I know there are a million oil topics, but I was unable to find any information about Mopar brand 5W20 oil in any of them. I've heard conflicting responses that the Mopar 5W20 is either straight dino oil or synthetic blend. Does anyone know for sure which is true?

 

Dodge recommends we use 5W30 in our trucks. What are the benefits of using 5W20?

 

For the 2005 (and 2006) Ram Hemi , Dodge changed the oil recommendation from 5W30 to 5W20. It is listed in the manual, and the oil cap reads 5W20.

All MDS-equipped Hemi 5.7L engines are recommended to use 5W20 oil to ensure the cylinder deactivation function works as designed. The 5W20 ensures that the lifters are adequatedly lubed for the MDS function.

There are dozens upon dozens of threads that argue about the oil weight, and a simple search will give you more to chew on. There are two main groups: Those who believe the switch was made only to increase the MPG on the Hemi and it doesn't protect the engine as well, and others who believe the tighter tolerances of the Hemi design lend itself well to lighter engine oils and the change is beneficial.

 

Ah ha. Thanks.

I just read somewhere else that the MDS required the 5W20. I'm new to Rams so I hadn't heard that yet since it doesn't apply to mine.

 

I changed to Mobil 1 and gained maybe 1/2 mpg, switching to 5w20 over 5w30 quieted (not eliminated) the hemi tick. So far I have found no measurable gain in mileage. Being an old man who remembers the real hemi at 4 grand (no a/c) and 30 cent gas, 20w50 Castrol and used a quart every thousand miles, I am comfortable with using the lighter oil. Why, I don’t consume any oil, so there is no blow by, gained better flow in the tight tolerances and reduced the hemi tick.

 

It was also done for emissions reasons as well.....lighter oil means the engine doesn't work as hard......

Dusty

 

I let the dealer change my oil because I have their oil change warranty (got it for free). So I would assume they use the 5w20. I have noticed that it has made the tick a little quieter, but that is about it.

 

I called 2 dealers yest.. One says the moapr oil is valvonine and one says its mobile1 oil not synthic...

 

I'm sure you meant to say fuel economy, not emissions.

 

You'd be surprised at the lack of knowledge at a dealership. You may find those oil changes are worth exactly what you paid.