DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual

spring tester, test valve spring pressure at installed and compressed
heights. See Fig. 5.
Usually compressed height is installed height minus valve
lift. Replace valve spring if not within specification. It is
recommended to replace all valve springs when overhauling cylinder
head.
Fig. 5: Checking Valve Spring Pressure - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
VALVE GUIDE
Measuring Valve Guide Clearance
Check valve stem-to-guide clearance. Ensure valve stem
diameter is within specifications. Install valve in valve guide.
Install dial indicator assembly on cylinder head with tip resting
against valve stem just above valve guide. See Fig. 6.

Fig. 6: Measuring Valve Stem-to-Guide Clearance - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Lower valve approximately 1/16" below valve seat. Push valve
stem against valve guide as far as possible. Adjust dial indicator to
zero. Push valve stem in opposite direction and note reading.
Clearance must be within specification.
If valve guide clearance exceeds specification, valves with
oversize stems may be used or valve guide must be replaced. On some
applications, a false guide is installed, then reamed to proper
specification. Valve guide reamer set is used to ream valve guide to
obtain proper clearance for new valve.
Reaming Valve Guide
Select proper reamer for valve stem. Reamer must be of
proper length to provide clean cut through entire length of valve
guide. Install reamer in valve guide and rotate to cut valve guide.
See Fig. 7 .

Fig. 7: Reaming Valve Guides - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Replacing Valve Guide
Replace valve guide if clearance exceeds specification. Valve
guides are either pressed, hammered or shrunk in place, depending upon

cylinder head design and type of metal used.
Remove valve guide from cylinder head by pressing or tapping
on a stepped drift. See Fig. 8. Once valve guide is installed,
distance from cylinder head to top of valve guide must be checked.
This distance must be within specification.
Aluminum heads are often heated before installing valve
guide. Guide is sometimes chilled in dry ice before installation.
Combination of a heated head and chilled guide insures a tight guide
fit upon assembly. The new guide must be reamed to specification.
Fig. 8: Typical Valve Guide Remover & Installer
This Graphic For General Information Only
VALVES & VALVE SEATS
Valve Grinding
Valve stem O.D. should be measured in several areas to
indicate amount of wear. Replace valve if not within specification.
Valve margin area should be measured to ensure that valve can be
grounded. See Fig. 9.
Fig. 9: Measuring Valve Head Margin - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
If valve margin is less than specification, this will burn
the valves. Valve must be replaced. Due to minimum margin dimensions

during manufacture, some new type valves cannot be reground.
Resurface valve on proper angle specification using valve
grinding machine. Follow manufacturer's instructions for valve
grinding machine. Specifications may indicate a different valve face
angle than seat angle.
Measure valve margin after grinding. Replace valve if not
within specification. Valve stem tip can be refinished using valve
grinding machine.
Valve Lapping
During valve lapping of recent designed valves, be sure to
follow manufacturers recommendations. Surface hardening and materials
used with some valves do not permit lapping. Lapping process will
remove excessive amounts of the hardened surface.
Valve lapping is done to ensure adequate sealing between
valve face and seat. Use either a hand drill or lapping stick with
suction cup attached.
Moisten and attach suction cup to valve. Lubricate valve stem
and guide. Apply a thin coat of fine valve grinding compound between
valve and seat. Rotate lapping tool between the palms or with hand
drill.
Lift valve upward off the seat and change position often.
This is done to prevent grooving of valve seat. Lap valve until a
smooth polished seat is obtained. Thoroughly clean grinding compound
from components. Valve to valve seat concentricity should be checked.
See VALVE SEAT CONCENTRICITY.
CAUTION: Valve guides must be in good condition and free of carbon
deposits prior to valve seat grinding. Some engines contain
an induction hardened valve seat. Excessive material removal
will damage valve seats.
Valve Seat Grinding
Select coarse stone of correct size and angle for seat to be
ground. Ensure stone is true and has a smooth surface. Select correct
size pilot for valve guide dimension. Install pilot in valve guide.
Lightly lubricate pilot shaft. Install stone on pilot. Move stone off
and on the seat approximately 2 times per second during grinding
operation.
Select a fine stone to finish grinding operation. Grinding
stones with 30 and 60 degree angles are used to center and narrow the
valve seat as required. See Fig. 10.
Fig. 10: Adjusting Valve Seat Width - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Valve Seat Replacement
Replacement of valve seat inserts is done by cutting out

the old insert and machining an oversize insert bore. Replacement
oversize insert is usually chilled and the cylinder head is sometimes
warmed. Valve seat is pressed into the head. This operation requires
specialized machine shop equipment.
Valve Seat Concentricity
Using dial gauge, install gauge pilot in valve guide.
Position gauge arm on the valve seat. Adjust dial indicator to zero.
Rotate arm 360 degrees and note reading. Runout should not exceed
specification.
To check valve-to-valve seat concentricity, coat valve face
lightly with Prussian Blue dye. Install valve and rotate it on valve
seat. If pattern is even and entire seat is coated at valve contact
point, valve is concentric with the seat.
REASSEMBLY
Valve Stem Installed Height
Valve stem installed height must be checked when new valves
are installed or when valves or valve seats have been ground. Install
valve in valve guide. Measure distance from tip of valve stem to
spring seat. See Fig. 11. Distance must be within specifications.
Fig. 11: Measuring Valve Stem Installed Height - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Remove valve and grind valve stem tip if height exceeds
specification. Valve tips are surface hardened. DO NOT remove more

than .010" (.25 mm) from tip. Chamfer sharp edge of reground valve
tip. Recheck valve stem installed height.
VALVE STEM OIL SEALS
Valve stem oil seals must be installed on valve stem. See
Fig. 2 . Seals are needed due to pressure differential at the ends of
valve guides. Atmospheric pressure above intake guide, combined with
manifold vacuum below guide, causes oil to be drawn into the cylinder.
Exhaust guides also have pressure differential created by
exhaust gas flowing past the guide, creating a low pressure area. This
low pressure area draws oil into the exhaust system.
Replacement (On Vehicle)
Mark rocker arm or overhead cam components for location.
Remove rocker arm components or overhead cam components. Components
must be installed in original location. Remove spark plugs. Valve stem
oil seals may be replaced by holding valves against seats using air
pressure.
Air pressure must be installed in cylinder using an adapter
for spark plug hole. An adapter can be constructed by welding air hose
connection to spark plug body with porcelain removed.
Install adapter in spark plug hole. Apply a minimum of 140
psi (9.8 kg/cm
) to adapter. Air pressure should hold valve closed. If
air pressure does not hold valve closed, check for damaged or bent
valve. Cylinder head must be removed for service.
Using valve spring compressor, compress valve springs. Remove
valve locks. Carefully release spring compressor. Remove retainer or
rotator and valve spring. Remove valve stem oil seal.
If oversized valves have been installed, oversized oil seals
must be used. Coat valve stem with engine oil. Install protective
sleeve over end of valve stem. Install new oil seal over valve stem
and seat on valve guide. Remove protective sleeve. Install spring
seat, valve spring and retainer or rotator. Compress spring and
install valve locks. Remove spring compressor. Ensure valve locks
are fully seated.
Install rocker arms or overhead cam components. Tighten all
bolts to specification. Adjust valves if required. Remove adapter.
Install spark plugs, valve cover and gasket.
VALVE SPRING INSTALLED HEIGHT
Valve spring installed height should be checked during
reassembly. Measure height from lower edge of valve spring to the
upper edge. DO NOT include valve spring seat or retainer. Distance
must be within specifications. If valves and/or seats have been
ground, a valve spring shim may be required to correct spring height.
See Fig. 12 .
Fig. 12: Measuring Valve Spring Installed Height - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only

ROCKER ARMS & ASSEMBLIES
Rocker Studs
Rocker studs are either threaded or pressed in place.
Threaded studs are removed by locking 2 nuts on the stud. Unscrew the
stud by turning the jam nut. Coat the stud threads with Loctite and
install. Tighten to specification.
Pressed in stud can be removed using a stud puller. Ream the
stud bore to proper specification and press in a new oversize stud.
Pressed in studs are often replaced by cutting threads in the stud
bore to accept a threaded stud.
Rocker Arms & Shafts
Mark rocker arms for location. Remove rocker arm retaining
bolts. Remove rocker arms. Inspect rocker arms, shafts, bushings and
pivot balls (if equipped) for excessive wear. Inspect rocker arms
for wear in valve stem contact area. Measure rocker arm bushing I.D.
Replace bushings if excessively worn.
The rocker arm valve stem contact point can be reground,
using special fixture for valve grinding machine. Remove minimum
amount of material as possible. Ensure all oil passages are clear.
Install rocker arms in original locations. Ensure rocker arm is
properly seated in push rod. Tighten bolts to specification. Adjust
valves if required. See VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
Pushrods
Remove rocker arms. Mark push rods for location. Remove push
rods. Push rods can be steel or aluminum, solid or hollow. Hollow
pushrods must be internally cleaned to ensure oil passage to the
rocker arms is cleaned. Check the pushrod for damage, such as loose
ends on steel tipped aluminum types.
Check push rod for straightness. Roll push rod on a flat
surface. Using feeler gauge, check clearance at center. Replace push
rod if bent. The push rod can also be supported at each end and
rotated. A dial indicator is used to detect bends in the push rod.
Lubricate ends of push rod and install push rod in original
location. Ensure push rod is properly seated in lifter. Install rocker
arm. Tighten bolts to specification. Adjust valves if required. See
VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
LIFTERS
Hydraulic Lifters
Before replacing a hydraulic lifter for noisy operation,
ensure noise is not caused by worn rocker arms or valve tips.
Hydraulic lifter assemblies must be installed in original locations.
Remove the rocker arm assembly and push rod. Mark components for
location. Some applications require intake manifold, or lifter cover
removal. Remove lifter retainer plate (if used). To remove lifters,
use a hydraulic lifter remover or magnet. Different type lifters are
used. See Fig. 13.

Fig. 13: Typical Hydraulic Valve Lifter Assemblies - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
On sticking lifters, disassemble and clean lifter. DO NOT mix
lifter components or positions. Parts are select-fitted and are not

interchangeable. Inspect all components for wear. Note amount of wear
in lifter body-to-camshaft contact area. Surface must have smooth and
convex contact face. If wear is apparent, carefully inspect cam lobe.
Inspect push rod contact area and lifter body for scoring
or signs of wear. If body is scored, inspect lifter bore for damage
and lack of lubrication. On roller type lifters, inspect roller for
flaking, pitting, loss of needle bearings and roughness during
rotation.
Measure lifter body O.D. in several areas. Measure lifter
bore I.D. of cylinder block. Some models offer oversized lifters.
Replace lifter if damaged.
If lifter check valve is not operating, obstructions may be
preventing it from closing or valve spring may be broken. Clean or
replace components as necessary.
Check plunger operation. Plunger should drop to bottom of the
body by its own weight when assembled dry. If plunger is not free,
soak lifter in solvent to dissolve deposits.
Lifter leak-down test can be performed on lifter. Lifter
must be filled with special test oil. New lifters contain special test
oil. Using lifter leak-down tester, perform leak-down test following
manufacturer's instructions. If leak-down time is not within
specifications, replace lifter assembly.
Lifters should be soaked in clean engine oil several hours
prior to installation. Coat lifter base, roller (if equipped) and
lifter body with ample amount of Molykote or camshaft lubricant. See
Fig. 13. Install lifter in original location. Install remaining
components. Valve lash adjustment is not required on most hydraulic
lifters. Preload of hydraulic lifter is automatic. Some models may
require adjustment.
Mechanical Lifters
Lifter assemblies must be installed in original locations.
Remove rocker arm assembly and push rod. Mark components for location.
Some applications require intake manifold or lifter cover removal.
Remove lifter retainer plate (if used). To remove lifters, use lifter
remover or magnet.
Inspect push rod contact area and lifter body for scoring or
signs of wear. If body is scored, inspect lifter bore for damage and
lack of lubrication. Note amount of wear in lifter body-to-camshaft
contact area. Surface must have smooth and convex contact face. If
wear is apparent, carefully inspect cam lobe.
Coat lifter base, roller (if equipped) and lifter body with
ample amount of Molykote or camshaft lubricant. Install lifter in
original location. Install remaining components. Tighten bolts to
specification. Adjust valves. See VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
PISTONS, CONNECTING RODS & BEARINGS
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
RIDGE REMOVAL
Ridge in cylinder wall must be removed prior to piston
removal. Failure to remove ridge prior to removing pistons will cause
piston damage in piston ring locations.
With the piston at bottom dead center, place a rag in the
bore to trap metal chips. Install ridge reamer in cylinder bore.
Adjust ridge reamer using manufacturer's instructions. Remove ridge