also towing 10k lb 5W

 

[WoodGuy]

My temp gauge reads about the same as yours, but the digital read out temp gauge stays right at 210 and creeps up a little pulling grades

 

[WY.Ram]

I doubt that is the intended setpoint, seems really low. As far as I know the 6.4 tstat is 216F or 217F. And they run em that hot for emissions, keep the cats hot for efficiency, at least that's one reason.

I run a 180F tstat, operates pretty solid at 190F did all summer. 190F on my factory cluster gauge is app a needle width below the half way point. Where you describe your indicator it could be up to 15F lower than mine.

Plus my factory cooling cycled from 205F to above 215F constantly. Rock solid seems strange, gauge could be dampened, I saw mine cycle on a digital monitor (T2) not the cluster gauge. It would be worth getting a temp gun and take a couple measurements and verify it's running at the intended temp.

Mine is a 4th Gen, maybe the gauge changed but I'd still verify, nobody likes warped heads or broken mani bolts.

Edit: since I started till I posted two others verified and towing that kinda weight, they must have slid that gauge a bit, probably so when we hit 280F the needle is only halfway and we won't give it a second look . Lol

 

[Riccochet]

My 2020 doesn't budge on temps either. Seems they have the cooling dialed. Even the trans, while towing heavy up grades. doesn't budge.

 

[PCT]

I think it is just where the gauge is set? Cause running at 212-214 seems hot to me, hotter than less than half way.

 

[Bearcatrp]

I’ll select the temp gauge on the digital screen and watch what it does and compare it to the dedicated gauge. Camping season is over for me so won’t tow until next year. But will see what regular driving shows. Thanks folks.

 

[Fatbob Frank]

I actually noticed the same thing on my Powerwagon.
Seems to run cooler on the gauge but it starts blowing warm air much faster than my Laramie did and that had active grill shutters too...
Seems like a win/win in my book.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Here is a pic of my gauge on the left and the digital temp on right. The needle on the gauge never goes about this mark.

 

[Riccochet]

That's about right. Mine goes from like 210-213 normal driving, to like 218 while towing.

 

[Wadejesu]

If you install a 180 or 190 stat in a 5th gen 6.4, will it throw a code due to lower operating temp?

 

[Irishthreeper]

Towed over 10k lbs about 70 miles yesterday, a mix between flat and minor hills. Lots of stopping and taking off again. Eng temp stayed 210 or so and tranny at 167. 85 degrees outside
‘21 2500 6.4

 

[copcarguy]

I pulled a 4,000 lb. trailer about 300 miles with my ‘21 3500 and the gauge was the same as others have posted.

 

[buckeyexx]

If you install a 180 or 190 stat in a 5th gen 6.4, will it throw a code due to lower operating temp?

Don’t think you will find a 180-190 stat for the 6.4 as these are built into the housing. Meaning you can’t just by the thermostat only you get the entire housing, thermostat and he has the sensor on it. It’s not cheap compared to the days of just buying a thermostat and slapping it in.

 

[68PowerWagon]

Don’t think you will find a 180-190 stat for the 6.4 as these are built into the housing. Meaning you can’t just by the thermostat only you get the entire housing, thermostat and he has the sensor on it. It’s not cheap compared to the days of just buying a thermostat and slapping it in.

I believe you are correct. I am having to replace mine due to it being stuck open. Even if you could find one at lower temps I think you would have to have a tuner to adjust the new temp as it will likely throw a code. Unfortunately this is where they want these trucks to run these days. Emissions & I think to keep the oil thinner for better fuel economy. Also heard it helps keep the new valve system working properly. Another big waste of money from FCA but that's what they have in these now so that's what you get. I bet the fuel savings over the life of the vehicle doesn't justify the technology! They would be better off doing the engine shut off like Ford & Chevy. But I dread that too. Just think, they will all be electric if Joe gets his way!

 

[crazy jerry]

Here is a pic of my gauge on the left and the digital temp on right. The needle on the gauge never goes about this mark.

View attachment 472898

your temp isnt any colder than theyve always been. its just calibrated different in relation to the needle gauge