2016 RAM 1500 Lamarie Eco Diesel Questions

[TheColt69]

Alright guys, so I’ve never had an eco diesel, just heard about a lot of the issues from back a few years ago (before I bought my 2022 Ram) and I’m now looking at a 2016 RAM 1500 Laramie with the ecodiesel. I know it’s had all the recalls and what have you, but it has some miles (over 200k—but it’s a diesel right), just a really nice condition overall.

During a relatively quick test drive, it drives out completely fine. Like really good. Temps are good, power is there, shifts out, 4WD works, average gas mileage shows 25mpg etc. but on a longer drive, without any trailer or anything, I had what I believe to be the oil temperature light come on. All the gauges appear to be good, not overheating or low oil pressure, all good. Went ahead and pulled over to check everything and I can actually hear some bubbling coming from under the hood. Pop it, and I can see the coolant in the reservoir is boiling.

So, I let it cool down enough to where I can open up the coolant reservoir and it looks like water. Like it is clear water lol there are some tiny black specks in it, but it doesn’t really even smell like coolant in there, doesn’t smell like anything. I check under the oil fill cap and it pretty clean, just darker oil on it, no milky mess or foam. I check the oil and it appears to be the same way, actual oil, no milkshake look to it or anything, though it is hot lol

I tried checking to see if there’s any gasses in the coolant system by putting a rubber glove over top where the coolant reservoir would go, fire it up and it is not inflating the glove or showing any signs of trying to, I know that’s not a surefire way but I didn’t have anything with me, (so *maybe* NOT the EGR?), although I know the EGR cooler has been a major issue with these. Also, once the vehicle is started, that light is not on anymore and it drives perfectly. I haven’t driven more than a block after this happened, but I’m really trying to figure out if my problem is that it doesn’t have the OAT Coolant in it?

Did Someone put water in it before they traded it because they were hiding a coolant leak or just trying to not buy the actual coolant before trading it off? Could it still be the EGR cooler? Is it a head gasket and the engine is toast? I need help lol

 

[HuskerRam]

There's a lot to unpack here. Gen 2 Ecodiesels are either the best engine ever made and last forever, trouble free. Or they are ticking time bombs. If it made it to 200k miles, it's likely in the former. Is it tuned?

For the coolant issue. I'd pressure check the system to see that it holds pressure and doesn't have a leak anywhere. Leaking hardware can be replaced (or deleted in the case of the EGR), but if it's a head or block issue, I wouldn't touch it. Replacement engines can be well north of $10k just for the hardware.

If you decide to get it, I strongly recommend looking at different tuners to extend the life of the motor and get rid of the emissions equipment. There are a couple that specialize in the ecodiesels and have fantastic reviews.

 

[TheColt69]

@HuskerRam Thank you for the information! I went ahead and bought it hoping for the best, but at a price where I’m prepared for the worst lol

To my knowledge it is not tuned, nor has it had anything special done except service and app the recalls. It’s going to the mechanic next for that pressure check and hoping it’s just a look at the EGR or something, which I can then either delete or buy the EGR cooler from American Trucks. I wish I knew tuners and all, but I’m probably going to do my best to make sure it’s right, then flip it, so I won’t be in for the long haul, though I do prefer not trying to pass a problem on.

Of course, there is the possibility I can make sure it’s right, then decide to drive it and park my 2022 RAM for a bit, I’m not opposed to that at all! Then I’ll do the deep-dive on all the different tuners and options to go further with this thing. It does get double the gas mileage of my Hemi at the moment!

 

[hemihustlin]

so hows that ecodiesel treating you so far?

 

[Ofd45]

I bought 2019 1500 classic eco in 2020 new , a left over for a great deal. Had an issue with the wiring harness at 800miles. Took a little while to figure out. Since then no issues, but did a full delete at 30,000 miles after reading about all the issues. Pull boat and trailers all the time. Truck runs awesome with no issues. Change the oil myself every 6000- 7000 miles. The oil has been way cleaner after the full delete. Love the truck! My advice would be for people to delete as quick as possible.