To the OP - NO oil consumption issues are NOT common to/normal in the 5.7L HEMI. Yes, obviously it does happen but it is not something super common as you see with other motors known to be prone to it. Your spirited driving may be contributing to it as well( that is not meant nasty - I would do the same
).
A question? Did you follow the owner's manual's break in proceedure? If you really got on the engine( high RPM's )before it was fully broken in you may have this problem for the life of the vehicle. The break in for the Challenger is more aggressive than most BUT it does still warn to be careful about being over aggressive in low gear. Maybe you got into it a bit too much too soon?
Quote:
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS: (Page 66 2009 Challenger Owner's Manual)
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain(engine, transmission, and rear axle) in your new vehicle.Drive moderately during the first 500 mi (800 km). After the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided.
I believe you said your Challenger is an R/T so that means you have the 5.7L not the 6.1L found in the SRT-8. I have had 2 5.7L Rams( 2004 and now my 2008 ). Neither has ever used a drop of oil. I run Royal Purple synthetic( ran 5W-30 in the 04 and now 5W-20 in the 08 ). Your 09, despite not having MDS( I believe that is right - I am pretty sure it is not on the R/T Challenger 5.7L ), still calls for 5W-20 so that is what you should run. You might be ok with a 5W-30 but I wouldn't personally do it. On 08 and earlier 5.7L's, without MDS, you can use 5W-30 no problem. In 09 they did a remodel so to speak on the 5.7L so not sure how a 5W-30 would do? Probably ok although not warranty acceptable.
I have been on the Dodge forums since the 5.7L 1st came out( notice my screen name
)and you do hear of guys with the 5.7L complaining about oil usage now and then but most do not. I will say this, and it is not a bash on the oil mfg just a statement of what I have read here and on auto forums( all not just Dodge ), it seems Mobil 1 has a very high rate of oil consumption complaints. Mainly the 5W-30 but other weights including 5W-20 in 5.7L's. I have never seen so many people complaining about oil usage as I do those who use Mobil 1. Why?
It may simply be because so many people use it there are more chances for it to be used in a car that uses oil? Just seems to me however that Mobil 1 oil(s) produces usage complaints far more often than any other oil. More than some other oils combined actually. Most of those I see complaining about oil usage in the 5.7L are running Mobil 1 as well. Coincedence?
Again, not a bash on it just an observation. Perhaps a change to a different brand of oil such as Kendal GT1 Full synthetic, Valvoline Synpower, or Penzoil Platinum would help? All come in 5W-20, are pretty easy to find, meet your warranty requirements, and are all excellent oils. Might be worth a shot.
It is also possible your engine was not assembled as well as others. You may have got a Mexican plant worker with a Monday AM Tequila hangover assembly job? You never know. Might just be bad luck for you. One thing is for sure though, if it were my car, I would make sure it is documented that it is using oil( I would require a copy of said documentation if not listed on your repair order ). As your Challenger sits in the garage over the winter your warranty deadline keeps on rolling. Obviously it is new enough that you are good waiting until spring BUT be sure you get it documented as early as possible.
Really nice cars. I am very envious of you even with the issue. Good luck with it.
