[ImperialCrown]

With the VVT (and MultiAir on the 2.4L and the MDS on the Hemi), the valvetrain needs to have a fast reaction time to adjust cam timing phasers and switch cylinder deactivation/reactivation mechanisms.

Lighter viscosity motor oils allow fast, seamless hydraulic movements.

Heavier oils slow movements and you can 'feel' the MDS kick in and out. It can also set VVT 'slow response' fault codes.

 

[jondickson]

It's an old wives' tail that a thicker oil protects better, especially in a modern close tolerance engine. The thicker oil may be worse.
I'd follow the recommended viscosity for your car as it has changed over the years.

one thing that throws me off of the 3.6 is the Jeep is a 2019 and calls for 0w20, our daughters 19 challenger has the same motor but calls for 5w20

 

[Adventurer55]

Well it doesn't make sense to me either. But if they're under warranty one needs to stick to what is recommended. I'm still trying to figure out what the correct oil filter is for my 21 3.6 GCL.

 

[valiant67]

one thing that throws me off of the 3.6 is the Jeep is a 2019 and calls for 0w20, our daughters 19 challenger has the same motor but calls for 5w20

They aren’t necessarily the same. The same displacement, yes. But the Jeep may have the upgrade version. The Challenger does not.

 

[ImperialCrown]

Well it doesn't make sense to me either. But if they're under warranty one needs to stick to what is recommended. I'm still trying to figure out what the correct oil filter is for my 21 3.6 GCL.

The filter was changed after 2013 on the Pentastar. On 2014-up you want the Mopar 68191349AC.
On 2011-2013 you want the Mopar 68079744AD.
Previous versions (AA, AB, etc) should be fine to use also.

 

[Adventurer55]

The filter was changed after 2013 on the Pentastar. On 2014-up you want the Mopar 68191349AC.
On 2011-2013 you want the Mopar 68079744AD.
Previous versions (AA, AB, etc) should be fine to use also.

Thanks Imperial.

 

[68RT]

MDS needs instant response or damage can happen if valve is activated partially.

 

[TheRepairatrooper]

Interesting. 0W20...

That is the standard spec in my 2012 Mazda.

 

[WXman]

There are a lot of engines that spec 0W20 or 5W20 in the U.S. but the same engine outside the U.S. lists 5W30 or 5W40. Can't explain that away with the "engine tolerances" myth. Nope, the only way to explain that is that the U.S. EPA has gotten out of control.

I never put a drop of 20-weight in any of my Pentastar or any other engines. And I've never had one single issue with them.

 

[ImperialCrown]

Engineering & service thoroughly has tested and deemed lighter viscosities safe to use.
Not all engines will have a problem with it, but it can cause issues:

Oil-Related Engine Codes for Variable Valve Timing Engines VVT

Variable valve timing offers higher performance from a smaller displacement engine at higher rpms. Oil plays a larger role in VVT systems.

www.underhoodservice.com

 

[codypet]

Weirdly enough I was watching a CarWizard video this weekend and he mentions avoiding the 3.6 Pentastar which shocked the hell out of me. Is there really widespread problems or its it the standard number of problems but because the engine use is so widespread, the volume of problems just seems high?

 

[Adventurer55]

There are a lot of engines that spec 0W20 or 5W20 in the U.S. but the same engine outside the U.S. lists 5W30 or 5W40. Can't explain that away with the "engine tolerances" myth. Nope, the only way to explain that is that the U.S. EPA has gotten out of control.

I never put a drop of 20-weight in any of my Pentastar or any other engines. And I've never had one single issue with them.

So, you're saying that I should say the hell with what my manual says to use? Then if my engine pukes in my new Grand Cherokee, I tell FCA that I'll use whatever the hell I want to and you're going to fix it?

 

[valiant67]

Weirdly enough I was watching a CarWizard video this weekend and he mentions avoiding the 3.6 Pentastar which shocked the hell out of me. Is there really widespread problems or its it the standard number of problems but because the engine use is so widespread, the volume of problems just seems high?

It is a bit hit or miss which ones have problems. For example, soon after Gladiator was introduced some, but far from all, owners started to report misfires in earlier build units. Of course everyone said "it's the stop start killing the engine" because the stop/start is disabled because the check engine light it on (assuming a symptom was the cause). Some people had new cam phasers, some people had new heads, some people got new engines.
When issue show up on a proven design, it's very often a result of some cost cutting along the line.

 

[Adventurer55]

Like I've said before, whoever is the beancounter that is in charge of cost cutting proven designs should be fired, but it's a multigenerational thing for this company. And it always bites them in the a--.

 

[hmk123]

Weirdly enough I was watching a CarWizard video this weekend and he mentions avoiding the 3.6 Pentastar which shocked the hell out of me. Is there really widespread problems or its it the standard number of problems but because the engine use is so widespread, the volume of problems just seems high?

I watched it, too, and was surprised as well. He is talking about the cracked heads issue. This I think is where perspective comes in. So yes, maybe he does have seen quite a few but it is still relative given that more than 10 millions have been made… I agree with your conclusion.

 

[Synoptic 12]

The only problem we ever had with our 2014 was the oil filter housing leak. Took it in to the dealer and listened to the service manager chastise me for having the oil filter cap tightened too hard. I produced a copy of the TSB describing the problem and he changed his tune. Sure is easier to blame the problem on the customer than on the faulty part installed in the vehicle when it was built.

* That was the 'only' problem with the five speed. Bulletproof trainee.

 

[Synoptic 12]

There are a lot of engines that spec 0W20 or 5W20 in the U.S. but the same engine outside the U.S. lists 5W30 or 5W40. Can't explain that away with the "engine tolerances" myth. Nope, the only way to explain that is that the U.S. EPA has gotten out of control.

I never put a drop of 20-weight in any of my Pentastar or any other engines. And I've never had one single issue with them.

Recommended oil for the 3.6 Pentastar is 5W-20 (Synthetic).

 

[valiant67]

Recommended oil for the 3.6 Pentastar is 5W-20 (Synthetic).

Only the “old” Pentastar is 5w-20. The upgraded one is 0w-20.

 

[Synoptic 12]

Only the “old” Pentastar is 5w-20. The upgraded one is 0w-20.

Thanks. I was not aware of that fact. When did FCA or Stelantis institute the new oil? Where did you find that information ? I still see the new Challengers using 5w-20. Why would Dodge use a thinner oil in the Pentastar?

 

[Synoptic 12]

I found this online:
What oil does a V6 Challenger take?
SAE 5W-20

2019 Dodge Challenger V6-3.6L Oil Type, Oil Filter OEM

We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. We recommend you use MOPAR Engine Oil Filters.May 1, 2021