Not trying to scare anyone as you all know I love all the hemi engines. Just be aware of what could happen in the long run🙏☝️👍 if you live in GA and need help with this repair contact me on instagram@frostbite_ram or my Facebook @frostbite ram

That's what happens when you don't use 0w40 and the trucks idle for more hours than they are putting miles on them

Just traded in my 2012 5.7 and she had 179,000 miles. Don't know if the 2012's even came with a check engine light as I never saw it once. No rust and ran good. Hated to let her go but needed a 2500 to haul my new camper. Awesome truck.

I work at dodge. The main reason this happens is lack of maintenance. If you’re not doing the oil change with the proper oil every 6k miles that’s on you

I recently repaired this problem on a 5.7 Durango with 90,000 miles. Although the miles were a bit low, this engine had over 5000 hours on it due to extended periods of sitting at idle. Not all that bad really, if you consider a hypothetical average speed of 30MPH, that comes out to 150,000 miles. I did the work myself at a cost of around $1,200. I ordered a stock cam from Dodge, didn't pay any attention to the cam specs, and inadvertently ended up with a higher performance grind than original equipment. It really woke the engine up and was a bit of a shock when I first drove it. Other than the cam/lifter issue, I've never had any other problems with this engine. It doesn't burn oil or overheat, has lots of power and get respectable MPG for what it is. With the time on this engine and being used to engines from the 60's and 70's I can't complain.

My job does the maintenance every 4-5k miles regardless of oil life left. Regardless of manufacturer GMC, Ford, Ram we've never opened an engine. All have gone to 300k miles+ before California has us replace them for newer emissions.

We eliminated our cam & lifter issues when we switched to Schaeffer 0W40. Chrysler approved. Zinc & Moly both control the wear. No disappointments. If I told you the drain intervals we are running no one would believe me. We sample every oil change. Hard to find but nothing better.

We just put a Jasper remanded in a 15 ram rebel. 80ishk. Cam was junk and DOD solenoid screens all full of metal. Customer opted for a remanded engine with a warranty. I think it was a good decision. I’ve heard horror stories about repeat failures after a repair like this due to contamination.. I could be wrong though, I don’t have a lot of personal experience with the hemi’s.

I bought a 2014 2500 with the 6.4... as soon as I had it a day, same problem. And it sat at the shop for 3 weeks. I got it back for 3 days and had to put a transmission in it. I love the truck I have it still and no issues now 🤞 besides the gas cap curse.

I just sold my 5.7 HEMI with 135,000 miles 8 years old. Pulled an 8000 pound trailer every spring/summer/fall. I had to replace the exhaust manifold on both sides. Other than that, zero issues. Used the recommended 89 octane fuel and synthetic 5w20 oil every 5000 miles. Recently bought a new 6.4 Hemi 2500. Again, I use the recommended 89 Octane fuel and synthetic oil every oil change. I don't know if a lot of guys do that, but I believe it makes a difference.

my 5.7 is on 305 000km and never had an issue, I've always put some anti friction (for diesel engines) mixed with the oil since I got it at 200 000km and it's been great

A friction modifier / extreme pressure oil additive will help with this issue. Formula 3 by Lubrication Specialist in San Diego has it. $160 / gal.

Thanks for the update. I was looking to purchase a ram used in the near future.

I have a 2014 ram 2500 with the 6.4 hemi mds. I bought it in 2015 with 12,500 miles. I now have 210,000 on the truck have had no issues accept for just recently replacing broken exhaust manifold bolts. routinely maintenanced change the oil at 3000 miles wheather it needs it or not tire rotation alignment and balance with every oil change. Best running truck I've owned 👌

Thanks for the time making this vid. I’m considering a new 2500 this year!

Not sure if anything is changed since the year of those motors. But I'm running a 2019 classic. 5.7. 304000 miles without an issue. Oil changes done every time the oil light comes on so and we're between 8 and 10000 miles and my truck regularly halls every day between 4 and 8000 pounds. The only thing i've had to replace is a battery. Original transmission original rear end original engine. Haven't cracked a boat on the motor yet.

My 3rd gen started making a little noise and then misfired. I have a code for co2 sensor come on and then go out after a few startups. It's in shop now w 199k miles

Da hell with it while it's open..and he's changing the springs!! Put a tx speed stage 1 base line tune let er eat!! 😅🏁

My 2016 Ram 6.4 had the #5 lifter seize at 150k. All new lifters, cam, spark plugs, original parts and labor at the dealership, just under $5k. Oil changed every 5k miles. It just happens once in a while. With a couple hundred thousand lifters manufactured, a small percentage of them have failed. But even if 1% of all lifters manufactured fail that could equate to 10% of the motors being damaged. We can't blame the motor, but unfortunately it just happens.

Do a video about pros and cons when moding a CAM & Lifters VS just changing them when shtf

This exact issue just happened to my 2014 RAM 1500 with 5.7 HEMI. We were on a trip towing our 7,000 pound camper to Charleston, SC from middle TN. The tapping sound started while we were on our way down the interstate. I could hear it over the radio. I heard it all that week in varying degrees. Sometimes I could barely hear it. The engine light came on during the return trip so it went to the dealer. The issue was exactly the #5 lifter had locked and been chewing on the cam for some time. I was unaware until it was too late. I now have a 8 year old truck with a brand new dealer installed 5.7 HEMI engine to the tune of $13,000!!! It hurt BAD to do that, but did come with a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty. I had planned to trade the truck soon for possibly a 3/4 ton diesel. But with prices as crazy as they are now I'm thinking to drive this thing as long as I can then get something else. I will say I have lost my faith in the HEMI. It let me down in a big way at the very worst time. I would go to a 3/4 ton gas with 6.4 HEMI but I just don't have faith in the longevity of the engine. And the fuel price and maintenance of the diesel just about gives me a stomach ache. I'm not sure what to do other than maintain my truck very well and hope this new engine gives me 2 or 3 more years.

Its been said it comes back to oil changes, and most of these failures on are on long idle hours fleet vehicles, being changed at mileage instead of engine hours. When mine in my power wagon goes, I'm doing MDS delete, and using the blanking plugs from the old 5.7 HDs.

Great video and appriciate the information. I just bought a new 2021 6.4 ram. Would you recommend the use of amsoil or other brand of oil...or additive to improve chances of this not happening?

I am running a 15 ram 3500 6.4. Bought it with 69k i now have 137k. 40k of the miles i put on are towing my toyhauler camper loaded at 13,500 lbs. I have change my oil at 5k every time myself. Pennzoil 0w40. It has ticked since the day I got it and still ticks the exact same way. I run nothing less then 89 octane. I know for certain that running 91 will maintain my speed better towing my rig at 55-60mph. My truck hates that speed with the camper in tow. She is very happy running 65-70mph. I will note that my oil seems to be a bit darker at oil changes now then when i first got it, but it is not jet black.

I'm looking at a 2018 with 150,000 MI thanks for your video is there any test I can do when buying the truck that you would recommend

My garage and a local Dodge dealership have found that there is a cronic problem of the casting sand not being totally cleaned off of the blocks when cast. This casting sand then acts as an abrasive and its clogging heaters and radiators as well. I suspect this could be compounding the problems shown here. Sounds like a recall is in order.

From what I understand, it’s caused by the low tolerance within the engine cutting oil supply to the lifters. Not exactly how true this is though. I was told that there’s a plug to check for metal shavings somewhere in the engine (can’t remember where). If you check it, and there are shavings in the screen, the engine is done.

I have a 2021 Ram 2500 6.4 as a loaner as my truck is in the shop (2018 F250 6.7 with the dreaded upper oil pan gakset leak). Even with just 7500 miles, i will say the engine is NOISY and can clearly hear the valves clanking away lol.

Owned my 09 1500 since new. I am a Tech (since 1982). Been on full synth' since 10,000km. 226,000km at 5,000 hours number 3 exhaust lifter & lobe. I had NO tick, just a misfire under heavy load that would remain for about 15 seconds. Found the siezed lifter would turn 90 degrees in the cassette then flip back giving me a smooth engine again. I went with aftermarket parts because Canada OE prices are double ($2000 for just the lifters, plus head gaskets & seals etc) Some of the new lifters are ticking, now running 5w30, still not happy with it, but going to run it as is while I decide to either redo it or swap in a new motor. Will likely redo this one as I had the heads & exhaust manifolds machined (did valves & seals myself)

Part of the problem is that modern day motor oil has the Zinc levels significantly reduced in the oil formulation. Zinc (ZDDP) is used to lubricate ferrous metals under heavy pressure. Since EPA requires Catalytic Converter s to last longer, ZDDP has been reduced. High levels of ZDDP reduces Catalytic Converter life. I have a 6.4L Hemi in my Challenger. I add six to seven ounces of Lucas ZDDP oil additive at every oil change interval. My lifter noise is gone and the engine seems much smoother. I also removed the MDS using a tuner device. My honest opinion is that it is easier to deal with Cats that deteriorate over time than it is to replace engine components. Sorry Greta, but how dare you and your minions at the EPA lower my ZDDP levels and destroy my engine in the process. I also saw an internal Chrysler service memo recommending SAE 5W40 synthetic to be used in lieu of other oil weights originally suggested. This memo applied to severe service use, such as police, taxi and towing. I use 5W40 synthetic as well. The 5W40 plays an important role in cooling and is believed to help reduce the dropped valve issue on the 5.7L Hemi. SAE 5W20 was originally thought of as the best oil to circulate and that it is the best oil at start up. However, with reduced ZDDP levels combined with all the stresses and high operating temperatures that modern day engines are exposed to, metal sheer, scoring and thermal breakdown is showing that 5W20 is not a long term solution. Also, avoid using certain bright colored oil filters as they do not offer the protection a Mopar or top quality branded filter will offer you. Plate [C]

The only thing I would add is the 6.4 is not a new engine, it has been around for 7 years and the problem has not been very widespread at all. If the same owner has had multiple trucks with failures it makes me wonder what kind of maintenance he does.

Same thing happened to my 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 with 6.4. Only 65,000 . Limp mode one day . Then misfire code. Had full engine replacement. Still under warranty. I won’t keep the truck over the 100,000 mile warranty

Just add zddp+ aditive every oil change, Keep at between 1000-1400 ppm 1/4 of bottle depending where you get it personally i use redline brake in oil additive others are good too, The main application of ZDDPs are as anti-wear additives in lubricants including greases, hydraulic oils, and motor oils. ZDDPs also act as corrosion inhibitors and antioxidants. They are almost ubiquitous in lubricants, and treatment rates are usually between 600 ppm for modern, energy-conserving low-viscosity oils to 2000 ppm of this additive in some racing oils, Again keep it between 1000-1400ppm Modern 600ppm may not cover it.

I'd suspect that the root of the problem is caused by DIRTY OIL. Running it more than 5K miles between oil changes.

All commercial vehicles should have hour meters and have there service intervals set by hour not miles

Thanks for making this video, good stuff, 👍keep making the videos!

I wonder if these people changed the oil enough or used the correct oil. Roller bearings need nice clean oil especially with the location of that cam.

when he does the parts fix, is the issue of the lifters losing oiling being FIXED??

Have to ask is there a fix for it yet move the line from the middle of the engine so it can oil up to cam and lifters and does the hellcat engines have the problem

It’s common if your constantly allowing the MDS to kick in and out plus idling for extended periods of time… 2016 ram 1500 5.7 hemi 126k miles no issues with the lifters and cam but I am also aware of what causes it and how to mitigate the problem

Mobil one Synthetic oil, and mobil one synthetic oil filter.a large co. near me was using mobil one sythetic oil but cheaped out on the filter.when they went to the synthetic filters, no problems and these trucks had a lot of weight on them all the time something to try ?

Although long idle doesn't help. Oil break down is probably a factor too! The one thing that stands out the most to me is MDS. It is my belief that the MDS affects oiling of the lifters and cam! Recomend MDS delete!

You guys need to start using Amsoil. Why not get the best for the best. You won’t be disappointed. I started using Amsoil in my air cooled Harley’s back in 09, Amsoil far exceeds everybody else’s oil. I have used it in all my vehicles too, it’s life and longevity to your engine. Fully synthetic, runs cooler, lubricates better, last longer. My Hemi 5.7 has 190,000 miles on it, using all Amsoil in it, runs like a new one.

I haven’t heard of ls engines eating cams and lifters unless it’s the eco engines with cylinder shut off modes…the light duty pickups don’t have that so they don’t have cam issues….dodge needed to address the lack of oil to the lifters unless they just want engine failures out of warranty…uncle Tony’s garage has a good video of explaining this and possible solutions to the problems

I dumped my 2019 Laramie long bed 6.4 for a 2020 Tradesmen 6.7 diesel. I got cold feet with all the problems with the 6.4 hemi. I also needed a diesel to pull my new 5th wheel and it holds it resale value way better.

In today's competitive truck market there's no excuse for these types of issues in the hemi engines. I traded my 15 Ram bighorn 5.7 in for a 2020 SR5 Tundra. The exhaust manifold bolts were broke plus the lifter noise wearing out the cam. Both trucks sticker price were at 45,000 . That said I have faith that the Tundra will go 300 to 400 thousand miles with minimal repair. The Ram was nice towed my boat well.

My 2018 Ram 2500 6.4l has been pretty good so far. I am at 140k miles on it and it is hard miles with lots of idling. MDS has been off since purchase and everything is good so far. Mobil 1 0W-40W every 6-7k miles. At 68k the fuel pump came a part like it exploded. They had to tow me out of a job site drop the tank clean out the pieces and replace.Other than that all that has been done id Brakes about 3 weeks ago I got 140k out of it. Will it run into the lifter camshaft issues? Its possible, but I think the main cilprit has been the MDS. GM has had the exact issues and worse with their AFM feature. I will update here if it ever needs the dreaded lifter /cam job done. Also as of today the heater only gets luke warm. I am thinking Thermostat possibly, but its not over heating or creating any codes.

What were the oil change intervals on these vehicles?..Thanks

I know this is an older video but still relevant. I would be interested to know if oil change intervals and oil brand play a role in lifter failure. I dont care what a lab test says, 8k miles is too far for an oil change. I change mine every 4k. I mostly use the Pennz Ultra Platinum as recommended but a couple of times during Covid it was hard to find so I used 5/40 Rotella synthetic. Id be willing to bet that dropping the oil change interval would help extend lifter life.

I'd be running castrol magnatec or royal purple in these. Best 2 oils out there for these

Cam looks like it's been overdue with the oilchanges or cheap oil/overheated maybe? Pulled the cam out of mine and it looks brand-new, just like the crank. Oil changed every 4000 miles. Engine has almost 180000 miles on it.

Just about to do my first oil change on my 20 Power Wagon, it’s got 7k miles. First Hemi and first new truck, now I know to change the oil sooner from now on

Puny needle bearings in the lifter rollers + poor metallurgy. 2017 on Dodge beefed up the needle bearings, time will tell if this resolved.

Can you ask what oil was used and how long are the oil change intervals.

Are there aftermarket alternatives to expensive factory parts and are they any better?

I have 6.4 hemi with no issues, my sister inlaw has a 5.7 hemi and she has the lifter issue. The difference is I use the proper oil and she went conventional oil because the lube joint told her its just as good.

My 2012 Ram (5.7) had the same problem. Got a quote from dodge, they wanted to charge me 4,500 again 4,500$ lol. No joke. I just took it to a different machine, charge me 1500 also, but 2 months later, cold start my truck, the lift knock, then goes away, like 2m later (it’s not the manifold bolts) but I started blending my oil. I do factory oil then mix it with the Lucas stabilizer engine oil. Once I added that stuff, the knock was there but would go away like In 2-10seconds. It’s a really sucky situation, but if it happens again, I’ll probably just do it by my self. Cheers from Texas, hope I made sense. Lol By the way, I did see a KZfaq video saying about how the cam was to far from the crank, and how the oil wouldn’t reach the lifts in time, something like that. I believe the person who explain it was “uncletonysgarage” kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n7p8a7R2upiyp3k.html

I wonder if generic oil and cheap gas is the main culprit? I've noticed when heavy towing using standard mopar oil i would hit 280 °F after going with Mopar synthetic oil i rarely hit 260. Around town driving i use mid grade fuel and when planning a trip and during a trip when towing i use premium only.

Glad I purchased the lifetime powertrain warranty on my 2017. They no longer off the warranty though

My 2016 2500 6.4 l hemi has a lifetime power train warranty on it I'm not sure if it's the model that he purchased but they definitely come with a lifetime power train warranty on the 6th floor not sure if it has to do with the trim level of the vehicle

Is there a aftermarket repair for the cam problem , iam looking at putting one in my 2000 dodge durango

You mention milage in the videos as a rough estimate, but more importantly, what are the idle hours on these engines?

First thing I did to my truck with 200 miles was to cam it and change lifters. Added a lot of power and got rid of a known headache.

Looking at a 6.4 2500 ram with 95k on the clock They found this issue before I picked up the truck Dealer will replace cams and lifters under warranty but do I pull the plug on this deal ? We are talking other components wearing out and they call only the cams and lifters What else went dry right ?

Hey that gas station is in Winder! I'm in winder too. Would really like to know what shop he owns to take our 6.4 to him.

The engine failure is due to lack of maintenance FACT. I have only 1 customer that didn’t follow my advice on the 5000 km oil changes and his truck is now sitting until he can come up with the money to fix it. They need to start teaching vehicle maintenance in grade 5 that way you can’t say you never knew. Love the vid

At least now everyone can have a "Hemi", running or not.

This video caught my eye as I figured there were multiple problems with the 6.4. Then in thr opening statement he only mentions thr one lifter failure truck. The reference of it being a lifter on number five was fully defined as the intake or the exhaust? Also did all the other trucks fail the same lifter as you eluded to? That would be the kind of info the Chrysler company engineers would love to hear? Not to mention NHTSA AND THE EPA. As I understand it a lot of 6.4 failure with the engine will affect the emissions output and make those trucks non emissions compliant. Fines and recalls would be flying all over the place. So please more info please.

2017 and up needle bearing size was beafed up in the lifter rollers, anyone know if issue is less prevalent 17-23 ?

What’s this companies maintenance records with his trucks? I would love to know that. Tried and true engine and I’ve never heard of anyone I know with high mileage failures as you allude to. Please do a follow up once you have maintenance records, specifically oil changes

I had a lifter failure problem at 50k miles, replaced with hellcat and comp cam + mds delete, lifter failed again 30k miles later, rebuilt it again, 2k miles later lifter/cam failure again. Perhaps I’m cursed but I wonder why it keeps happening. Could it be the tune, wrong torque applied to the bolts, perhaps the heads weren’t cleaned right? I’m torn and starting to hate this 392 motor.

Very nice vid man👍🏼. Now here is a good one, i had 2 cummins one 95 one 2021, loved them, Then i had 4 1500 with the good old 5.7, some were ticking slightly but nothing catastrophic in here. Then, i just received my brand new 2021 power wagon, my first 6.4. That thing sound amazing at idle, nice deep and low sound. But as soon as i put it in drive and i move the truck as low as 3 miles an hour and up, that thing is ticking, some told me that a 6.4 in a car and in a truck is not sounding the same at all, im new to the 6.4 so can you enlighten me on what it could be please loll, it sounds like a mix in between manifold bolts, lifter and detonation, Im lost 🤷🏻‍♂️

i live in ga i have a 2012 ram 1500 that needs a cam swap u didnt tell us who ur buddy was that does this work. could u let us know how to get a hold of him

SO after the lifter fails and grinds that cam down, where's all that metal go? I'm assuming it goes to the oil pan and gets picked up by the oil pump and goes through all the bearings. So I'm wondering about internal damage...Do you check the pump and bearings before assembly and how do they look?

What’s the story on the GEN five‘s are they still bad? I have a 21 and concerned.

My question would be, is after market parts beet than OEM for the lifter and cam issue?

That MDS lifter and the VVT sucks but I haven’t had any issues with the 6.1hemi

Why would one want to go back factory/stock? So we can do it all again?

So Change oil at 3k no matter what and change lifters at 100k if your keeping your truck ?

I was at a dealership they drove a 6.4 in, it was newer. the engine sounded like crap an making noise. that was not normal I said to myself.

How are the 392 engines in the challenger?

Where do all the shavings go from the old cam? I thought this failure requires a new engine. I’m doing some studying as I’m considering a Hemi Ram 2500.

Do you think it's an oiling issue? Seeing others have the same lifter starving. BTW, the 6.4 is supposed to be lubed with Pennzoil Ultra 0-40W, I wonder if owners are deviating from the recommendation?

At 7: 30 you spray some super clean on a wheel and tire. DO you have to use the entire can to clean 4 tires? How much does that cost? Thanks

My 2014 6.4 popped P303 code. Changed plugs and coil in cylinder 3. Drove 150 miles and the engine shut off!!!! Dealership said it needs a new engine! Can’t believe this. 170k miles

We have a 2018 Challenger Scat Pack with the 6 4L. Zero problems so far at 25k miles anywhere on the car. I have two questions: 1. I noticed that the lifter that failed in this engine was one of the non-MDS, or solid, lifters. A lot of people claim the MDS system is to blame for these problems. Has this shop seen more MDS lifter failures or solid, or are they about even? And 2: If he has any experience with them, are the high performance 6.4L engines in the Challengers and Chargers more or less prone to these issues? We plan on keeping this car regardless and will stick a new engine in it eventually if we have to, we love it that much, but it's good to know what to expect down the road. Thanks in advance for any info!

I’ve seen this happen before and I advise my customers to replace the engine at that point because all of the metal that gets through the engine. I’ve seen them be replaced and two years later they start rod knocking. I don’t want to charge somebody you know $3500 to do the job and then have it come back two years later with the rods knocking.

I drive my 6.4 in manual mode to see if this problem goes away I had a 2012 5.7 that did this and it must be caused by cylinder deactivation and idling

Same thing happened to me on the 5.7 at 110, 000 km. Same #5.

Normally company trucks will overdue the maintenance and abusive driving. That's the no 1 reason causing the powertrain to fail.

Why would you go back stock won't that issue come back again seems like wasted money to go back stock and have another failure again.?

GM and Ram have been all plagued by this problem because of MDS…well documented and not a surprise at this point…eliminate it or get another truck every 100,000 miles, which is why they continue to use these systems, most people don’t keep the truck that long so they don’t care, especially after warranty period

I've been told idle times are a killer on the hemi. I run Lucas oil stabilizer I'm now at 1030,00 and so far no problems

I've heard that the oil delivery problem to the camshaft on these hemi V8's has been resolved. Someone recently has developed a roller lifter with a small opening on the bottom side of the lifter barrel that squirts oil onto the roller and cam lobe as the lifter raises the pushrod. The pressure from the pushrod depresses the plunger in the lifter and oils these parts that haven't been getting sufficient oil due to the longer distance from the rotating assembly, resulting in oil starvation. I'm told Mopar is now putting these lifters in the Hemi from the factory.

Could this be associated with the MDS system? I know it was a problem that Chevrolet was having with their system.

just had a cyl. 7 lifter fail on a 2015 GC SRT 124k miles

I just ordered a 2022 Power Wagon (Dont have it for about 12 weeks).... Same Motor...I always use synthetic, but would it help to put a moly coating or other (sticky) product in the oil? I'm not a mechanic, so just curious to ask one....

After owning several Dodge trucks and having to return to the dealer several times with each truck including a complete motor replacement on a truck with 2000 miles I'm done.

I had a 2015 6.4 challenger scat pack and the lifter went around 83k they replaced it put it in did not change the cam gave it back to me drove it motor blew as I was driving on the E way going 95 and it took a year for FCA a year to put a new motor in it then when they put the motor in it did not sink the trans with motor spun out my trans rebuilt the trans and then lemon Lawed it and won

I wish you would have told us the type of oil recommended and the type of oil used in his trucks respectfully I have a thirst for knowledge!