What kind of oil does a 5.7 L Hemi take?

The 5.7L Hemi engine, commonly found in Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, requires the use of a specific type of motor oil. According to the manufacturer's recommendations, a 5.7L Hemi engine should use a 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil.

Detailed Explanation

The 5.7L Hemi is a powerful V8 engine that has been used in a variety of Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram vehicles since the early 2000s. This engine is known for its impressive performance and fuel efficiency, but it also requires proper maintenance and the use of the right type of motor oil to keep it running at its best.

According to the manufacturer's recommendations, the 5.7L Hemi engine should use a 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil. These oil grades are specifically designed to provide the necessary lubrication and protection for the engine's high-performance components, while also helping to improve fuel efficiency.

The use of a 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil is important because it helps to ensure that the engine's moving parts are properly lubricated, even in cold weather conditions. The "5W" designation indicates that the oil has a low viscosity at cold temperatures, which allows it to flow more easily and reach all the necessary components quickly when the engine is first started.

In addition to the oil grade, it's also important to use a high-quality, name-brand motor oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications. This helps to ensure that the oil provides the necessary protection and performance characteristics for the 5.7L Hemi engine.

Key Takeaways

• Oil Grade: 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil


• Importance of Oil Grade: Helps ensure proper lubrication and protection for the engine's high-performance components, especially in cold weather conditions


• Use High-Quality, Name-Brand Oil: Helps ensure the oil meets the manufacturer's specifications and provides the necessary protection and performance characteristics

By following the manufacturer's recommendations and using the right type of motor oil, you can help ensure that your 5.7L Hemi engine continues to perform at its best for years to come.

What oil should I use in my 5.7 Hemi?

If you have a RAM 1500 with a 5.7L HEMI, you should use an SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend motor oil. Typically, RAM 1500 trucks take six quarts during an oil change. However, you should fill the HEMI with seven because of the engine's size difference.

Can I put 5W-30 oil in my 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 Hemi take?

A 5.7L HEMI engine typically takes 7 quarts of oil, though the exact amount can vary slightly depending on the specific model and year. It is important to use the correct oil weight, which is usually a 5W-20 or 0W-20 synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications. After refilling, you should always run the engine and check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct, as overfilling can damage the engine. 
Oil capacity and type

• Quantity: 7 quarts is the general recommendation for a 5.7L HEMI engine with a filter change. 
• Oil Weight: The recommended viscosity is typically SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20. 
• Oil Type: Use a synthetic or synthetic blend oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications (like FCA MS-6395). 

Important considerations

• Check the owner's manual: Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate oil type and capacity for your specific vehicle. 
• Check the dipstick: After the oil change, run the engine for about a minute, then shut it off and wait a few minutes before checking the dipstick. Add more oil if needed, but avoid overfilling.