When purchasing my first EcoDiesel engine, I did some research on the reliability and problems that I could expect from the engine. Since EcoDiesel engines are relatively new engine technology it is important to understand the different issues you could have.
The most common EcoDiesel engine problems are engine failures, timing chain issues, fuel pump failures, and exhaust coupler problems. You could also potentially experience oil and coolant issues. EcoDiesel engines have seen considerable issues since they first hit the market and are often thought to be less reliable than standard gas or diesel engines.
This guide will focus on the cause of these issues and how you can avoid them. This is important information to be aware of if you are interested in purchasing an EcoDiesel engine.
How Reliable Are EcoDiesel Engines
In recent years, EcoDiesel engines have been regarded as not being very reliable, due to a number of different issues reported across many different manufacturers. Only Ram’s 2022 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine is considered to be a reliable alternative to gas-powered or standard diesel engines.
Although when working properly, EcoDiesel engines have better fuel economy, more engine power, and better overall performance, the number of prevalent issues make them a poor choice for someone with reliability in mind.
Many companies have tried their hand at producing EcoDiesel engines but most have had to recall them due to power loss and programming problems. This makes EcoDiesel engines overall a much less reliable option than other engine types. These production issues are partly due to the technology and design involved with the engine being extremely complex.
If you are in the market for an EcoDiesel engine, it is highly recommended that you only consider the recently released Ram 2022 3.0L V6. These engines have much higher reliability ratings and offer a five-year warranty to cover any issues you may have.
It is likely that as more manufacturers master the technology needed to produce high-quality EcoDiesel engines that more brands will offer competing engines. Until then, Ram is currently your best option to consider.
The next few sections will detail how EcoDiesel engines stack up against other engine types.
EcoDiesel Engines Vs Gas-Powered Engines
EcoDiesel engines have some major advantages over standard gas-powered engines. Some of these advantages include quieter operation, better towing and off-road performance, and better fuel economy.
EcoDiesel engines have a much lower operation noise level, with some owners having to double-check that the engine is actually running. This makes for a much more pleasant riding experience. Towing and off-road performance are also much better with EcoDiesel engines.
EcoDiesel engines are designed with at least 260HP and a 480-pound torque limit. These specifications give EcoDiesel engines much more power than standard gas-powered engines. This also allows vehicles containing EcoDiesel engines to handle steep inclines and off-road terrain much easier.
One of the biggest advantages that EcoDiesel engines have over gas-powered engines is the environmentally friendly nature of the engine. EcoDiesel engines are designed to use renewable fuel sources while gas-powered engines rely on expensive non-renewable fuel to operate.
Overall, you would be better off choosing an EcoDiesel engine over a standard gas-powered engine due to all of the advantages that the more modern engine offers. That being said, gas-powered engines are much easier to find and more affordable.
Also, gas-powered engines are more easily serviced by mechanics. It may be difficult to find a mechanic in your area that knows all of the ins and outs of EcoDiesel engines.
EcoDiesel engines also have several advantages over standard diesel engines as well.
EcoDiesel Engines Vs Diesel Engines
EcoDiesel engines are much more fuel efficient than standard Diesel engines. Standard diesel engines are known for their gas-guzzling nature, which leads to an inefficient fuel economy that increases fuel costs significantly over time.
EcoDiesel engines make use of every drop of fuel for an optimized fuel economy. In addition to this, EcoDiesel engines are designed to make use of renewable energy, making them a much more environmentally friendly option.
While standard diesel engines are more popular and more easily serviced, they offer less efficient performance overall than EcoDiesel engines.
It may be helpful to understand what makes an EcoDiesel engine stand apart from other engine types. This will be covered in the next section of this guide.
EcoDiesel Engine Overview
EcoDiesel engines are some of the most modern engines currently available. They utilize a form of renewable fuel by using vegetable oils and other yellow oils to power the engine. This makes EcoDiesel engines some of the most environmentally friendly engines currently on the market.
That being said, there have been several different issues with mastering this new engine technology. Since the release of the EcoDiesel engine, many brands have tried to release their own, with most failing to do so efficiently.
This is because the nature of the EcoDiesel engine is extremely complex and is often uncharted territory for mechanics and vehicle owners alike. This is the cause of many of the main issues that you can expect to experience when owning an EcoDiesel engine.
EcoDiesel engines have a long lifespan, maxing out around 300,000 to 400,000 miles when properly maintained. They offer better fuel economy, more power for towing, and generally better engine performance than other forms of engines like gas or standard diesel.
As previously mentioned, many of the EcoDiesel engines released in recent years have had major manufacturing issues. Some of these issues have even been responsible for injuries. Major recalls of EcoDiesel engines have been enforced, with Ram being at the center of a massive recall of over 150,000 engines.
Many companies have tried their hand at producing EcoDiesel engines but most have had to recall them due to power loss and programming problems. This makes EcoDiesel engines overall a much less reliable option than other engine types. These production issues are partly due to the technology and design involved with the engine being extremely complex.
If you are in the market for an EcoDiesel engine, it is highly recommended that you only consider the recently released Ram 2022 3.0L V6. These engines have much higher reliability ratings and offer a five-year warranty to cover any issues you may have.
It is likely that as more manufacturers master the technology needed to produce high-quality EcoDiesel engines that more brands will offer competing engines. Until then, Ram is currently your best option to consider.
The next few sections will detail how EcoDiesel engines stack up against other engine types.
The most recent version of EcoDiesel engines has been optimized and improved upon tremendously, making the 2022 models the only safe and efficient models you should consider purchasing.
It is likely that in the future further optimizations will be made to the EcoDiesel engine design that completely eliminates many of the problems owner’s face with them today.
Now that you know a little more about EcoDiesel engines, it is important to understand the different issues that are prevalent with them.
Most Common Problems With EcoDiesel Engines
Listed below are some of the most common problems you can expect with an EcoDiesel engine.
Oil Problems
A common problem that EcoDiesel engines encounter is an oil cooler failure. This is a component and engine wear problem that can shorten the total lifespan of the engine. The excess oil circulating through the engine will cause extra stress on the internals of the engine.
When the oil cooler fails, engine oil and coolant will be inadvertently mixed together leading to main bearing failures and other serious internal issues. This will almost guarantee that some amount of oil leeches into the cooling system, causing further damage.
If oil has entered into the cooling system, you will notice that your engine is operating much hotter than normal. You will also notice leaks coming from the oil cooler, oil in the coolant, and the overall poor performance of your engine.
These issues were so prevalent with the Ram EcoDiesel engine that they actually extended the warranties to compensate for these problems. Because of the poor-quality design of the stock oil cooler, it is recommended you replace it with an aftermarket cooler that has better build quality.
You can replace your oil cooler for around $550. This estimated cost includes parts and labor. The cooler itself can be purchased for around $275, with the rest of the estimated cost being made up by the labor involved in replacing the cooler in your engine.
Exhaust Coupler Problems
Another common issue for EcoDiesel engines is defective exhaust couplers. The exhaust coupler runs from the turbocharger to the diesel particulate filter. When this component begins to leak, it can cause diesel fumes to leech into the cabin, causing internal damage to the engine.
This issue has only been apparent in two-wheel drive trucks that utilize an EcoDiesel engine. Luckily, the exhaust coupler is relatively cheap to replace, with most averaging around $25. If you choose to have it installed by a mechanic, you can expect around $50 in labor costs.
EGR Cooler Issues
EcoDiesel engines are also prone to EGR cooler failures. The EGR cooler is especially prone to cracks, which can cause a series of issues with the engine. The EGR cooler is responsible for regulating the exhaust into the intake system.
Once it has been circulated into the intake system, the exhaust is burnt off, reducing the overall emissions from the exhaust. Because of the heat of this exhaust, it must be cooled properly before it is introduced back into the cylinder charge.
Cracks in the EGR will introduce coolant into the engine, which is a major fire hazard and should be addressed immediately. Exhaust entering the engine that has not been cooled properly can also cause your engine to overheat.
Even newer models of EcoDiesel engines have issues with cracked EGR coolers. The cracking is generally caused by heat exhaust that has not been cooled down properly which causes the engine to overheat. Cracks will allow leakage into the engine compartment and wind up being very costly to repair.
To avoid this, you should ensure that your vehicle has a healthy heating and cooling system in place that is working properly.
Fuel Pump Failures
Fuel pump failures are also common with EcoDiesel engines. Fuel pump failures can cause metal and other debris to enter the fuel system, which can cause massive damage to the internals of the engine. A damaged fuel pump can also cause clogged injectors, fuel lines, and several other internal issues.
Replacing the fuel pump for an EcoDiesel engine is extremely expensive, in most cases averaging between $3000 to $6000.
This price includes both parts and labor. Fuel pump failures are most prevalent with Ram Classic and Grand Cherokee models of trucks that contain an EcoDiesel engine.
Camshaft Gear/ Timing Chain Issues
Camshaft gear and timing chain issues are also frequently reported issues with EcoDiesel engines. The severity of the issue will depend on how often the gear or timing chain slips. With minor slipping issues, the timing will be off resulting in overall less efficient engine performance and misfiring.
For severe slips, the damage will be much more significant and, in most cases, will completely destroy your EcoDiesel engine. Valves coming into contact with the pistons due to the slippage will often break apart, causing the whole engine block to need to be replaced.
You can replace your timing chain before it causes serious damage for around $1250. This includes an average parts cost of around $550 and labor costs coming in at around $700. A broken camshaft gear can be replaced for around $350, with parts coming in at around $125 and labor averaging around $250.
Glow Plug Problems
Glow plug issues are another common problem that EcoDiesel engines have. The glow plugs are responsible for helping get the engine started by providing the ignition necessary. When the glow plugs are not working correctly, the key will not cause the ignition to turn over properly.
Glow plug issues can also commonly lead to fuel leakage and other more serious issues with your engine.
Glow plug issues are commonly caused by voltage issues, excessive heat, or faulty wiring. You can replace the glow plugs in your EcoDiesel engine to resolve most of these issues. Glow plugs can be easily installed yourself and cost around $30 on average.
Turbo Failure
Turbo failure in EcoDiesel engines refers to a variety of different problems including oil seal leakage, worn bearing, compressor damage, and turbine wheel issues. A turbo failure is an extremely costly problem to resolve and is often caused by the excessive use of turbo bearings.
A turbo failure can also be caused by an inadvertent connection between the housing of the turbo and the compressor wheel. Maintaining a proper operating temperature can help avoid turbo issues.
If you need to replace the turbo in your EcoDiesel engine, it can cost up to $2600. This includes parts, which typically average around $1500, and labor costs that make up the rest of the estimated cost.
Engine Turn-Over Failures
EcoDiesel engines also commonly have engine turn-over failures that will keep the engine from igniting correctly. This will keep you from being able to start your vehicle until the problem is resolved. This issue is typically caused by a loose or dead battery and improper cable connections.
Installing a new battery in your vehicle can help avoid these types of issues. Now that you are aware of some of the common problems associated with EcoDiesel engines, it may be helpful to know how long you can expect your engine to last.
How Long Will An EcoDiesel Engine Last?
An EcoDiesel engine that has been maintained properly can last up to 400,000 miles. This is much longer than the average engine but several factors must be considered to achieve this long lifespan. If you are a rough driver, you can expect your EcoDiesel to last for a much shorter amount of time.
On average, you can expect your EcoDiesel engine to last between 300,000 and 400,000 miles. This will ultimately depend on the brand of EcoDiesel engine you purchase and how well you maintain it by addressing repairs and replacement parts as soon as possible.
Keeping an eye on the engine coolers and the fuel injection system can help you avoid major damage to your engine and extend its life. The heavier lifting you are doing with your EcoDiesel engine, the more stress will be placed on the engine, ultimately lowering its lifespan in the process.
Ensuring the that proper cooling cycle is implemented and avoiding rapid acceleration can help your engine reach its maximum lifespan. What is most important is that you only purchase an EcoDiesel engine produced by a quality brand.
Since EcoDiesel engines are riddled with so many issues, purchasing one that is of low quality will compound the likelihood of experiencing issues. Repair and replacement costs for EcoDiesel engines are quite high so purchasing a quality one to begin with will save you money in the long run.
It will be helpful to know what to expect should you need replacement or repairs for your EcoDiesel engine. This will be covered in the next section of this guide.
Replacement/Repair Costs
A new EcoDiesel engine replacement can cost you anywhere between $6000 to $8500. This includes the cost of the engine itself, which averages around $5000 to $7000, and the labor involved which makes up the remainder of the estimated cost.
The cost of repairing your EcoDiesel engine will vary depending on the severity of the repair needed. You will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to know for sure how much your repairs will cost. Any engine repairs that you need will likely be expensive, so be prepared to pay high amounts to have your EcoDiesel engine repaired.
You may be interested in why some models of EcoDiesel engines have been discontinued. This will be covered in the next section.
Is The EcoDiesel Engine Discontinued?
There are several different brands of EcoDiesel engines that have been discontinued due to excessive reports of serious issues. The FCA called for a full recall of all EcoDiesel engines produced by Ram spanning from 2014 to 2019 due to a multitude of reported problems.
The most serious of these issues include fire hazards and coolant leakage. Other defective components contained in these discontinued models include defective EGR coolers. Before the recall, there were around 4 major incidents causing bodily harm.
Around 170,000 EcoDiesel engines were recalled and Ram faced criminal investigations and costly fines to compensate for their low-quality engines. In response to this, Ram discontinued all models of EcoDiesel engines produced during those years.
More recently, Ram has stated their 2022 EcoDiesel engine has remedied all of the previous issues and has taken the top spot for the best EcoDiesel engine currently available. You may be wondering about all of the recalls made for EcoDiesel engines in recent years. This will be covered next.
Are There Any Recalls For Models With The EcoDiesel Engine?
There are many different brands of EcoDiesel engines that have been recalled due to significant reports of serious issues, some of which resulted in bodily harm to the user. The FCA called for a full recall of all EcoDiesel engines produced by Ram spanning from 2014 to 2019 due to a multitude of reported problems.
The most serious of these issues include fire hazards and coolant leakage. Other defective components contained in these discontinued models include defective EGR coolers. Before the recall, there were around 4 major incidents causing bodily harm.
Around 170,000 EcoDiesel engines were recalled and Ram faced criminal investigations and costly fines to compensate for their low-quality engines. More recently, Ram has stated their 2022 EcoDiesel engine has remedied all of the previous issues and has taken the top spot for the best EcoDiesel engine currently available.
Ram is not the only brand that has found itself subject to a mandatory recall. Jeep Wrangler also had to recall over 25,000 EcoDiesel engines they produced between 2019 and 2022 due to fuel pump issues. If you have an EcoDiesel engine that has been recalled, it is highly recommended you relinquish it and have it replaced with a more modern replacement.
FAQ
Listed below are some frequently asked questions regarding EcoDiesel engines.
Which Is Better: Hemi Engine Or EcoDiesel?
Hemi engines are a little less fuel efficient than EcoDiesel engines. They also have much lower maximum speeds and towing capacities. Because of this, if you have to choose between a Hemi and an EcoDiesel engine, the EcoDiesel will likely perform better.
How To Tell The Difference Between EcoDiesel and Diesel Engines?
Standard diesel engines operate using non-renewable fuel sources while EcoDiesel engines are designed to operate using environmentally friendly fuel like vegetable oils and grease. Diesel engines are typically much less fuel efficient than EcoDiesel engines, which make use of all available fuel optimally.
Which Is Better EcoDiesel Or Duramax?
EcoDiesel engines are widely regarded as being superior to Duramax engines. EcoDiesel engines offer more value and more power than a Duramax can. That being said, Duramax engines are generally easier to maintain and are less expensive than EcoDiesel engines.
Conclusion
EcoDiesel engines are the most environmentally friendly engine currently in existence. That being said, utilizing this new method of engine design has come with some considerable issues. Oil issues, exhaust coupler problems, fuel pump failures, and timing chain issues are all prevalent with EcoDiesel engines.
It will take some time before this new engine technology is able to be optimized properly. Until then, it may be better to consider a more standard form of engine. That being said, if you are interested in a reliable EcoDiesel engine, the Ram 2022 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel is currently the most efficient and powerful EcoDiesel engine currently available.