Yes, the 2018 RAM 2500 does use a crankcase ventilation system, but there isn’t a separate, user-serviceable crankcase filter you replace like a traditional engine air filter. The exact setup varies by engine option: the diesel version uses a breather/separator integrated with the valve cover, while the gasoline versions rely on a PCV valve and valve-cover breather.
Understanding what this means requires looking at the different powertrains offered for the 2018 Ram 2500. The Cummins 6.7L turbodiesel has a more complex crankcase ventilation system designed to control oil mist and blow-by before it enters the intake, whereas the gasoline-powered Hemi engines (5.7L and 6.4L) use a conventional PCV valve and valve-cover breather. In all cases, Mopar’s documentation does not describe a separate, replaceable “crankcase filter” as a routine maintenance item; instead, service focuses on the PCV/breather components and related hoses when issues arise.
Engine options for the 2018 RAM 2500
The 2018 Ram 2500 was offered with multiple powertrains. The presence and design of crankcase ventilation differ between them.
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six
- 5.7L Hemi V8 gasoline
- 6.4L Hemi V8 gasoline
In practice, the diesel engine’s crankcase ventilation is more integral to emissions control, while the gasoline engines rely on a standard PCV valve and breather. There is no widely advertised, annual-replaceable crankcase filter for these engines in typical maintenance schedules.
Understanding crankcase ventilation in the 2018 RAM 2500
Crankcase ventilation systems capture and manage blow-by gases and oil mist from the engine crankcase, routing them back into the intake or into a separator. How this is implemented depends on the engine:
Diesel: Cummins 6.7L crankcase ventilation
The Cummins 6.7L uses a dedicated crankcase ventilation path that includes a breather and an oil/air separator. The breather element is part of the valve-cover assembly, and in service terms, it is not typically treated as a stand-alone filter replacement. If the system becomes clogged or leaks develop, the recommended service is to inspect or replace the related components, which may involve the valve cover or CV assembly rather than a standalone crankcase filter.
Gasoline: Hemi engines crankcase ventilation
Gasoline versions (5.7L and 6.4L) employ a PCV valve and a valve-cover breather. Like the diesel setup, there is no separate, user-replaceable crankcase filter; maintenance focuses on the PCV valve, breather, and associated hoses if performance issues occur.
Maintenance and inspection considerations
For owners concerned about crankcase ventilation performance, regular checks can help prevent downstream problems:
- Inspect the PCV valve for sticking or clogging and replace if needed.
- Check the valve-cover breather for restrictions, contamination, or oil buildup.
- Inspect vacuum lines and hoses for leaks or cracks that could affect crankcase pressure balance.
- Follow the manufacturer’s service intervals for related components; replace the valve cover or CV-related assemblies if diagnostic tests indicate failure.
There is no standard, consumer-serviceable “crankcase filter” to replace on the 2018 RAM 2500’s common configurations. If you notice symptoms such as rough idle, excessive oil consumption, or a Check Engine light related to ventilation, consult the owner’s manual or a qualified technician for a diagnostic of the PCV/breather system.
Summary
In the 2018 RAM 2500 lineup, crankcase ventilation exists across both diesel and gasoline engines, but there is no separate, routinely replaceable crankcase filter. The diesel uses a breather/separator integrated with the valve-cover assembly, while the gasoline engines rely on a PCV valve and breather. Maintenance focuses on these components rather than a standalone crankcase filter, with diagnostics guiding any required replacement of PCV or related assemblies.