Alright fellow HEMI owners. I need some help. My 03' Ram HEMI 4x4 only has 37k miles on it. I drive it 10 miles a day. 2 oil changes ago, I noticed that the dipstick was practically dry. 3000 miles later, same thing. I changed the oil again a month ago and have been watching it closely and sure enough, my engine is consumingoil. I'm estimating that I'm burning rougly 1 qt every 500 miles. I noticed an orangish condensation under my oil cap and it smells burnt. I don't know what to do at this point. I'm mechnically inclined, just not experienced in this area. I thought I'd check with you fellas at the forum first before I take it to the dealer. Any ideas, suggestions on what it might be and how much it might cost to fix? Like I said, the engine only has 37k miles on it. Thiscan't be normal.WTF?!

 

I'm guessing that it is NOT leaking out. That would be an easy fix--sort of. First, does it have any warranty left on it. If it does, run it into the dealer. If you are consuming oil internally, that is bad. My first guess would be valve seals. It could also be an intake manifold gasket. Have you pulled the plugs and checked to see which one, or ones, are oil covered? If you can narrow it down initially, it helps a lot. You need to get this fixed now--the oil can plug your cats, and then it really starts getting interesting.
Make absolutely sure you aren't leaking it out externally first. You may want to run a compression check on the engine too, as this may give you an idea which cylinder is the target to look at. Either way, if you have warranty, use it. You will be a lot of money ahead in the end.

 

I'd also check the coolant in the radiator to see if there is a milky white substance appearing there. If so, there's a good possibility of a blown head gasket.

 

It should be covered under the 7year 70,000 mile power train waranty.

 

I bought the truck used at a Ford dealer. How do I know if it's covered under warranty still?

 

Take it to a Dodge dealer the warranteys threw Chrysler. It should be transferable

 

Doesn't sound good. Compression test to see if its rings, or valve seals. Catalytic converter prob shot too.

 

The Powertrain warranty has to be transferred within 30 days from the time of purchase if you aren't the original owner. I was charged $150 to transfer mine and you have to be the 2nd owner or you are SOL. Mine is an 05 though, maybe it was different for a 03.

 

Alright... I took it to the dealer and fortunately it's covered under my 7/70 warranty. **whew!** They changed the oil and told me to come back after 1000 miles. I'mdriven it600 miles and already the oil is just below the SAFE area on the dipstick. It's very aggravating to see this... but luckily it's covered under warranty. I'll keep y'all informed.