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How many gallons of coolant are in 5.7 Hemi?

Approximately 4 gallons of coolant are required for a typical 5.7L Hemi cooling system when filled with a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water. Exact capacity varies by year, model, and equipment.


Cooling system capacity basics


The 5.7L Hemi uses a closed cooling system consisting of the radiator, engine block passages, water pump, heater core, and hoses. The total capacity is commonly cited around 15.8–16.0 quarts (3.95–4.00 gallons) for a standard 50/50 coolant mix. Some variants or factory configurations with larger radiators or additional cooling modules can push this higher, while minimalist setups may sit at the lower end of the range.


Note: Exact capacity should be verified in the vehicle’s service manual or with a dealer, because capacities can differ by model year and equipment level.


What can cause variation in capacity?


Several factors can shift the official rating for a given vehicle. Here is how the numbers can vary in practice:



  • Model year and specific Hemi variant (early 5.7L designs may differ from later updates).

  • Presence of an auxiliary radiator or performance cooling package used for towing or high-performance applications.

  • Heater core size and whether the coolant reservoir volume is included in the measurement.

  • Coolant mixture type (a 50/50 mix is standard; changing the concentrate ratio changes the effective volume required for fill, but not the system’s total capacity).


In practice, you can expect the system to require about 4 gallons with a 50/50 mix; always verify against your manual or dealer guidance for your exact vehicle configuration.


How to confirm the exact capacity for your vehicle


Before you apply the steps, here is a practical method to confirm the capacity for your specific car. If you know your VIN and year, service data from Mopar or a dealership is the most reliable source; otherwise you can measure by draining coolant and refilling with a known quantity to determine full capacity, accounting for the heater core and reservoir volume.



  1. Document the amount of coolant you remove during a drain to establish a baseline capacity.

  2. Refill with a measured 50/50 coolant/distilled water mix up to the recommended level on the overflow reservoir while the engine is cold.

  3. Run the engine to operating temperature with the radiator cap off to purge air, then recheck levels.

  4. Top off to the proper mark after the engine cools, recheck for air pockets and leaks, and record the total added for future reference.


Following these steps will help you know the precise figure for your particular vehicle.


Summary


The typical cooling system capacity for a 5.7L Hemi is about 4 gallons (roughly 16 quarts) of coolant when using a standard 50/50 mix. Exact numbers vary by model year and cooling package, so consult your owner's manual or dealer documentation to confirm the precise capacity for your vehicle.

How much coolant does a 5.7 Hemi charger hold?


Coolant Capacity 13.9 litres (14.7 qt.)



What coolant for 5.7 Hemi?


For a 5.7 Hemi, use the Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) purple 10-year/150,000-mile coolant, which is the manufacturer's recommendation, especially for models 2013 and newer. Alternatively, you can use compatible HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolants, such as some universal coolants like Peak OET or Prestone Max in purple, and ensure it's mixed to a 50/50 ratio with deionized water unless buying a pre-mixed version. 
Recommended coolant

  • Mopar OAT Antifreeze/Coolant: This is the specific coolant recommended by the manufacturer for 2013 and newer 5.7 Hemi engines. 
  • Compatible alternative: If you cannot find Mopar OAT, look for a universal HOAT or OAT compatible coolant. Some compatible options are listed below: 
    • Prestone Max (purple) 
    • Peak OET (purple)
    • Look for a product that meets the Mopar specification MS.90032. 

Important considerations
  • Mixing: If you are using a concentrated coolant, mix it with deionized water at a 50/50 ratio. Never use tap water. 
  • Compatibility: Do not mix different types of coolant. It's important to use a coolant that is specifically compatible with OAT or HOAT systems. 
  • Check your manual: Always check your owner's manual to confirm the correct coolant type for your specific year and model. 



How many gallons of coolant does a Dodge Ram 1500 hold?


A Dodge Ram 1500 holds approximately 3.5 to 4 gallons of coolant, depending on the engine size. For example, the 5.7L engine typically uses 16 quarts (4 gallons), while the 5.7L in a 2016 model might hold about 14 quarts (3.5 gallons). Always check your owner's manual or a reliable service manual for the exact capacity for your specific model year and engine. 

  • 5.7L Engines: Around 16 quarts (4 gallons).
  • Other Engine Sizes (e.g., 3.7L, 4.7L): Approximately 14 quarts (3.5 gallons).



How much coolant does a 2013 Ram 1500 5.7 take?


The coolant capacity for a 2013 Ram 1500 with a 5.7L engine is 14.0 quarts (13.3313.3313.33L), according to some sources, though other sources suggest a larger capacity of up to 18.718.718.7 quarts (17.817.817.8L). It is important to consult the owner's manual to confirm the correct capacity and to verify that you are using the specified coolant type, which should be MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology). 

  • Capacity: 14.014.014.0 quarts (13.3313.3313.33L) is a common figure, but some sources indicate a higher capacity. 
  • Coolant Type: The owner's manual specifies MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT. 
  • Recommendation: Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate information regarding capacity and coolant type. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.