How much oil does a 5.7 Dodge Ram take?

About 7 quarts (6.6 liters) of engine oil are typically needed for a standard 5.7L Hemi when performing an oil change with a new filter. If you don’t replace the filter, expect closer to 6 quarts (roughly 5.7 liters). The exact capacity can vary by Ram model year and configuration (1500, 2500, or 3500).

In this article, we explain the typical capacity ranges for common Ram setups that use the 5.7L Hemi, how the filter affects the total, and where to verify the exact specification for your truck.

Oil capacity by Ram configuration

Below is a quick breakdown of typical oil capacities for common Ram configurations that use the 5.7L Hemi. The numbers assume a standard oil change with a new filter; if you skip the filter or use an unusual filter, adjust accordingly.

• Ram 1500 with 5.7L Hemi: 7 quarts (6.6 L) with filter; about 6 quarts (5.7 L) without filter.


• Ram 2500/3500 with 5.7L Hemi: 7 quarts (6.6 L) with filter; about 6 quarts (5.7 L) without filter.


• Note on variations: Some early or specialty configurations can differ slightly; always verify for your exact year and engine variant.

In practice, the 7-quart figure with a new filter is the standard starting point for most 5.7L Hemi Ram trucks in current production. Your best source for the precise figure is the owner's manual or the dealership’s service portal for your exact year and model.

Why capacity matters and how to verify

Using the correct oil capacity ensures you have enough oil in the engine to lubricate, cool, and seal properly, preventing low-pressure situations and ensuring oil change intervals stay within factory guidance. Always confirm the exact capacity for your vehicle by:

1. Checking the owner's manual under the Specifications or Lubrication section.


2. Consulting the Ram/Mopar service portal or contacting a dealership for your VIN.


3. Inspecting the under-hood information sticker or the service bulletin if available for your year.

By following the recommended capacity and oil type (often 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on year) you can maintain optimum engine health and performance.

Summary

For most 5.7L Hemi Ram pickups, plan on about 7 quarts (6.6 liters) of oil when doing an oil change with a new filter, and about 6 quarts (5.7 liters) if you’re not replacing the filter. Exact figures can vary by model year (Ram 1500, 2500, 3500) and by engine variant, so always verify with the owner's manual or your dealer for your VIN.

Can you put 5W30 in a 5.7 HEMI?

You can use 5W-30 oil in a 5.7L Hemi, especially in older models or if you experience "hemi tick," as it can provide better lubrication for the lifters. However, the manufacturer typically recommends 5W-20 or 0W-20 for newer models, and using a different viscosity may affect the operation of the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) and the engine's performance or fuel economy. Always check your owner's manual or the oil cap to confirm the specific recommendation for your vehicle year to ensure you don't void your warranty or cause potential engine issues. 
Potential benefits of using 5W-30

• Reduces "hemi tick": Some users report that switching to a 5W-30 oil has helped reduce or eliminate the clicking or ticking sound associated with the lifters, says Reddit users and JustAnswer.
• Improved lubrication: The thicker oil at operating temperature can provide a more robust oil film for the valvetrain, particularly on older engines. 

Potential downsides of using 5W-30

• MDS and lifter issues: Newer engines with MDS were designed with 5W-20 or 0W-20 in mind. Using a thicker oil can cause hesitation or improper operation of the system and its solenoids. 
• Reduced fuel economy: Thicker oil can lead to slightly reduced fuel economy compared to the manufacturer's recommended thinner oil. 
• Warranty concerns: Using an oil not specified in your owner's manual could potentially void your engine's warranty. 

Recommendation

• For newer vehicles (under warranty): Stick with the manufacturer's specified oil viscosity (usually 5W-20 or 0W-20) found on the oil cap and in the owner's manual. 
• For older vehicles or those out of warranty: Using a high-quality 5W-30 synthetic oil is a popular and often effective solution for reducing "hemi tick". 
• If you're unsure: Check your owner's manual or oil cap for the specific recommendation. When in doubt, especially if under warranty, it is always safest to use the oil type specified by the manufacturer. 

What is the bad year for the 5.7 HEMI?

The "bad" years for the 5.7 Hemi include 2003-2008 due to a known issue with valve seats dropping, which can cause significant engine damage. Additionally, 2011-2012 model years, particularly in Ram trucks, were notorious for the "Hemi tick," often linked to lifter or camshaft problems.
 
This video explains the common issues with the 5.7L Hemi engine: 58s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 13, 2022
2003–2008 (Pre-Eagle) 

• Valve seat drop: This is the most significant issue for this period, where valve seats could fall out of the aluminum cylinder heads, leading to engine damage. This is due to the different expansion rates of the steel valve seats and aluminum heads. 

You can watch this video to learn more about how to prevent the valve seat drop issue: 56sMarspeedYouTube · Nov 20, 2020
2009 and later (Eagle) 

• Hemi tick: The 2009 "Eagle" Hemi introduced revisions that brought a new problem: an intermittent ticking noise that can indicate worn lifters and camshafts. 
• Lifter and camshaft failure: The ticking noise is often a precursor to lifter failure, which can seize and cause the camshaft to wear down. This is a costly repair, often running thousands of dollars. 
• Multi-Displacement System (MDS): The MDS system, introduced in 2005, can contribute to engine tick. It deactivates four cylinders during cruising, creating temperature differences that may cause oil flow problems. 
• Specific problematic years: While the issue became more widespread in later years, the 2011 and 2012 models are particularly noted for the "Hemi tick". 

This video shows how to diagnose and address the Hemi tick issue: 57sJack FletcherYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
Other considerations

• Exhaust manifold leaks: This can occur in many model years and may be mistaken for the engine tick. It often sounds like a tick, especially on a cold start, and is caused by broken manifold bolts. 
• Transmission issues: Many 5.7L Hemi vehicles have also had issues with their transmissions, which can lead to costly repairs. 

How many quarts of oil does a 5.7 L V8 hold?

The oil capacity for a 5.7L engine, such as the Dodge/Ram Hemi, is 7 quarts with a filter change. After refilling, it's crucial to run the engine to circulate the new oil and then check the dipstick to ensure the level is within the proper range. 

• Capacity: 7 quarts (with filter) 
• Process:
  1. Drain the old oil and remove the old filter. 
  2. Lubricate the seal on the new oil filter and install it hand-tight. 
  3. Add 7 quarts of the correct oil to the engine. 
  4. Replace the oil fill cap. 
  5. Start the engine and let it run for a short time to circulate the oil. 
  6. Shut off the engine and check the dipstick to confirm the correct oil level. 

What oil is recommended for 5.7 HEMI?

The recommended oil for a 5.7L HEMI engine is SAE 5W-20 full synthetic oil. It is crucial to use this specific viscosity for the MDS (Multi-Displacement System) to function correctly. Always check the owner's manual and the oil filler cap for the most accurate information.
 
Key recommendations

• Oil viscosity: Use SAE 5W-20. 
• Oil type: Use full synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications, such as MS-6395. 
• Capacity: The engine typically requires approximately 7 quarts of oil. 
• Check the manual: The manufacturer's recommendation can be found in the owner's manual and on the oil filler cap. 
• Consider the climate: While 5W-20 is standard, some older or high-performance models might have different recommendations or benefit from a different oil in specific conditions, such as a thicker oil for towing or extreme heat. 

Additional tips

• Using the correct oil is essential for the proper function of the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). 
• Full synthetic oil is recommended for its ability to provide better protection and longer service intervals. 
• Brands like Mopar, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix are often mentioned as meeting the required specifications.