I'm going through the process of figuring out if I can afford to order a new 2023 Ram 2500 w/6.7 Cummins. I've never personally owned a diesel truck before but used to drive them when I was in the USAF. Being a former aircraft mechanic and I used to write F-15 maintenance manuals, I'm all about RTFM. I've already downloaded the user manual and I'm starting going through the maintenance requirements. I got some questions regarding this. I'm hoping the discussion will help others so I put it in the Tech group.

First is the oil. The manual states the specs in the attachment but when I try to find Shell Rotella in 10W30 with the required specs I can't find it. Also, does an oil have to meet all the specs listed in the manual, MS-10902, API CK-4, CES 20081? Or should it just meat one, like as long as it indicates API CK-4, it's good.

Second is the DEF. How often do you have to fill up on DEF? For lack of a better way of putting it, MPG. My previous experience with diesel vehicles was LONG, LONG before DEF came on the scene. Is it used like 2-cycle oil at a rate of 20:1?

I guess I'll leave it there for now. Don't want to ask too many questions in one post.
Thanks, all, in advance.
Stan

 

How often do you change oil !

 

Sorry for the delay. Just saw your reply.

In my current ram ('08 1500 4x4 w/5.7 HEMI), I have changed the oil promptly every 5,000 miles, along with rotating the tires.

The manual for the 2023 Ram with the diesel engine indicates "Change engine oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months or 500 Hours or sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator system, whichever comes first."

Personally, it would take some getting used to not doing an oil change and tire rotation every 5k. It has become an OCD thing I would probibly split the difference and do it every 10k. Nice round number.