maintenance DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Repair Manual

LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Refer to (Fig. 105) and (Fig. 106) for circuit
illustrations.
A gear driven gerotor type oil pump is mounted
behind the front gear cover in the lower right portion
on the engine.
OPERATION
A gerotor style oil pump draws oil from the crank-
case through the suction tube and delivers it through
the block where it enters the oil cooler cover and
pressure regulator valve. When oil pressure exceeds
517 kPa (75 PSI), the valve opens exposing the dump
port, which routes excess oil back to the oil pump.
At the same time, oil is directed to a cast in pas-
sage in the oil cooler cover, leading to the oil cooler
element. As the oil travels through the element
plates, it is cooled by engine coolant traveling past
the outside of the plates. It is then routed to the oil
filter head and through a full flow oil filter. If a
plugged filter is encountered, the filter by-pass valve
opens, allowing unfiltered oil to lubricate the engine.
This condition can be avoided by frequent oil and fil-
ter changes, per the maintenance schedules found in
the owners manual. The by-pass valve is calibrated
to open when it sees a pressure drop of more than
345 kPa (50 psi) across the oil filter.
The oil filter head then divides the oil between the
engine and the turbocharger. The turbocharger
receives filtered, cooled and pressurized oil through a
supply line from the filter head. The oil lubricates
the turbocharger and returns to the pan by way of a
drain tube connecting the bottom of the turbocharger
to a pressed in tube in the cylinder block.
Oil is then carried across the block to an angle
drilling which intersects the main oil rifle. The main
oil rifle runs the length of the block and delivers oil
to the crankshaft main journals and valve train. Oil
travels to the crankshaft through a series of transfer
drillings (one for each main bearing) and lubricates a
groove in the main bearing upper shell. From there
another drilling feeds the camshaft main journals.The saddle jet piston cooling nozzles are also sup-
plied by the main bearing upper shell. J-jet piston
cooling nozzles are supplied by a separate oil rifle.
Plugs are used in place of saddle jets when J-jets are
used. J-jet hole locations are plugged when saddle jet
cooling nozzles are used. Crankshaft internal cross-
drillings supply oil to the connecting rod journals.
Another series of transfer drillings intersecting the
main oil rifle supply the valve train components. Oil
travels up the drilling, through a hole in the head
gasket, and through a drilling in the cylinder head
(one per cylinder), where it enters the rocker arm
pedestal and is divided between the intake and
exhaust rocker arm. Oil travels up and around the
rocker arm mounting bolt, and lubricates the rocker
shaft by cross drillings that intersect the mounting
bolt hole. Grooves at both ends of the rocker shaft
supply oil through the rocker arm where the oil trav-
els to the push rod and socket balls (Fig. 105) and
(Fig. 106).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
(1) Remove the 1/8 npt plug from the top of the oil
filter housing.
(2) Install Oil Pressure Line and Gauge Tool
C-3292 with a suitable adapter.
(3) Start engine and warm to operating tempera-
ture.
(4) Record engine oil pressure and compare with
engine oil pressure chart.
CAUTION: If engine oil pressure is zero at idle, DO
NOT RUN THE ENGINE.
Engine Oil Pressure (MIN)
At Idle 68.9 kPa (10 psi)
At 2500 rpm 206.9 kPa (30 psi)
If minimum engine oil pressure is below these
ranges, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
(5) Remove oil pressure gauge and install the 1/8
npt plug.
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 289

OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CAUTION: Do not overfill crankcase with engine oil,
oil foaming and oil pressure loss can result.
To ensure proper lubrication of an engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at an acceptable level.
The acceptable oil level is in the SAFE RANGE on
the engine oil dipstick (Fig. 107).
(1) Position vehicle on level surface.
(2) With engine OFF, allow approximately 15 min-
utes for oil to settle to bottom of crankcase, remove
engine oil dipstick.
(3) Wipe dipstick clean.
(4) Replace dipstick and verify it is seated in the
tube.
(5) Remove dipstick, with handle held above the
tip, take oil level reading.
(6) Add oil only if level is below the SAFE RANGE
area on the dipstick.
(7) Replace dipstick
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
SERVICE
WARNING: HOT OIL CAN CAUSE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: Change engine oil and filter at intervals
specified in the owner's manual.
(1) Operate the engine until the water tempera-
ture reaches 60ÉC (140ÉF). Shut the engine off.
(2) Use a container that can hold at least 14 liters
(15 quarts) to hold the used oil. Remove the oil drain
plug and drain the used engine oil into the container.
(3) Always check the condition of the used oil. This
can give you an indication of engine problems that
might exist.
²Thin, black oil indicates fuel dilution.
²Milky discoloration indicates coolant dilution.
(4) Clean the area around the oil filter head.
Remove the filter (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICA-
TION/OIL FILTER - REMOVAL).
(5) Install new oil filter (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL FILTER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Clean the drain plug and the sealing surface of
the pan. Check the condition of the threads and seal-
ing surface on the oil pan and drain plug.
(7) Install the drain plug. Tighten the plug to 50
N´m (37 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Use only High-Quality Multi-Viscosity lubricat-
ing oil in the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. Choose
the correct oil for the operating conditions (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
(9) Fill the engine with the correct grade of new oil
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID
CAPACITIES - SPECIFICATIONS).
(10) Start the engine and operate it at idle for sev-
eral minutes. Check for leaks at the filter and drain
plug.
(11) Stop engine. Wait 15 minutes to allow the oil
to drain back to the pan and check the level again.
USED ENGINE OIL DISPOSAL
Care should be exercised when disposing of used
engine oil after it has been drained from a vehicle's
engine.
1 - ROCKER ARM
2 - ROCKER SHAFT
3 - PEDESTAL
4 - FROM MAIN OIL RIFLE
5 - TO VALVE TRAIN
6 - MAIN OIL RIFLE
7 - FROM MAIN OIL RIFLE8 - TO CAMSHAFT
9 - TO PISTON COOLING NOZZLE
10 - FROM OIL COOLER
11 - CRANKSHAFT MAIN JOURNAL
12 - ROD JOURNAL
13 - TO ROD BEARING
14 - MAIN OIL RIFLE
Fig. 107 Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
1 - ADD OIL MARK
2 - O-RING
3 - SAFE RANGE
9 - 292 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
LUBRICATION (Continued)

SPORT FASCIA REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the three screws at each trailing edge
of the fascia. (Fig. 3)
(3) Remove the five lower screws.
(4) Remove and discard the four upper push pins.
(5) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, care-
fully release the six lower clips and remove the close
out panel.
(6) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, care-
fully remove the step pad.
(7) Spread the fascia out at the wheels and remove
from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The left and right inboard bumper to bracket
attachments must be secured before installing the
fascia and step pad.
ST/SLT/SLT+ FASCIA INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fascia.
(2) Position the close out panel and seat the 6
lower clips fully.
(3) Install four new upper push pin fasteners.
(4) Position the step pad onto the fascia and fully
seat the attachment clips.(5) Align the fascia to the fender with a 19 mm
(0.75 inch) gap and install the two screws at each
trailing edge of the fascia.
SPORT FASCIA INSTALLATION
(1) Position the fascia onto the bumper.
(2) Position the step pad onto the fascia and fully
seat the attachment clips.
(3) Install four new upper push pin fasteners.
(4) Install the five lower screws.
(5) Install the three screws at each trailing edge of
the fascia.
REAR BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the license plate.
(3) Remove the bolts behind the plate.
(4) Disconnect the license plate light electrical con-
nectors.
(5) Disconnect the trailer light connector electrical
connection, if equipped.
(6) Remove the two bolts along the front upper
edge of the bumper near the frame tips.
(7) Support the bumper with a suitable lifting
device.
(8) Remove the bolts attaching the bumper support
brackets to the trailer hitch. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 3 SPORT FASCIA
1 - STEP PAD
2 - FASCIA (SPORT MODEL ONLY)
3 - SCREWS (3 PER SIDE)
4 - UPPER FASCIA SUPPORT BRACKET
5 - WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD BRACKET
6 - INBOARD BUMPER BRACKET ATTACHMENTS
7 - PUSH PIN FASTENERS (4)
8 - LOWER SCREWS (5)
Fig. 4 TRAILER HITCH
1 - HITCH
2 - LD HITCH BOLTS (4)/HD (6)
3 - BUMPER BRACKET BOLTS (4)
4 - BUMPER SUPPORT BRACKETS
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 3
FRONT FASCIA (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Cab mount bolts 81 60 Ð
Cargo box bolts 108 80 Ð
Front crossmember bolts - 2WD (light duty only) 61 45 Ð
Front crossmember bolts - 2WD (heavy duty only) 75 55 Ð
Front crossmember bolts - 4WD (light duty only) 102 75 Ð
Front skid plate bolts 34 25 Ð
Lower bumper support bracket bolt 54 40 Ð
Radiator crossmember bolts - lower 28 21 Ð
Radiator crossmember bolts - upper 28 21 Ð
Rear crossmember (light duty only) 102 75 Ð
Rear crossmember (heavy duty only) 115 85 Ð
Rear spring shackle bolts 163 120 Ð
Spare tire winch bolts 41 30 Ð
Trailer hitch reinforcement bracket bolt 170 125 Ð
Transfercase skid plate bolts 34 25 Ð
Transercase skid plate crossmember bolts 34 25 Ð
Transmission mount to crossmember nuts 54 40 Ð
FRONT CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the front skid plate, if equipped. (Refer
to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID
PLATE - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
(Fig. 28) or (Fig. 29)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember.
(2) Install the bolts;
²On light duty 2WD vehicles, tighten the bolts to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
²On light duty 4WD vehicles, tighten the bolts to
102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
²On heavy duty 2WD vehicles, tighten the bolts
to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the front skid plate, if equipped. (Refer
to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID
PLATE - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 28 FRONT CROSSMEMBER - 2WD
1 - CROSSMEMBER
2 - BOLTS (2 PER SIDE)
13 - 22 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

FRONT SKID PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the bolts. (Fig. 30)
(3) Slide skid plate back off of the crossmember
and remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Snap the rear tabs over the front crossmember
and install the skid plate.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 34 N´m (25 ft.
lbs.).
FRONT TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper. (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the bolts and remove the tow hook
assembly. (Fig. 31) and (Fig. 32)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the tow hook assembly and bolts hand
tight.
(2) Install the front bumper. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(3) Tighten the tow hook bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft.
lbs.).
Fig. 29 FRONT CROSSMEMBER - 4WD
1 - BOLTS (2 PER SIDE)
2 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 30 FRONT SKID PLATE
1 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
2 - FRONT SKID PLATE
3 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 31 FRONT TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY
1 - BUMPER CENTER SUPPORT BRACKET
2 - BOLTS (6)
3 - TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 23
FRONT CROSSMEMBER (Continued)

TRANSMISSION
CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the transfercase skid plate, if
equipped. (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/
FRAME/TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Support the transmission with a suitable lifting
device.
(4) Remove the transmission mount nuts. (Fig. 33)
or (Fig. 34)
(5) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember and install the bolts.
²On light duty vehicles, tighten the bolts to 102
N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
²On heavy duty vehicles, tighten the bolts to 115
N´m (85 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the transmission mount nuts and
tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).(3) Remove the transmission support.
(4) Install the transfercase skid plate. (Refer to 13
- FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 32 FRONT TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY ± HEAVY
DUTY
1 - BOLTS (4 PER HOOK)
2 - HEAVY DUTY TOW HOOKS (2)
3 - BUMPER CENTER SUPPORT BRACKETS
Fig. 33 REAR CROSSMEMBER - 2WD
1 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT
2 - REAR CROSSMEMBER
3 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT NUTS (2)
4 - CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (2 PER SIDE)
Fig. 34 REAR CROSSMEMBER - 4WD
1 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT
2 - TORSION BAR
3 - CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (3 PER SIDE)
4 - REAR CROSSMEMBER
5 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT NUTS (2)
13 - 24 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRONT TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Support the skid plate and remove the bolts.
(Fig. 37)
(3) Remove the skid plate.
(4) Support the skid plate crossmember and
remove the bolts.
(5) Remove the skid plate crossmember.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the skid plate crossmember and install
the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the skid plate and install the bolts.
(4) Tighten the bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 37 TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE
1 - CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (4)
2 - SKID PLATE CROSSMEMBER
3 - SKID PLATE
4 - SKID PLATE BOLTS (4)
Fig. 36 TRAILER HITCH ± HEAVY DUTY
1 - LOCATING TAB HOLE
2 - LOCATING PIN HOLE
3 - U-NUTS (2)
4 - BUMPER SUPPORT BRACKETS5 - HITCH
6 - HITCH TO FRAME NUTS (2)
7 - BUMPER BRACKET BOLTS (4)
8 - HITCH BOLTS (6)
13 - 26 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
TRAILER HITCH (Continued)

OPERATION
Fuel is returned through the fuel pump module
and back into the fuel tank through the fuel filter/
fuel pressure regulator. A separate fuel return line
from the engine to the tank is not used.
The fuel tank assembly consists of: the fuel tank,
fuel pump module assembly, fuel pump module lock-
nut/gasket, and fuel tank check valve (refer to Fuel
Tank Check Valve for information).
A fuel filler/vent tube assembly using a pressure/
vacuum, 1/4 turn fuel filler cap is used. The fuel
filler tube contains a flap door located below the fuel
fill cap.
Also to be considered part of the fuel system is the
evaporation control system. This is designed to
reduce the emission of fuel vapors into the atmo-sphere. The description and function of the Evapora-
tive Control System is found in Emission Control
Systems.
Both fuel filters (at bottom of fuel pump module
and within fuel pressure regulator) are designed for
extended service. They do not require normal sched-
uled maintenance. Filters should only be replaced if
a diagnostic procedure indicates to do so.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE
Use following procedure if the fuel injector
rail is, or is not equipped with a fuel pressure
test port.
(1) Remove fuel fill cap.
Fig. 1 FUEL DELIVERY COMPONENTS
1 - FUEL TANK 8 - LDP FRESH AIR FILTER
2 - CHECK VALVE 9 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP
3 - LIQUID EXPANSION CHAMBER 10 - EVAP CANISTERS (2)
4 - FUEL FILTER / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR 11 - FUEL TANK STRAPS (2)
5 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING AND FUEL LINE (TO ENGINE) 12 - CHECK VALVE
6 - EVAP LINE CONNECTION 13 - FUEL PUMP MODULE LOCK RING
7 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP FRESH AIR LINE 14 - FUEL PUMP MODULE
14 - 2 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL FILTER/PRESSURE
REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
A combination fuel filter and fuel pressure regula-
tor (Fig. 2) is used on all engines. It is located on the
top of the fuel pump module. A separate frame
mounted fuel filter is not used with any engine.
Both fuel filters (at bottom of fuel pump module
and within fuel pressure regulator) are designed for
extended service. They do not require normal sched-
uled maintenance. Filters should only be replaced if
a diagnostic procedure indicates to do so.
FUEL PRESSURE TESTER - #8978
TEST KIT, FUEL PRESSURE, 8.0L ENGINE - #5069
ADAPTERS, FUEL PRESSURE TEST, 8.0L - #6539
AND/OR #6631
SPANNER WRENCH - #6856
FITTING, AIR METERING - #6714
O2S (OXYGEN SENSOR) REMOVER/INSTALLER -
#C-4907
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 5
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

OPERATION
Fuel Pressure Regulator Operation:The pres-
sure regulator is a mechanical device that is not con-
trolled by engine vacuum or the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM).
The regulator is calibrated to maintain fuel system
operating pressure of approximately 58   2 psi at the
fuel injectors. It contains a diaphragm, calibrated
springs and a fuel return valve. The internal fuel fil-
ter (Fig. 2) is also part of the assembly.
Fuel is supplied to the filter/regulator by the elec-
tric fuel pump through an opening tube at the bot-
tom of filter/regulator (Fig. 2).
The regulator acts as a check valve to maintain
some fuel pressure when the engine is not operating.
This will help to start the engine. A second check
valve is located at the outlet end of the electric fuel
pump.Refer to Fuel Pump - Description and
Operation for more information.
If fuel pressure at the pressure regulator exceeds
approximately 60 psi, an internal diaphragm opens
and excess fuel pressure is routed back into the tank
through the bottom of pressure regulator.
Both fuel filters (at bottom of fuel pump module
and within fuel pressure regulator) are designed for
extended service. They do not require normal sched-
uled maintenance. Filters should only be replaced if
a diagnostic procedure indicates to do so.
FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT /
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel gauge sending unit (fuel level sensor) is
attached to the side of the fuel pump module. The
sending unit consists of a float, an arm, and a vari-
able resistor track (card).
OPERATION
The fuel pump module has 4 different circuits
(wires). Two of these circuits are used for the fuel
gauge sending unit for fuel gauge operation, and for
certain OBD II emission requirements. The other 2
wires are used for electric fuel pump operation.
For Fuel Gauge Operation:A constant current
source is supplied to the resistor track on the fuel
gauge sending unit. This is fed directly from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).NOTE: For
diagnostic purposes, this 12V power source can
only be verified with the circuit opened (fuel
pump module electrical connector unplugged).
With the connectors plugged, output voltages
will vary from about 0.6 volts at FULL, to about
8.6 volts at EMPTY (about 8.6 volts at EMPTY
for Jeep models, and about 7.0 volts at EMPTY
for Dodge Truck models).The resistor track is
used to vary the voltage (resistance) depending on
fuel tank float level. As fuel level increases, the float
and arm move up, which decreases voltage. As fuel
level decreases, the float and arm move down, which
increases voltage. The varied voltage signal is
returned back to the PCM through the sensor return
circuit.
Both of the electrical circuits between the fuel
gauge sending unit and the PCM are hard-wired (not
multi-plexed). After the voltage signal is sent from
the resistor track, and back to the PCM, the PCM
will interpret the resistance (voltage) data and send
a message across the multi-plex bus circuits to the
instrument panel cluster. Here it is translated into
the appropriate fuel gauge level reading. Refer to
Instrument Panel for additional information.
For OBD II Emission Monitor Requirements:
The PCM will monitor the voltage output sent from
the resistor track on the sending unit to indicate fuel
level. The purpose of this feature is to prevent the
OBD II system from recording/setting false misfire
and fuel system monitor diagnostic trouble codes.
The feature is activated if the fuel level in the tank
is less than approximately 15 percent of its rated
capacity. If equipped with a Leak Detection Pump
(EVAP system monitor), this feature will also be acti-
vated if the fuel level in the tank is more than
approximately 85 percent of its rated capacity.
Fig. 2 SIDE VIEW - FILTER/REGULATOR
1 - INTERNAL FUEL FILTER
2 - FUEL FLOW TO FUEL INJECTORS
3 - FUEL FILTER/FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
4 - EXCESS FUEL BACK TO TANK
5 - FUEL INLET
6 - RUBBER GROMMET
7 - TOP OF PUMP MODULE
14 - 6 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL FILTER/PRESSURE REGULATOR (Continued)