Been researching this one. everyone's generally right:
1. Yes, the RAM engineers probably do know better and probably do have reasons for 0w-20.
[mod: keep the politics out of the forums - you can speak your mind in OT]
However, no company is going to warranty engines over a slight downward adjustment of fleet MPG. RAM doubles down with a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty.
But, then again, when I hear of lifter problems, they seem to start around the 100,000 mile mark, one guy I know didn't have a 'tick' until he was at 198,000 miles. So maybe they did the math, and saw that it only affects a small percentage and happens mostly outside of the warranty period. But, then again, Stellanist can't take more reputation hits for long term viability. Some have very good explanations for why thicker oil is better, like 5w-30. I get that. Some others are concerned about MDS.
Well I found this video that explains many things:
If you're a real engine dork, you'll like this if you haven't seen it. If you one of those wheels and spacers guys, you might not understand most of it. (i kid, relax).
The summary:
1. Xw-20 is the oil to use. Thicker oil doesn't do anything beyond raise oil pressure. He provides a long technical explanation along with an actual engine block to show how oil is distributed
2. The lifter problem seems to happen more to folks in cold climates. Speculates that it's because of long idling, thicker oil, and large oscilations in temperature.
3. MDS is irrelevant
4. The solution:
- Upgrade the oil pump to a Hell cat oil pump
- Change the oil much sooner than the computer states (he says around 5000 miles versus the 7 to 8 thousand mark that the computer will often fall to)
Does it settle the debate? probably not. But more food for thought on a topic where so many armchair experts have better farts than thoughts. <-- me included.
1. Yes, the RAM engineers probably do know better and probably do have reasons for 0w-20.
[mod: keep the politics out of the forums - you can speak your mind in OT]
However, no company is going to warranty engines over a slight downward adjustment of fleet MPG. RAM doubles down with a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty.
But, then again, when I hear of lifter problems, they seem to start around the 100,000 mile mark, one guy I know didn't have a 'tick' until he was at 198,000 miles. So maybe they did the math, and saw that it only affects a small percentage and happens mostly outside of the warranty period. But, then again, Stellanist can't take more reputation hits for long term viability. Some have very good explanations for why thicker oil is better, like 5w-30. I get that. Some others are concerned about MDS.
Well I found this video that explains many things:
If you're a real engine dork, you'll like this if you haven't seen it. If you one of those wheels and spacers guys, you might not understand most of it. (i kid, relax).
The summary:
1. Xw-20 is the oil to use. Thicker oil doesn't do anything beyond raise oil pressure. He provides a long technical explanation along with an actual engine block to show how oil is distributed
2. The lifter problem seems to happen more to folks in cold climates. Speculates that it's because of long idling, thicker oil, and large oscilations in temperature.
3. MDS is irrelevant
4. The solution:
- Upgrade the oil pump to a Hell cat oil pump
- Change the oil much sooner than the computer states (he says around 5000 miles versus the 7 to 8 thousand mark that the computer will often fall to)
Does it settle the debate? probably not. But more food for thought on a topic where so many armchair experts have better farts than thoughts. <-- me included.
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