Uses a "little" Oil

[HotDamnGotaRam]

New RAM 4x4 owner here. Can't believe what a nice truck this is! Even though it has quite a few miles, the last owner was a member of this site and took really good care of it. Guy was pretty upfront with me saying it used a little oil. After a few days found out it was a leak, which hey, is better than burning it right? Looks like it's due for it's 2nd oil filter housing replacement. The OEM lasted 40k, the improved unit lasted 160k. Pretty good improvement!

I'm ready to replace it, but debating which one to get. Was all set to get a Dorman until I started reading the reviews. Quite a few horror stories involving bad fitment and repeated R&Ring. Saw pics and the Dormans looked really crappy! Since some like them, guess quality control is an issue. Should I roll the dice on a Dorman or buy the Mopar part which is supposedly better than the orginal? Heck the replacement lasted over 150k.

Then there's this one that is pretty highly rated: https://www.amazon.com/926-959-Upgraded-Aluminum-Compatible-Challenger/dp/B0BV9Z9KRF?ie=UTF8&th=1

Opinions please.

 

[Fatbob Frank]

I know a lot of Wrangler owners that like the Napa Solutions upgraded one too...
Here's a pretty cool video that explains some of the issues and how they fixed them...

Pentastar Oil Filter Housings | NAPA Education Tech Talk

In episode 4 of NAPA Echlin's Tech Talk, Sales and Technical Training Specialist Corey Mayfield discusses the function of oil filter housings, why they fail ...

youtu.be

 

[SitKneelBend]

I know a lot of Wrangler owners that like the Napa Solutions upgraded one too...
Here's a pretty cool video that explains some of the issues and how they fixed them...

Pentastar Oil Filter Housings | NAPA Education Tech Talk

In episode 4 of NAPA Echlin's Tech Talk, Sales and Technical Training Specialist Corey Mayfield discusses the function of oil filter housings, why they fail ...

youtu.be

I had no idea NAPA made this. It's definitely entering the consideration when mine eventually goes (again)...

 

[Fatbob Frank]

I had no idea NAPA made this. It's definitely entering the consideration when mine eventually goes (again)...

Some are claiming the newest Mopar ones are even better...

 

[SitKneelBend]

Some are claiming the newest Mopar ones are even better...

I know changes were made to OEM but were those changes just for the Gen 3 Pentastars or across all generations?

 

[Fightinbass]

Congrats on getting a RAM, now you know why these trucks are so popular. When my oil cooler went, the local dealership replaced it with the Dorman. Since then I have read about quality issues with this part and the replacement seals (bobistheoilguy forum). I dont know if the dealership used mopar or dorman seals for my truck. FWIW, I have performed 4 oil changes with the replaced part over a period of 30 months and 24,000 miles without an oil leak yet. The part came with a 2 year warranty.

 

[HotDamnGotaRam]

I noticed there seems to be a lot of them on the road these days, but had no idea there were so many fans. Very cool.

Thanks for that link Frank. I hadn't seen that one! Guess I'm prob going to go with the NAPA now. Although in the comment section somebody is really singing the praises of the latest Mopar offering.

 

[Fatbob Frank]

I know changes were made to OEM but were those changes just for the Gen 3 Pentastars or across all generations?

Good question...I would assume all gens but you know about assumptions...

 

[Fatbob Frank]

One dealer mechanic on the Wrangler forum said the units themselves rarely fail it's usually the seals, but the dealers used to replace the entire unit because separate seal kits weren't available until recently...
Still, labor is the same whichever route you go so I say upgrade and hopefully it will be one and done...

 

[Fatbob Frank]

One of the other upgrades that the new OEM oil coolers have is a better design between the oil and coolant seals...
Used to use a single figure 8 type seal that could fail and end up with coolant in your oil or vice versa...

 

[Fatbob Frank]

I noticed there seems to be a lot of them on the road these days, but had no idea there were so many fans. Very cool.

Thanks for that link Frank. I hadn't seen that one! Guess I'm prob going to go with the NAPA now. Although in the comment section somebody is really singing the praises of the latest Mopar offering.

My only stipulation when we bought our new Wrangler was it had to have the 3.6L...
I've had 2 older 3.6l and a 3.2L, and they were problem free for me...easy to maintain too...
Tip-Don't overtighten the oil filter cap, use a new rubber seal every time and apply a thin coat of oil around it like a conventional filter...

 

[HotDamnGotaRam]

Wow, this site is a goldmine of info. I appreciate all the input. Should have joined earlier, been lurking for a while now. That first OEM design has me shaking my head. It's almost like it's designed to fail. So what's the verdict, OEM or NAPA? I can get an OEM for a lot less money.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Wow, this site is a goldmine of info. I appreciate all the input. Should have joined earlier, been lurking for a while now. That first OEM design has me shaking my head. It's almost like it's designed to fail. So what's the verdict, OEM or NAPA? I can get an OEM for a lot less money.

I'd say I don't think you can go wrong with the NAPA as it seems they've really tried to address all the flaws of the OEM but also kept the engineers intent with materials in mind.

 

[Fatbob Frank]

^^^I agree, but if you are getting it done at a dealership and they prefer to use the new OEM part I wouldn't be too concerned about it either...
To me OEM is kind of like Mil-spec. It's going to fit and going to work- but that doesn't mean it's the best part available.
My general rule of thumb when fixing something, from gaskets to seals, brakes, shocks etc is that if there is a better aftermarket alternative I use that even if it costs more...buy once cry once.

 

[HotDamnGotaRam]

I can't really afford to take it to the dealer. Well, that's not true, I could, just don't want to. Not only would it be fairly expensive, but my dealings with them in the past have all been negative. Actually my experiences with all THREE local Dodge dealers have not been good. My final dilemma is should I have at it myself or take it to my buddy's shop who'll put my parts on for $300-400. I can likely do the work myself, but this truck is so long and tall that it barely fits in my garage.

 

[Dusty]

I can't really afford to take it to the dealer. Well, that's not true, I could, just don't want to. Not only would it be fairly expensive, but my dealings with them in the past have all been negative. Actually my experiences with all THREE local Dodge dealers have not been good. My final dilemma is should I have at it myself or take it to my buddy's shop who'll put my parts on for $300-400. I can likely do the work myself, but this truck is so long and tall that it barely fits in my garage.

This past summer a local TV station reported on a Better Business Bureau list of the average labor per hour prices for dealers and independent auto repairs. The county average was $160 per hour. My dealer is $165 per hour. The differential in this economy is negligible.

Of course, even independents can't beat the "I have a friend" price.

In general, I have become a bitter critic of aftermarket auto parts. This is especially true of anything electrical. Just recently my brother-in-law replaced the thermostat in his Explorer with one from AutoZone. Failed in two weeks.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 1280410 miles.