3.0 Eco Disel

[MTS]

Looking at a 2023 1500 3.0. Been reading about nightmares and also some OK stuff. What are the members' thoughts on this?
Thank you
Mike Thomas

 

[HuskerRam]

The Gen2 motors in the 2014-2019 were either a dream or nightmares. The Gen3 motors in the 2020-2023 were largely redesigned and don't have the same reported issues. I like mine and it's been pretty reliable since I bought it two years ago (50k miles total). One thing to consider is the oil changes....the oil filter is built into the cap, so the filters are pricey (up to $110 if bought from the dealership). The oil requirements are a little unique/Gucci. The older Gen2s could take the cheaper oils, but the Gen3s have different requirements.

 

[06 Dodge]

The Gen2 motors in the 2014-2019 were either a dream or nightmares. The Gen3 motors in the 2020-2023 were largely redesigned and don't have the same reported issues. I like mine and it's been pretty reliable since I bought it two years ago (50k miles total). One thing to consider is the oil changes....the oil filter is built into the cap, so the filters are pricey (up to $110 if bought from the dealership). The oil requirements are a little unique/Gucci. The older Gen2s could take the cheaper oils, but the Gen3s have different requirements.

You can buy OEM Mopar oil filters for the eco for $40 or less, that diesel engine will do well with Rotella T6 that can be bought a Wally for around $25-$26 gallon...

 

[HuskerRam]

You can buy OEM Mopar oil filters for the eco for $40 or less, that diesel engine will do well with Rotella T6 that can be bought a Wally for around $25-$26 gallon...

Yes and no. You can buy aftermarket oil filters for less...I'm running an Autozone STP filter on mine for around $30. Some folks want to stay with OEM, so I just wanted to drop that data point out there.

Rotella is not spec'd for the Gen3s (it's great for the Gen2s, though)...something about potential deposits that can build up on the turbo vanes. I wish the Ecodiesel was as forgiving as the Cummins. Will it work long term? Maybe. There are some on another, specific forum that are running it without reported issues. For those looking to preserve their warranty, Castrol Euro is a great option for about $25/gallon. The 3.0 shears oil like crazy and has high wear metals if not fed the right oil. She's an unforgiving mistress.

 

[BossHogg]

Looking at a 2023 1500 3.0. Been reading about nightmares and also some OK stuff. What are the members' thoughts on this?
Thank you
Mike Thomas

I have a 2022 Gen 3 ECODiesel with zero issues. I follow the scheduled maintenance and use the recommended engine oil. It is easy to find incorrect information due to confusion between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 diesels and search engines. The only tragedy the Gen 3 faced was its discontinuation. They got it right with the Gen 3, and they stopped offering the engine.

If you do get one, look into Green Diesel Engineering's tunes (emissions-compliant) for the Gen 3. The engine and transmission tunes bring the truck to life, while increasing fuel mileage and reducing the frequency of DPF regenerations.

 

[Lysergic]

@Mikethomas - Everyone above is giving you good advice. The 2020-2023 "Gen3" versions of the EcoD appear to be much more reliable (so far) than the previous 2014-2019 versions.

@HuskerRam and I are also on an EcoD-focused forum. Lots of good info over there. I PM'd you the link. The comment HuskerRam made about oil can't be stressed enough - the EcoD is one picky bi**h when it comes to oil. After seeing the UOA's on 5K runs on the Mopar recommended unicorn tears, I would never run a 10K mi. OCI on my truck.

I've got a 2023. Just hit 20K miles on it. Bought in May 2024 as a leftover with 12 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. Sat at a dealer for a LONG time waiting on the CP4 (HPFP) replacement. My only issue so far was a bad DEF tank sensor at 14.7K miles. Didn't impact driveability, just annoying having the EVIC screaming at you about it, and the "200 miles to no engine start" - there's a crafty way around THAT annoyance. DEF tank was replaced under warranty as the sensor is built into the tank. (Another feat of brilliant engineering......)

Mine sees 90% highway use, a lot of back and forth between Houston/Dallas/East Texas. I REALLY like the 31-32 MPG! Best I've seen was 32.5MPG on a trip between Texas & Florida. 100% stock., no tunes. The only "mod" I did within a week of owning the truck was the @caulk04 transmission thermal bypass https://yourautohuckleberry.com/store/ I don't care for 190-200°F transmission temps, unloaded. (Why Ram, why?!?)

Monster thread on the transmission topic here: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/8hp70-heater-bypass.172998/

Now for the "just my opinion part". I think some people are pushing the little 3.0L to it's limits, expecting it to perform like a Cummins, hence some of the various failures. If I was towing a travel trailer or camper on a regular basis, I'd buy a 2500 with the Cummins and call it day.

 

[crash68]

don't care for 190-200°F transmission temps, unloaded. (Why Ram, why?!?)

When one of the transmissions can go 700K miles (it's not a typo 700K) most of which is towing fairly maxed out trailer loads, does it really make a difference if the trans fluid gets around 200°F? His regular maintenance was fluid change every 100K miles.
I've had 8K lbs behind my EcoDiesel and the transmission has not go over 200°F.
If the transmission thermostat mod helps you sleep better at night then have at it but it's not really needed with this transmission behind the EcoD.

 

[06 Dodge]

Yes and no. You can buy aftermarket oil filters for less...I'm running an Autozone STP filter on mine for around $30. Some folks want to stay with OEM, so I just wanted to drop that data point out there.

Rotella is not spec'd for the Gen3s (it's great for the Gen2s, though)...something about potential deposits that can build up on the turbo vanes. I wish the Ecodiesel was as forgiving as the Cummins. Will it work long term? Maybe. There are some on another, specific forum that are running it without reported issues. For those looking to preserve their warranty, Castrol Euro is a great option for about $25/gallon. The 3.0 shears oil like crazy and has high wear metals if not fed the right oil. She's an unforgiving mistress.

I found the below web page on Eco diesel oil it states that Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 is an OEM approved product, a TSB’s oil specification outrides the oil specifications in your car’s owner’s manual. 5W-40 full synthetic oils are recommended in the TSB.

[2014 - 2025] Ram EcoDiesel Oil Capacity & Oil Type - 2025 Update

Discover the [2014 - 2024] Ram EcoDiesel oil capacity and oil type. Get detailed information on recommended oils, specifications, and best practices to keep your Ram EcoDiesel running smoothly. Ensure optimal engine performance with the right oil choices.

oilsadvisor.com

 

[HuskerRam]

I found the below web page on Eco diesel oil it states that Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 is an OEM approved product, a TSB’s oil specification outrides the oil specifications in your car’s owner’s manual. 5W-40 full synthetic oils are recommended in the TSB.

[2014 - 2025] Ram EcoDiesel Oil Capacity & Oil Type - 2025 Update

Discover the [2014 - 2024] Ram EcoDiesel oil capacity and oil type. Get detailed information on recommended oils, specifications, and best practices to keep your Ram EcoDiesel running smoothly. Ensure optimal engine performance with the right oil choices.

oilsadvisor.com

Appreciate you sharing that. The site is very misleading, though. The TSBs mentioned are for the Gen2s only and further down the page, it says the oil capacity is 10.5 qts (Gen3 is 8.5 qtr) and you have to wait 30 mins before adding oil, which are both Gen2 only. The Gen3s requirements are 5W40 with the MS-12991 spec, which T6 doesn't carry. Also, Rotella T6 is a diesel oil and the current EcoDiesels spec non-diesel oil. It might be a superior oil for this motor, but there a lot of UOAs that show some of the cheaper oils with a lot of shearing down to 5W30 levels and higher wear metals. Not saying T6 can't be used, since the MS-spec is recommended and not mandated; however, I'm only saying the EcoDiesel literature says MS-12991 a lot. These motors cost too much to cheap out on oil changes during the warranty period.

 

[MTS]

You can buy OEM Mopar oil filters for the eco for $40 or less, that diesel engine will do well with Rotella T6 that can be bought a Wally for around $25-$26 gallon...

Thank all you guys for your input. Now if I can find one.

 

[BossHogg]

I don't care for 190-200°F transmission temps, unloaded. (Why Ram, why?!?)

Lubricating fluids are designed to offer their best performance within a temperature range. I don't know what the optimal temperature range is for lubricity in the 8-speed transmission, but I would imagine the engineers designed the fluid temperature to be regulated within the temperature range the transmission operates in. Changing the operating temperature of the fluid may sound beneficial, but the reality is that it may actually be detrimental.

 

[jimboschnitz]

My 2020 Limited with Ecodiesel has been trouble free for 86,000 miles. I previously owned a
2016 and was purchased used unbeknownst to me with an already failed EGR cooler. Fortunately
I purchased a service contract and the failure was covered. No other engine issues with the 2016 except for some software issues. I finally traded it for the 2020 when I got close to the termination of my 125K service contract. They are good engines if you treat them right. You can't drive it like a gas engine, got to let them warm up a little and also cool down. Some reports of DPF issues but I have never seen any indication of a Regen on either of my vehicles. I drive in Tow/Haul mode in the city to keep the RPM's up a bit and keep exhaust gases hot enough to break down the emissions from clogging up the DPF. I average between 20 and 22 mpgs (calculated) in the city and on the highway with speed limits of 75mph, I average between 24 and 26 consistently. I am extremely happy with my Ecodiesel.

 

[06 Dodge]

Appreciate you sharing that. The site is very misleading, though. The TSBs mentioned are for the Gen2s only and further down the page, it says the oil capacity is 10.5 qts (Gen3 is 8.5 qtr) and you have to wait 30 mins before adding oil, which are both Gen2 only. The Gen3s requirements are 5W40 with the MS-12991 spec, which T6 doesn't carry. Also, Rotella T6 is a diesel oil and the current EcoDiesels spec non-diesel oil. It might be a superior oil for this motor, but there a lot of UOAs that show some of the cheaper oils with a lot of shearing down to 5W30 levels and higher wear metals. Not saying T6 can't be used, since the MS-spec is recommended and not mandated; however, I'm only saying the EcoDiesel literature says MS-12991 a lot. These motors cost too much to cheap out on oil changes during the warranty period.

Just what is the MS 12991 Engine oil specification, why its better than MS-10902 /API SN, CK, CJ oil, I did a short search but could not find out any thing about it....

 

[HuskerRam]

Just what is the MS 12991 Engine oil specification, why its better than MS-10902 /API SN, CK, CJ oil, I did a short search but could not find out any thing about it....

Unicorn tears. Finding the literature for 12991 is near impossible, but it appears the only oils that carry the spec are A3/B4 Euro 5w40 oils.

 

[ktischler]

The Gen2 motors in the 2014-2019 were either a dream or nightmares. The Gen3 motors in the 2020-2023 were largely redesigned and don't have the same reported issues. I like mine and it's been pretty reliable since I bought it two years ago (50k miles total). One thing to consider is the oil changes....the oil filter is built into the cap, so the filters are pricey (up to $110 if bought from the dealership). The oil requirements are a little unique/Gucci. The older Gen2s could take the cheaper oils, but the Gen3s have different requirements.

Doc's Diesel sells oil filters for less than half of the OEM filter. You can buy them direct or on Amazon. I've been using them on my 2021 Ran 1500 since new, and I'm now at 78,300 miles with no issues.

 

[ktischler]

You can buy OEM Mopar oil filters for the eco for $40 or less, that diesel engine will do well with Rotella T6 that can be bought a Wally for around $25-$26 gallon...

Walmart carries Quaker State Euro full synthetic 5w40 in 5 qt jugs for $23. It meets the MS-12991 specs, it's right on the label. I've got over 78,000 miles with no issues.

 

[Lysergic]

Just what is the MS 12991 Engine oil specification, why its better than MS-10902 /API SN, CK, CJ oil, I did a short search but could not find out any thing about it....

Good luck. I've been asking the same question for some time. It's a material specification, it's been around since at least 2012. But what MS-12991 actually defines..no clue. HDEO formulations & additive packages have changed since 2012.

I don't see how a modern, low-SAPS 5W-40 HDEO meeting SN/CK-4 specs can possibly be "bad" for the vehicle. There is a document floating around from Stellantis that mentions the use of CJ-4 oils causing issues with the turbocharger, but CJ-4 oils left the room back in 2017.

Folks are running Mobil 1 ESP, Delo, Amsoil (Euro), Redline, Motul, and Rotella in the Gen3 Eco's without issue. There's a member over in the EcoD site forum who claims he's been using Rotella for 240K miles in his Gen3 2020 with no problems. I'm not advocating for one over the other. My first two changes were on Castrol Euro, UOA was acceptable BUT I only ran 5K miles intervals on it, not the "factory recommended" 10K. It was sheared down to a 30 weight. The EcoD is rough on oil, that has been established. I've since switched to Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 5W-40 and the truck seems to like it just fine.

 

[Lysergic]

Doc's Diesel sells oil filters for less than half of the OEM filter. You can buy them direct or on Amazon. I've been using them on my 2021 Ran 1500 since new, and I'm now at 78,300 miles with no issues.

Rockauto had a "closeout" special a few months ago on the Ecogard S11880 for $2.27 - I stocked up.

I've run the STP, Wix and Ecogard. Internally, the STP & Wix were identical. Haven't gotten 'round to opening up my last used Ecogard.

 

[06 Dodge]

Doc's Diesel sells oil filters for less than half of the OEM filter. You can buy them direct or on Amazon. I've been using them on my 2021 Ran 1500 since new, and I'm now at 78,300 miles with no issues.

I'm glad you have not had any problems with them, but if you would of had any fuel related problems while using Doc Diesel filters it would have caused warranty problems being those China made filters does not meet OEM specs. If I was to risk it I would use the Baldwin PF46152