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Recipe - Cummins 6.7L ISB Diesel (Ram HD)

Specific Fix build

Reliability tier: aggregated - verify before ordering, see /disclosure/

VGT turbo replacement for a 6.7 Cummins with sticking/failing variable-geometry turbo (mode Holset VGT turbo sticking / actuator failure: VGT stick from soot, unison-ring wear, actuator faults). Key identity fact: Mopar does not service the VGT actuator separately - the OEM channel supplies complete turbo assemblies (2011-2012: 68048234AF; 2013-2018: 68321378AA, with a Mopar reman R8321378AA at roughly 45% below new).

Parts

• Holset HE300VG VGT Turbo (2013-2018 pickup) - 2013-2018 pickup turbo assembly (HE300VG generation); current PN 68321378AA supersedes 68319155AA/68212739AA/68253984AA (qty 1)
• Holset HE351VE VGT Turbo (2007.5-2012 pickup) - 2011-2012 pickup turbo assembly (68048234AF); 2007.5-2010 early-slice PNs need a VIN-keyed catalog (qty 1)
• 6.7 Cummins VGT Electronic Actuator - identity anchor: actuator is not available separately from Mopar - budget the whole assembly (qty 1)
• 6.7 Cummins Spec Engine Oil (CJ-4/CK-4 15W-40 case) - fresh oil and filter after turbo work - soot from a dying turbo ends up in the oil (qty 1)
• air-filter (data-gap - no verified part on this platform yet) - restricted intake over-speeds and overheats the VGT; check/replace with the turbo (qty 1)

Install order

1. verify it is really the turbo: VGT % commanded vs achieved, no air-filter/intake restriction, no boost leaks - many 'failed turbos' are sticking from soot and recover after cleaning
2. decide new vs Mopar reman: reman R8321378AA is the same assembly at roughly 45% below the new-unit dealer price
3. replace the assembly with new feed/return line seals; prime the oil feed before first start
4. fresh oil and filter immediately after first heat cycle

Expected outcome

Target boost/VGT command tracking restored; no whine, no oil in the intake or downpipe.

Do not

• do not replace the turbo before ruling out air-filter restriction, boost leaks and actuator-command faults
• do not start an unprimed turbo - dry-start kills the bearing in seconds
• do not buy a separate 'actuator' expecting an OEM part - Mopar sells the assembly only; aftermarket actuators are a different fitment conversation

Parts budget

About $3,250-$6,000 in parts, plus parts we have no price for. It depends on what the diagnosis finds; each option below is what you buy together. Prices marked "at Dave's" are Dave's Auto Center's, the same as in his store; the others are approximate prices from OEM and maker catalogs, rounded (a manufacturer's list price can run higher). Parts only, no labor.

• about $6,000 plus parts we have no price for: Holset HE300VG VGT Turbo (2013-2018 pickup) (about $6,000) + 6.7 Cummins Spec Engine Oil (CJ-4/CK-4 15W-40 case) (no price yet) + air filter (no price yet)
• about $3,250 plus parts we have no price for: Holset HE351VE VGT Turbo (2007.5-2012 pickup) (about $3,250) + 6.7 Cummins Spec Engine Oil (CJ-4/CK-4 15W-40 case) (no price yet) + air filter (no price yet)

DIY or shop: Shop job: downpipe/access removal and oil-feed priming are not first-timer territory.