Ram 1500 With 3.6L Leaking Oil (Look HERE first)
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The 3.6-liter engine from Chrysler has become a headache for Ram 1500 owners. From misfires, losing coolant, and leaking oil the 3.6-liter engine has been a nightmare. In this article, we will look at a common leak that plagues the 3.6-liter engines.
What year of Ram 1500 has the 3.6-liter engine?
The 3.6-liter engine was introduced in the 2012 Ram 1500 models and is available through the present models.
What would cause a Ram 1500 to leak oil?
The most common cause of an oil leak for a Ram 1500 with a 3.6-liter engine is the oil cooler/oil filter housing.
Many mechanics will instantly look at the oil cooler/oil filter housing on these engines as soon as they are aware of an oil leak.
Where is the oil cooler/oil filter housing located?
The oil cooler/oil filter housing is located in the “V” of the 3.6-liter engine. It is below the lower intake manifold.
What are some signs that my oil cooler/oil filter housing is leaking?
One of the main signs is an oil leak running down the back of the engine. The leaking oil puddles up in the “V” of the engine and then runs down the back. This kind of leak can also run onto the transmission.
What does the oil cooler/oil filter housing do?
The oil cooler/oil filter housing is used to filter and then cool the engine oil before it is to be used again.
What causes the oil cooler/oil filter housing to go bad?
The o-rings on the bottom of the oil cooler/oil filter housing leak over time. In some cases, the oil cooler/oil filter housing will become cracked and start to leak.
How hard is it to replace the oil cooler/oil filter housing?
Replacing one of these components can be challenging for the less experienced mechanic. Special tools like a fuel line disconnect tool and a plastic clip remover are needed.
Multiple parts have to be taken off like the upper and lower intake manifolds, to reach the oil cooler/oil filter housing.
With the upper and lower intake manifolds off, the intake valves are exposed. Small parts like bolts can easily fall into the cylinders if you are not careful.
How much does it cost to fix a Ram 1500 oil leak?
If it is your oil cooler/oil filter housing that is leaking, it may cost $100-$250 for the part itself. Depending on the mechanic’s labor rate, it can cost up to $900.
Frequently Asked Question:
Where do I find wiring diagrams and step-by-step repair procedures for Rams?
The best online resource I use is Alldatadiy.com.
I used it for this case study to find the correct procedure for this Ram 1500.
There are plenty of diagnostic aids to test many electrical components and get to the root of any problem.
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