According to Amsoil, "For this 2020 Ram, the AMSOIL EFM meets the MOPAR MS-12991 specification. Our technical data sheet and product labels will reflect this when they are due for their next revision."
Official 2020+ EcoDiesel Oil Recommendations
Updated on 4/07/2023
Recommendation: Do NOT rely solely on this list. Always double check to make sure the following oils are current in meeting factory specifications.
The new 3rd gen (2020+) EcoDiesel has different specs than the 2nd generation (2014 - 2019) engine. The following oils have been known to meet the new MS-12991 and API SN Certification/Standard/Approval. I put them in order based on what I think are more 'commonly known', not based on preference or performance.
I will update this thread as new approved oils are added and when existing approved oils no longer meet approval. So far, I had to remove Valvoline and Liqui Moly even though both met spec at one point in time.
Mopar 68524020AA 5W-40 replaces 68231020AA
Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40
FRAM Full Synthetic Euro 5W-40
Quaker State Ultimate Durability EURO 5W-40
Valvoline Full Synthetic European Vehicle 5W-40
Havoline ProDS 5W-40
Castrol Edge Euro Car - 5W-40
Redline Full Synthetic 5W-40
Motul 8100 C-clean 5W-40
Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40
Motul 8100 X-cess gen2 5W-40
TRIAX Euro LX 5W-40
TRIAX Euro Ultra VX 5W-40
Ravenol VST 5W-40
Total Quartz 9000 5W-40
ELF Evolution 900 SXR 5W-40
ELF Evolution 900 FT 5W-40
AMALIE Elixir Full Synthetic Euro 5W-40
Millers Oil Trident Fully Synthetic 5W-40
Millers Oils XF LONGLIFE 5W-40
MPT Thirty-K True Synthetic High Performance 5W-40
CAM2 Blue Blood Elite Euro 5W-40
FUCHS TITAN Supersyn SAE 5W-40
Lubrication Engineers 5w40 Monolec Ultra Syn Heavy Duty Engine Oil
REPSOL ELITE COSMOS HIGH PERFORMANCE 5W-40
The following manufacturers have given a verbal/written approval, but they have not and/or will not update the literature to reflect it.
Amsoil 5W-40 FS Synthetic European (EFM)
Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40
Recommendation: Do NOT rely solely on this list. Always double check to make sure the following oils are current in meeting factory specifications.
The new 3rd gen (2020+) EcoDiesel has different specs than the 2nd generation (2014 - 2019) engine. The following oils have been known to meet the new MS-12991 and API SN Certification/Standard/Approval. I put them in order based on what I think are more 'commonly known', not based on preference or performance.
I will update this thread as new approved oils are added and when existing approved oils no longer meet approval. So far, I had to remove Valvoline and Liqui Moly even though both met spec at one point in time.
Mopar 68524020AA 5W-40 replaces 68231020AA
Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40
FRAM Full Synthetic Euro 5W-40
Quaker State Ultimate Durability EURO 5W-40
Valvoline Full Synthetic European Vehicle 5W-40
Havoline ProDS 5W-40
Castrol Edge Euro Car - 5W-40
Redline Full Synthetic 5W-40
Motul 8100 C-clean 5W-40
Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40
Motul 8100 X-cess gen2 5W-40
TRIAX Euro LX 5W-40
TRIAX Euro Ultra VX 5W-40
Ravenol VST 5W-40
Total Quartz 9000 5W-40
ELF Evolution 900 SXR 5W-40
ELF Evolution 900 FT 5W-40
AMALIE Elixir Full Synthetic Euro 5W-40
Millers Oil Trident Fully Synthetic 5W-40
Millers Oils XF LONGLIFE 5W-40
MPT Thirty-K True Synthetic High Performance 5W-40
CAM2 Blue Blood Elite Euro 5W-40
FUCHS TITAN Supersyn SAE 5W-40
Lubrication Engineers 5w40 Monolec Ultra Syn Heavy Duty Engine Oil
REPSOL ELITE COSMOS HIGH PERFORMANCE 5W-40
The following manufacturers have given a verbal/written approval, but they have not and/or will not update the literature to reflect it.
Amsoil 5W-40 FS Synthetic European (EFM)
Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40
1 - 20 of 577 Posts
I'm double checking as well. I contacted Shell to verify and here's what they said, "If the vehicle calls for a product that meet MS 12991. Our Rotella product will NOT work in the application. The only product we have that meets the spec is the Pennzoil Platinum Euro SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil."The other Non-Shell oils all meet the spec, but aside from possibly the Valvoline, none have been manufacturer listed, meaning the company is certifying it’s viability - I haven’t heard back from Valvoline US yet!
I have it in writing from their tech department. I received their response today.That is contrary to what I was told by 2 different AMSOIL representatives who run a Facebook group dedicated to oils.
You're correct. I will add the Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40 to the list.Oh, one of the Motul 8100 series I believe they list for this spec. The spec dates back to the 1.4L MultiAir at least.
If you decided to pull a sample, I would like to see your UOA results with Red Line. I do a fair amount of towing, so I need an oil that's going to holdup well. I probably won't exceed 6,000 mile drain intervals, but peace of mind goes a long way. I'm planning to keep this truck for the long haul, so I'm interested to see which oils prove to be superior.My personal choice
I removed both of those for now. Shell confirmed that none of their products met spec.The Valvoline doesn’t list 12991 in their marketing, nor does Shell list it in the Helix ultra marketing, in spite of the fact it should be the same as the Pennzoil.
The Valvoline MST 5W-40 was listed to meet MS-12991, but I can't remember where I found it. I don't want to put out misinformation, though. But if MS-12991 is printed on the bottle, that is enough for me to put it back on the list.Interestingly, had an owner post a picture of the Valvoline bottle in a Facebook group - it says MS-12991 on the bottle - it’s VALVOLINE Advanced Full Synthetic MST 5W-40. It, however, lists ACEA C3. Which has me confused, as it should have to be A3/B4 to meet the spec. I’m really not sure with that one!
OhioTech, let me know if you find out what the dealer is using (Mopar part number).
Does Ram sell it in a Mopar bottle or does it only come in the Pennzoil bottle? If it comes in the Mopar bottle, then we need to add the Mopar part # for the oil.I can pull the number. It’s Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w40.
If it has a Mopar part #, then it should come in a Mopar bottle.68231020AA
Not sure what bottle it shows up in!
The SRT oil comes in Pennzoil 6 qt boxes!
I will add it to the list!
The oils are actually designed for both, spark ignition and compression ignition.So the 3rd gen EcoDiesel is running oil designed for spark ignition verses compression ignition as indicated by the API SN in your post??
This may help clarify. I copied this straight from Amsoil:I’m not sure I would lump light duty diesel in with spark ignition oils. Are the additive packages for SN oils that they can handle the added acidity and soot from diesels?
I wonder if this is an emissions deal? Sure the manufacturers approve, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best for the engine (just look at the EGR).
Complete Coverage
AMSOIL European Car Formula meets and often exceeds strict European manufacturer specifications. Its shear-stable synthetic base oils and high-quality anti-wear additives provide outstanding protection in high-temperature conditions and deliver dependable performance throughout the long drain intervals recommended by European manufacturers.
Emissions System Protection
AMSOIL European Car Formula features precisely balanced formulations that consider the needs of modern exhaust treatment devices. Protecting sensitive emissions systems depends on using the optimal blend of SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur) to keep these systems functioning properly.
Superior Engine Cleanliness
The excellent oxidation stability, heat resistance and detergency properties of AMSOIL European Car Formula help keep engines clean. It is specifically designed to prevent sludge and varnish deposits, reduce oil consumption, extend engine life and provide maximum performance.
Excellent For Turbochargers
AMSOIL European Car Formula has a robust composition that shields engines from the high temperatures produced by turbochargers. Its thermally stable oil formulation resists deposit formation and cools turbochargers. Its low pour point protects turbo-chargers against oil starvation in subzero temperatures and ensures a rapid return to appropriate oil pressure at startup.
- Engineeredto meet European manufacturers' specifications
- Excellentprotection for gasoline and diesel engines
- Fightssludge for superior engine cleanliness
AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil (EFM) is engineered for use in gasoline or diesel vehicles.
In my UOA reports, I watch TBN, how the additive package is holding up, and viscosity. We know that TBN is a useful measuring system in assessing combustion efficiency. Inefficient combustion (unburned diesel) will cause blow-by which contaminates the oil. Inefficient combustion and the EGR function forms acids thus reducing TBN reserves. A good oil doesn't drop TBN as quickly as a less superior oil. This is why Amsoil has proven to be superior time after time. Their oils holds TBN better than most oils. Even Rotella T6 drops TBN way too fast in the 2014 - 2019 EcoDiesel, which is why I change the oil at 6,500 mile intervals. Amsoil told me that their 5W-40 oils are actually a very thick weight compared to other brands, which is one reason why they hold their viscosity better.TBN isn’t a huge concern on diesels. They degrade TBN very slowly.
The Rotella T6 is a misprint in the 2020 manual. FCA said that Rotella T6 does not meet the minimum MS-12991 specifications.I believe the owners manual states you can continue to use Rotella T6? If so I'd be using that still..
You post your Red Line UOAs and I'll post my Amsoil UOAs and we'll compare. Do you do much towing?And that’s why I choose Red Line. UOAs indicate typically a lower starting TBN, with slower degradation, leading to a 20-25K serviceability in most applications. The oil has a higher film strength, and is a natural detergent that protects even if TBN is totally depleted. The high temperature suitability of POE doesn’t hurt!
But I too like AMSOIL - looks like a large number of the compatible oils are German! Apparently exceptionally good quality.
The Germans make some good stuff. My favorite grease gun is made in Germany, but it doesn't have a plunger like a typical grease gun. Instead the grease tube screws into the gun. Anyway, since it doesn't take a traditional grease tube, I use the German proprietary stuff, which has proven to be an excellent synthetic high-grade grease.
Here's a perfect example of Rotella's T6 TBN dropping quickly, but still maintaining viscosity. Once I start seeing oxidation rise in my UOA reports, I know to either change the oil more frequently or replace with a different oil. I've been running T6 in my 2015 EcoDiesel since it was new. Anyway, check out this link: Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic 5W-40 vs. AMSOIL Diesel Synthetic 5W-40And that’s why I choose Red Line. UOAs indicate typically a lower starting TBN, with slower degradation, leading to a 20-25K serviceability in most applications. The oil has a higher film strength, and is a natural detergent that protects even if TBN is totally depleted. The high temperature suitability of POE doesn’t hurt!
I ran Amsoil in my '06 Cummins, but not the EcoDiesel, mainly because I wasn't planning to keep the 2015 Ram EcoDiesel for more than 4 years/75,000 miles. But it looks like I'm going to hang on to it for a little longer. As of now, we are planning sell/trade the 2015 Ram EcoDiesel for a 2021 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel.I ran Red Line 5W-30 Euro until they changed the spec. I then went to Signature Series Amsoil Diesel - if you think the comparison linked is impressive, Signature series is even better!
At $43 for a filter, I figured 10K intervals on better oil was the the way to go. I never remotely came close to what the oil would run! Warranty says 10K - and as you know, T6 really isn’t great to run that far! It might handle it... but I’ve seen posts indicating TBN under 4 shows wear metal increases in T6, Where the AMSOIL will not show that even at 1.5...
I ordered the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel exactly how I wanted it, so I'll be keeping it for the long haul (15+ years), which is why I'm going back to Amsoil. I do a lot of towing, so having the added engine protection is important. I'll still change the oil at 6,000 mile intervals unless I get a tune that disables the EGR. The EGR is a killer on these engines.
For the EcoDiesel, you can buy the Amsoil 5W30 straight from their website for $6.85 and free shipping if you are a preferred customer. If you are not a preferred customer, then the cost is $9.45.The issue with some of these oils like Amsoil, Helix, Red Line, etc. is that they can go anywhere from $15 to $30 per quart. That's insane. Especially when you have to buy 9 quarts per oil cycle plus an extra for topping off until the next change.
Yes, that is the price for the gen 3 engine!Not for a Gen 3 engine. Gotta' have the significantly more expensive 5W40.
1 - 20 of 577 Posts
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