My 03 Ram 1500 with 5.7 with 69K miles on it, is burning about 1qt of oil per 2000 miles. I change this every 2500 miles, and use Mobil1 5w30 synthetic oil. The Local Dodge dealership told me this is normal. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Additionally, the check engine light stays on. The dealership said it was an evap leak, did a leak test, new gas cap, 25 miles later and 70$ lighter in the wallet, the light comes on again.

 

you sure 'bout them specs, 5.7 wasn't made till '03?

I've not heard of the 5.7s (Hemi) burning, but the old 5.9 Magnums did to some degree, but 1 Qt. every 2k miles on an engine with 70k on it is a bit extreme. You got an issue I would imagine...

 

You are correct. Its an 03. Our jeep is an 02, and that is a frequent visitor to the shop as well.

 

Synthetic oil actually has less "boil off" than conventional. ~4-5% compared to conventional that can have as much as 30% but almost always ~20-25%. Those figures are for every single vehicle.
How do you drive? Aggressive or just moderate?
Burning oil at that rate and being Synthetic...I'd say it sounds like you may have some ringland issue's or valve problems. i would do a compression check as well as a leakdown test to find the problem. You should not need to change Synthetic oil every 2500 miles. that is obsurd.
the normal 3kmi for conventional is obsurd as well these days. Oil does not break down in 3kmi. These lube places have pushed and pushed for 3kmi changes to make money. Now, if your oil is getting very dirty from lots of dust and dirt in the air, then yes it should be changed that frequently.
If you said 1qt of oil for every 5kmi of Synthetic then yes that is normal, but not 1qt every 2500miles unless you are driving that thing like you stole it?

 

Mostly in town driving. My truck has always been driven very well. After the front end went out (rack, LF Ball joint at 65K miles), I have lost some faith in it. The oil is always very dirty, even after 1000 miles. I just assumed this was fact because of the heat the engine created. The dealership won't do anything, because they said after checking with Dodge, that this is quite normal to burn this much oil every change or so. (2500 miles). Has anyone heard that the newer RAMS, 06 - present, are made better?

Thanks for the replies, it helps.

 

Burning 1qt of conventional motor oil every oil change(3kmi) maybe "normal" but is still on the high side. the dealer will say anything to move you out that door unless money can be made which in your case cannot unless you pay for the checks stated above. Synthetic burns much slower than conventional.
Very next time you change your oil, put in reg old conventional and substitute a qt of oil for a qt of Marvel Mystery oil. Don't ask questions about the stuff at the parts counter because most guys have no idea what they are talking about that work there and you'll get tons of mixed reviews. I've done this many many times with excellent results.
Run the truck for 1,000miles and dump. Do the exact same thing again. Now your inside of your engine shouls be pretty F'in clean. maybe it will help with your oil burning as well because if there is excessive carbon build up on the valves, that can cause excessive oil consumption as well(leak down test would show this). I have run countless vehicles through my flush method and always have had exceptional results. Always. You may find that the 2nd time around was not really needed, but i suggest you do it anyways as the oil will be so clean after the 2nd time you'll sh*t yourself.

Right now at my local Advance Auto, they have oil change specials. 5qts w a filter for 14.99 and 5qts Mobil 1 w/Mobil 1 filter for $29.99.

Do not use any bottle that is labeled engine flush! Don't care what the parts guy says. Don't use it. can't say i didn't warn ya.

I would also put in some fuel injector cleaner. I'm a Lucas Fuel injector cleaner guy. they also make stuff to go in the engine if after you do the flushes. If your burning oil problem is still there, throw a bottle of Lucas staibilizer in every oil change. it should help with the burning if the burning is through the rings.

 

Thanks for all the info Dirtydog. I will try that exactly. I appreciate the information and help...

 

Let me know how you make out whether it's a PM 3 months from now or a post.
PM me if you have any specific questions related to all that. I'm here to help.

 

Will do. Thanks again!

 

Also, make sure you got a fresh air filter in there. A dirty air filter will make dirty oil.