Does a 5.7 Hemi have an oil cooler?

Yes. In most applications, the 5.7-liter Hemi engine includes an engine oil cooler as part of its cooling system, though the exact layout and presence can vary by model year and vehicle platform. The oil cooler helps maintain stable oil temperature during heavy use, towing, or hot climates.

Overview of the 5.7 Hemi oil-cooling setup

The engine oil cooler is designed to protect oil viscosity and engine wear under sustained heat. On the 5.7 Hemi, you’ll typically find one of two implementations: a small external cooler core with dedicated lines, or integration of cooling passages through the oil filter housing or a sandwich-style adapter. The arrangement can differ between pickups, SUVs, and performance-oriented variants, but the goal remains the same: keep engine oil within an optimal temperature range.

Typical installation approaches

Common ways manufacturers implement the 5.7 Hemi oil-cooling system across models include:

• External radiator-style oil cooler mounted in front of the radiator, with dedicated oil lines running to and from the cooler. This setup is common on many trucks and some higher-tayload or tow-focused configurations.


• Oil cooler integrated into the oil filter housing or on a sandwich plate, with shorter cooling lines to a compact cooler core located near the radiator or within the engine bay.


• Hybrid or compact arrangements where cooling passages are integrated into the engine’s oil routing, used in certain performance or space-constrained applications.

Concluding paragraph: Across the 5.7 Hemi lineup, you should expect an engine oil cooler to be present in most configurations, but the exact hardware and routing can vary by model, year, and trim. If you rely on towing or operate in extreme conditions, a cooler is especially common and often required by the vehicle’s specifications.

How to verify on your specific vehicle

To determine whether your particular 5.7 Hemi has an oil cooler and how it is plumbed, use the following verification steps.

1. Inspect the engine bay for oil-cooler lines or a small cooler core visible in front of the radiator area or integrated near the oil filter housing.


2. Consult the owner’s manual or the service manual for references to an engine oil cooler or oil-cooling system.


3. Check the vehicle’s build sheet, window sticker, or VIN-based data (via the manufacturer’s portal or a dealer) for oil cooler options or towing/performance packages that include cooling enhancements.


4. Ask a qualified mechanic or dealership to confirm by inspecting the cooling system layout on your exact model year and trim.

Concluding paragraph: If you discover no oil cooler on a 5.7 Hemi where you expect one (for example, in towing-heavy setups), it could indicate a non-standard configuration, a different engine variant, or a missing/corrective component. A professional check can confirm suitability and prevent oil-temperature-related wear.

Summary

In short, the 5.7 Hemi typically includes an engine oil cooler as part of its cooling system, with variations in how it’s installed depending on the model, year, and mission (daily driving vs. towing or performance). If you’re unsure about your specific vehicle, verify through the owner’s manual, VIN data, or a dealership service department, and look for the characteristic cooler core or oil-line routing in the engine bay.

What years to avoid for the 5.7 Hemi RAM 1500?

Years to avoid for the 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500 include 2011-2012, primarily for "Hemi tick" and lifter issues, and 2014, due to reports of catastrophic steering failures. Other years to approach with caution are 2018-2019, due to electrical and infotainment system problems, and 2004 and 2013-2015, which have documented issues with engine stalling and transmission failures, respectively.
 
Years to be cautious of

• 2011-2012: Notorious for "Hemi tick" from failed lifters or other engine issues. 2011 also had reports of engine failure, MDS issues, and water pump failures. 
• 2013-2015: Documented severe transmission failures, particularly in 2013 and 2015 models. 2015 also had numerous recalls and problems with its electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel systems. 
• 2014: Several complaints have logged total steering loss, sometimes at highway speeds. 
• 2018-2019: Reports of issues with electrical and infotainment systems are more common. 
• 2004: Engine stalling issues persisted, and there were power train concerns. 

What to look for in a reliable Hemi Ram 1500

• 2010: Generally has better engine reliability, though it was known for a weak engine combined with poor fuel economy. 
• 2018 and newer: The 5.7L Hemi V-8 is considered more reliable in these years. 
• 2020 and newer: Models have fewer issues than late 2010s versions. 
• Ram 1500 Classic models: These are also reported to do well, having fewer complex systems than the redesigned 2019 and newer models. 

What's the normal oil temperature for a 5.7 Hemi?

A good oil temperature for a 5.7L Hemi is generally between 212°F and 260°F, with ideal cruising temperatures often around 220°F to 245°F. The oil needs to be above 212∘F212 raised to the composed with power cap F212∘𝐹 to burn off moisture, but sustained temperatures above 275∘F275 raised to the composed with power cap F275∘𝐹 can cause the oil to start degrading.
 
Operating temperature breakdown

• Ideal cruising: 220∘F220 raised to the composed with power cap F220∘𝐹 to 245∘F245 raised to the composed with power cap F245∘𝐹 is a good, healthy range for most driving conditions. 
• Towing/Heavy load: Temperatures may climb higher, sometimes up to 260∘F260 raised to the composed with power cap F260∘𝐹 to 270∘F270 raised to the composed with power cap F270∘𝐹. As long as it's temporary, this is often considered normal, especially when using a quality synthetic oil. 
• Maximum safe temperature: While some temporary spikes to 270∘F270 raised to the composed with power cap F270∘𝐹 may be acceptable, prolonged temperatures above 275∘F275 raised to the composed with power cap F275∘𝐹 are not recommended as the oil can begin to break down. 
• Minimum temperature: Oil needs to reach at least 212∘F212 raised to the composed with power cap F212∘𝐹 to boil off any water that may have accumulated, which is crucial for preventing sludge and corrosion. 

Things to consider

• Coolant temp: Your oil temperature will generally be a few degrees higher than your coolant temperature, which itself should typically be around 195−200∘F195 minus 200 raised to the composed with power cap F195−200∘𝐹. 
• Oil type: Using a high-quality synthetic oil will provide better protection at higher temperatures. 
• Towing: Towing, especially up inclines, will naturally increase oil temperature. Monitoring and taking note of how the temperature behaves during these times is a good practice. 
• Cooling system: If your oil temperature is consistently high, ensure your cooling system is in good working order. This includes the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and fan. 

How to tell if it's a head gasket or oil cooler?

You can differentiate a bad oil cooler from a head gasket failure by checking for external leaks, internal mixing, and exhaust smoke. A bad oil cooler often causes external leaks of oil and coolant and can lead to oil and coolant mixing internally, whereas a head gasket is more likely to cause engine overheating, rough running, bubbles in the coolant, and excessive white exhaust smoke. A definitive test for a head gasket is checking for exhaust gases in the coolant using a chemical test kit.
 
Oil cooler failure

• External leaks: You may see puddles of oil and coolant on the ground or engine block, often from failing gaskets or seals on the cooler itself. 
• Oil and coolant mixing: Internal failure of the oil cooler can cause oil and coolant to mix, making the engine oil look milky or like "chocolate milk" and the coolant may have an oily film. 
• No excessive white smoke: Unlike a head gasket leak, an oil cooler failure typically does not cause white smoke from the exhaust, which is a sign of coolant burning in the cylinders. 

Head gasket failure

• Internal leaks: A head gasket can leak gases into the cooling system, causing bubbles in the radiator and pressure buildup. 
• Engine overheating: A common symptom is the engine overheating because combustion gases are forcing their way into the coolant system and overwhelming it. 
• Excessive white smoke: A blown head gasket can allow coolant into the combustion chambers, which burns off as steam, creating excessive white smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup. 
• Rough running: A leak between cylinders can cause a loss of compression, leading to a rough idle, misfires, and loss of power. 
• Milky oil: Coolant can leak into the oil supply, making the oil appear milky or frothy. 

How to confirm

• Chemical test: A definitive test for a head gasket is to use a chemical tester on the radiator. A special blue fluid will turn yellow if exhaust gases are present in the cooling system. 
• Compression test: A compression or leak-down test can reveal a loss of compression between cylinders, which is a strong indicator of a head gasket issue. 
• Professional diagnosis: If you are unsure, it is best to have a professional mechanic perform a thorough diagnosis. 

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Where is the oil cooler located?

An oil cooler can be located either in front of the vehicle's radiator, mounted low in the engine bay, or integrated internally within the radiator itself. Some vehicles, particularly those with performance or heavy-duty applications, have an external oil cooler mounted in front of the radiator for maximum airflow, while other internal coolers are sandwiched between the engine block and the oil filter housing, notes CarParts.com and YouTube. 
This video shows how to locate the oil cooler on a truck: 28sRams to the RescueYouTube · Mar 24, 2023
Common locations:

• In front of the radiator: Many external oil coolers are mounted in the front of the engine bay where they can get the most airflow. 
• On the lower radiator hose: In some configurations, the oil cooler is mounted on the lower radiator hose, with hoses running to and from the oil filter. 
• Sandwiched between the oil filter and the engine block: The oil cooler can also be an internal component located between the engine block and the oil filter housing. 
• Integrated with the radiator: In some cases, the oil cooler is part of the radiator, with the oil flowing through a dedicated section. 

This video shows the location of an oil cooler inside the engine bay of a vehicle: 51sJeeping 4 BeginnersYouTube · Dec 8, 2022
How to find it on your vehicle:

1. 1. Look for the radiator: The oil cooler is often in the front of the car, typically in front of or behind the main radiator or fans. 
2. 2. Identify hoses and lines: Look for additional hoses, which can be oil or coolant lines, connected to a small, radiator-like device. 
3. 3. Check near the oil filter: If you don't see an external cooler, check around the oil filter. An internal cooler will likely be mounted behind the filter.