RAM 2500 Cummins 6.7L Diesel Engine ** Heavy Mechanic Review** | TOP 3 ISSUES

I reviewed a 2023 RAM 2500 Cummins 6.7 Diesel Engine as a heavy duty mechanic. I talk about potential engine issues and problems that these Cummins diesel engines face today. The number 1 issues stem from aftertreatment issues like DPF problems and Diesel exhaust fluid issues. We also talk about Cummins turbo issues, finally I talk about ways to prevent all these issues and how to extend the life of your Cummins diesel engine.

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I hope everyone is having a good weekend! Today I have my hands on the notorious 6.7 cummins diesel engine. I past I've talked alot about the good things with this engine but I figured today I would chat about 3 of the most common issues with these engines that I see as a heavy duty mechanic.

1. Aftertreatment engine codes/issues

By for the #1 issus I see with these cummins engine are aftertreatment issues. these issues normally come in the form of check engine lights. and usually there are sensors that have gone bad but sometimes we run into wiring issues, software problems and even full component failures like DPF failure or def pump failures.

2. EGR Issues

the second most common issue is EGR problems. these cummins engines seem to love running sooty and this causes a number of issues with the EGR system. first off clogged EGR coolers are pretty common and secondly clogged EGR valves and intakes. often times we have to clean out all the soot in order to clear the engine codes

3. VGT turbo actuator failure

the cummins run an electric VGT turbo which usually works well but sometime the actuator can fail or the VGT veins internally on the turbo can seize. I have personally replaced a number of these turbos and it seems to be a pretty common thing on the 6.7L cummins engines.

Overall I think the cummins is a great engine but these are the most commons issues that I see in the real world as a heavy duty mechanic.

hope you liked the video!

[dutch]

I’ll sum up the main problems he mentioned. The government. That’s the problem.

[RCQuadPatriot]

Weird how these engines not only become more reliable but also more fuel efficient without all the emission bs. Leave it to the idiots in gov to screw something up that didn’t need fixing.

[jirinajman]

Great video.
I have 2016 Ram 3500 diesel longhorn from brand new. First five years I was using it on daily basis for on everage 250 miles per day pulling my construction trailer with different loads. Just reliable truck, always ready, never failed me. In miles now I changed the turbo actuator, banks air intake( the killer bolt was failing) and regular maintenance, truck runs still like new, really happy with this investment!

[concretejungle]

75% of the problems with new diesel engines regardless of the brand, regardless how hard you run them, is emission systems, might be the filter failure, might be the def sensors, mostly its the egr but its always something that has to do with the emission system, and the mpg's on all the different brands proves this 100%.

[stevewright]

I am a Ram technician. If I might offer a little insight your three common issues, and I will keep it to the 2019 and newer (it is a different engine and overall system). And please know that what I see is common to the Southeast region. #1- Aftertreatment failures are now usually due to the fuel filters not properly being maintained (10k-15K miles. Usually I recommend to my customers do them during their oil change), incorrect air filter installed (must be the type without the glue strips and no aftermarket like K&N), or the lack of EGR system maintenance. Also go to the dealer and make sure the most recent software has been flashed in the PCM (It will usually cost you about an hour). #2- If the EGR system is properly maintained at the proper intervals, you shouldn't have an issue. Many of my commercial clients have several hundred thousand miles on their trucks and are operating with much of the original equipment. There is a message that comes on in the dash "Perform Service" usually about 70k miles (67.5K miles on 2018 & prior) and requires that the EGR cooler & cross-over tube be soaked & cleaned, and the CCV filter be replaced. The EGR valve on 2018 and prior can be disassembled and the mechanics can be cleaned but unfortunately 2019 & newer cannot (at least I haven't found a way). The cleaner I really like is EGR Cleaner by Mopar. I use it full strength and let the parts soak overnight. To soak the cooler I made a blank that I seal with RTV at one end of the cooler then fill it up. ***If you have a lot of idle time, I recommend this service more frequently.*** #3- The turbo and actuator are terribly misunderstood (and mistreated). I will start with the turbo; AGAIN, IF YOU ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINING YOUR EGR SYSTEM, you shouldn't have any problems with the veins nor the impeller in your turbocharger. Now the actuator; usually when you have an issue with the actuator, there are generally a couple of codes. I don't remember them off hand but the most common will be a loss of communication, active or stored and usually a symptom of no power or intermittent loss of power (dangerous if you are pulling out into traffic). The other code is related to calibration (if I remember correctly). I find in most cases that people are driving the hell out of their trucks. Over speed limit, towing 15k-20k pounds, or more, down the road. Get to the destination and shut off the engine! What does hot coolant, sitting in a hot engine with no circulation, do...? It gets hotter. That hotter coolant is in the actuator (as well as, its attached to the hot turbo, which is attached to the hot exhaust manifold). Are you seeing the problem....? The circuit board in the actuator gets cold solder breaks from excessive heat to cold, repetitively. When you get to your destination, let your truck idle for 10 minutes. It really is that simple to extend the life of your actuator.

Much of this can be extended to 2018 & prior. The real message here is maintain your truck. You spent $50k-$100k+ for your truck! Research it! That and find yourself a good Mopar tech that you can trust.

[trentbain]

as a retired Mopar tech, heavy line/ transmissions. i worked on a lot of the Cummins engine. the biggest cause of any failure on these trucks, were caused by the owner. people bought a work truck they tried to use as a pleasure vehicle. seen alot of these vehicle 3/4 ton 4 x 4 drove by the wife because see wanted to be cool/hip, in the now. people that worked these vehicle had very little issues and usually high mileage when they did. i also seen head gasket failure on these engine, but where either high mileage or had aftermarket equipment boosting power, which would lift the head off the gasket and would eventually fail. the stock high mileage head gasket failure, would usually leak externally from parts of the gasket deteriorating, till leak occured.

[TIREDOFEVIL]

Is it not amazing what government regulations can do to a fine engine design?

[joselucca]

I was close to buying one of these, but your video provided me with enough reasons to go back to the drawing table and reevaluate the whole idea.

[brenteason]

On my 2018 Ram 2500, I had to drive it once a week on the highway for about 20 miles to complete a regen on the DPF. Driving around town didn’t get it hot enough and was headed towards a huge bill for a new DPF. The temps in the DPF would easily go over 1000F in regen. Problem was solved with an “emissions surgery” and tuner. Great video!!

[craigshackelford]

I really appreciate this video. I love my 2013 6.7 Tradesman. I have cleaned, repaired, or replaced most every component of the emissions system and probably will be replacing some systems again. I run a lot fuel additives and just made a 1, 000 mile trip from Georgia to Missouri over the weekend where it really performed. You are so right about short trips. Around the farm this thing makes lots of starts and stops and pulls hard when not at full temp. A brutal life Thanks again for your video

[jimratliff]

I like to know nonsense professional talk. Experience has value. Very educational. This helps point me in the right direction with my 2015 Ram 2500 Laramie limited turbo diesel issues.

[randalovcen]

I was about to pull the trigger on a Ram diesel. After watching your video, I realized I am one of those you described who doesn't drive very far. Even though I pull a moderate-sized fifth wheel, it is only half a dozen times a year. I'll be sticking with my 2018 35Heavy Dutyu 6.4. (yeah, it's got a Hemi!) Great video presence with great, honest info. Thanks!

[flameredram]

Would love to see you make a video detailing these after-treatment systems from a mechanic's perspective

[k-mparker]

Heres a nugget for idling. When sitting in traffic or stopped for longer than a few minutes, turn the cruise control on and hit the minus bitton on the cruise control. Your RPM’s are increased to around 1400 to mitigate DPF problems and keep it cleaner.

[osmd]

I really appreciate you posting this video going over these issues that most buyers (like me) have no idea of or at best a very remote idea as to what can happen with this motor which I was going to get in the new 2023 Rebel 2500 or 2024 Laramie, however after listening your explanation of the intricacies innate to this engine and likeliness of malfunctions that can happen with not fault at all of driver/owner I will go with the HEMI 6.4 gasoline, many thanks.

[jameseroh]

My wife's 2018 6.7L runs best with Hot Shots Secret EDT added to the fuel at every fill up.
Last year, the P20EE code kept coming up every 3 weeks. 4 trips to the dealer that replaced the SCR, Nox sensor, DEF fluid replacement, and reflashed software. The last time the code showed up I noticed the battery was a little off. Went to Walmart for a new AGM battery. It has been 9 months since any issues. The engine runs smoother and with better fuel economy.
I have been using Rotella T6 5w40 oil all year round since 700 miles.
Also got a Bank's intake elbow to avoid the dreaded heater grid bolt issue.

[agerardomp]

Greetings Alex.
A pleasure to see yours videos and to listen yours comments.
RAM and Cummins ... There is always a first time for everything; even to repair a great pick up 😢

Big HUG Alex! 😊

[jayamoroso]

Running with the exhaust brake on prolongs turbo life in my experience. Have had one '19 two '18's go north of 200, 000 miles with factory turbo and actuator. Turn it on every time you get in the truck. (I have an '06 5.9 with over 500k but that's a totally different animal) current '21 HO only has 55k and so far, issue free

[shanebrown]

Easiest fix for diesels is a nice weight loss program!!

[liaodesign]

I don’t even own one but was fascinating to just listen and what all the details in your video.