DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual
Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2003, Model line: RAM, Model: DODGE RAM 2003Pages: 2895, PDF Size: 83.15 MB
Page 1261 of 2895

(17) Connect the engine to body ground straps at
the left side of the cowl.
(18) Install the intake manifold.
(19) Install the engine oil dipstick tube.
(20) Install the power brake booster vacuum hose.
(21) Install the breather hoses.
(22) Install the PCV hose.
(23) Install the fuel rail.
(24) Install the coil over plugs.
(25) Connect the engine wiring harness at the fol-
lowing points:
²Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
²Fuel Injectors
²Throttle Position (TPS) Switch
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Engine Oil Pressure Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Coil Over Plugs
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
(26) Reinstall the radiator/cooling module assem-
bly.
(27) Connect lower radiator hose.
(28) Connect upper radiator hose.
(29) Connect throttle and speed control cables.
(30) Install the heater hose assembly.
(31) Install coolant recovery bottle.
(32) Install the power steering pump.
(33) Install the generator.
(34) Install the A/C compressor.
(35) Install the drive belt.
(36) Install the fan shroud with the viscous fan
assembly.
(37) Install the radiator core support bracket.
(38) Install the air cleaner assembly.
(39) Refill the engine cooling system.
(40) Recharge the air conditioning.
(41) Install the hood.
(42) Check and fill engine oil.
(43) Connect the battery negative cable.
(44) Start the engine and check for leaks.SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS ± 3.7L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Engine Type 90É SOHC V-6 12-Valve
Displacement 3.7 Liters / 3700 cc
226 ( Cubic Inches)
Bore 93.0 mm (3.66 in.)
Stroke 90.8 mm (3.40 in.)
Compression Ratio 9.1:1
Horsepower 210 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque 225 LB-FT @ 4200 RPM
Lead Cylinder #1 Left Bank
Firing Order 1-6-5-4-3-2
CYLINDER BLOCK
Cylinder Block Cast Iron
Bore Diameter 93.0 .0075 mm
(3.6619 0.0003 in.)
Out of Round (MAX) 0.076 mm (0.003 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
PISTONS
Material Aluminum Alloy
Diameter 92.975 mm (3.6605 in.)
Weight 367.5 grams (12.96 oz)
Ring Groove Diameter
No. 1 83.73 - 83.13 mm
(3.296 - 3.273 in.)
No. 2 82.833 - 83.033 mm
(3.261 - 3.310 in.)
No. 3 83.88 - 84.08 mm
(3.302 - 3.310 in.)
PISTON PINS
Type Floating
Clearance In Piston 0.006 - 0.015 mm
(0.0002 - 0.0005 in.)
Diameter 24.017 - 24.020 mm
(0.9455 - 0.9456 in.)
PISTON RINGS
Ring Gap
Top Compression Ring 0.20 - 0.36 mm
(0.0079 - 0.0142 in.)
9 - 12 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1262 of 2895

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Second Compression
Ring0.37 - 0.63 mm
(0.0146 - 0.0249 in.)
Oil Control (Steel Rails) 0.25 - 0.76 mm
(0.0099 - 0.30 in.)
Side Clearance
Top Compression Ring .051 - .094 mm
(0.0020 - 0.0037 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.040 - 0.080 mm
(0.0016 - 0.0031 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Ring) .019 - .229 mm
(.0007 - .0091 in.)
Ring Width
Top Compression Ring 1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Second Compression
Ring1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Rails) 0.445 - 0.470 mm
(0.017 - 0.018 in.)
CONNECTING RODS
Bearing Clearance 0.015 - 0.055 mm
(0.0006 - 0.0022 in.)
Side Clearance 0.10 - 0.35 mm
(0.004 - 0.0138 in.)
Piston Pin Clearance .015 - .028 mm
(0.0006 - 0.0011 in.)
Bearing Bore Out of
Round0.004 mm
(MAX) (0.0002 in.)
Total Weight (Less
Bearing)612 grams (21.588
ounces)
CRANKSHAFT
Main Bearing Journal
Diameter 63.488 - 63.512 mm
(2.4996 - 2.5005 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.002 - 0.034 mm
Out of Round (MAX) 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.006 mm (0.0004 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
End Play 0.052 - 0.282 mm
(0.0021 - 0.0112 in.)
End Play (MAX) 0.282 mm (0.0112 in)
Connecting Rod
Journal
Diameter 57.908 - 57.892 mm
Bearing Clearance 0.015 - 0.055 mm
Out of Round (MAX) 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.006 mm (0.0002 in.)
CAMSHAFT
Bore Diameter 26.02 - 26.04 mm
(1.0245 - 1.0252 in.)
Bearing Journal Diameter 25.975 - 25.995 mm
(1.0227 - 1.0235 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.025 - 0.065 mm
(0.001 - 0.0026 in.)
Bearing Clearance (MAX) 0.065 mm (0.0026 in.)
End Play .075 - .200 mm
(0.003 - 0.0079 in.)
End Play (MAX) .200 mm (0.0079 in.)
VALVE TIMING
Intake
Opens (ATDC) 0.0É
Closes (ATDC) 236É
Duration 236É
Exhaust
Opens (BTDC) 233É
Closes (ATDC) 17É
Duration 250É
Valve Overlap 17É
VA LV E S
Face Angle 45É - 45.5É
Head Diameter
Intake 48.52 - 48.78 mm
(1.9103 - 1.9205 in.)
Exhaust 36.87 - 37.13 mm
1.4516 - 1.4618 in.)
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 13
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1263 of 2895

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Length (Overall)
Intake 113.45 - 114.21 mm
(4.4666 - 4.4965)
Exhaust 114.92 - 115.68 mm
(4.5244 - 4.5543 in.)
Stem Diameter
Intake 6.931 - 6.957 mm
(0.2729 - 0.2739 in.)
Exhaust 6.902 - 6.928 mm
(0.2717 - 0.2728 in.)
Stem - to - Guide
Clearance
Intake 0.018 - 0.069 mm
(0.0008 - 0.0028 in.)
Exhaust 0.047 - 0.098 mm
(0.0019 - 0.0039 in.)
Max. Allowable Stem -
to -
Guide Clearance
(Rocking
Method)
Intake 0.069 mm (0.0028 in.)
Exhaust 0.098 mm (0.0039 in.)
Valve Lift (Zero Lash)
Intake 12.00 mm (0.472 in.)
Exhaust 10.90 mm (0.4292 in.)
VALVE SPRING
Free Length (Approx)
Intake 48.92 mm (1.9260 in.)
Exhaust 49.81 mm (1.9610 in.)
Spring Force (Valve
Closed)
Intake 361.0 - 390.0 N @ 40.12
mm
(81.15 - 87.67 lbs. @
1.5795 in.)
Exhaust 390.0 - 430.0 N @ 40.12
mm
(87.67 - 96.66 lbs. @
1.5795 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Spring Force (Valve
Open)
Intake 984.0 - 1040.0 N @
28.12 mm
221.2 - 233.8 lbs. @
1.107 in.)
Exhaust 965.0 - 1055.0 N @
28.12 mm
216.9 - 237.1 lbs. @
1.107 in.)
Number of Coils
Intake 7.30
Exhaust 7.45
Wire Diameter
Intake and Exhaust 4.77 ý 3.80mm
(0.1878 - 0.1496 in.)
Installed Height (Spring
Seat to Bottom of
Retainer)
Nominal
Intake 40.12 mm (1.579 in.)
Exhaust 40.12 mm (1.579 in.)
CYLINDER HEAD
Gasket Thickness
(Compressed) 0.7 mm (0.0276 in.)
Valve Seat Angle 44.5É - 45.0É
Valve Seat Runout (MAX) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
Valve Seat Width
Intake 1.75 - 2.36 mm
(0.0698 - 0.0928 in.)
Exhaust 1.71 - 2.32 mm
(0.0673 - 0.0911 in.)
Guide Bore Diameter
(Std.)6.975 - 7.00 mm
(0.2747 - 0.2756 in.)
Cylinder Head Warpage
(Flatness) 0.0508 mm (0.002 in.)
OIL PUMP
Clearance Over
Rotors/End Face (MAX)0.095 mm
(0.0038 in.)
9 - 14 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1264 of 2895

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Cover Out - of -Flat
(MAX)0.025 mm (0.001 in.)
Inner and Outer Rotor
Thickness 12.02 mm (0.4731 in.)
Outer Rotor to pocket
(Diametral) clearance
(MAX).235 mm (.0093 in.)
Outer Rotor Diameter
(MIN)85.925 mm (0.400 in.)
Tip Clearance Between
Rotors
(MAX) 0.150 mm (0.006 in.)
OIL PRESSURE
At Curb Idle Speed
(MIN)*25 kPa (4 psi)
@ 3000 rpm 170 - 758 kPa (25 - 110
psi)
* CAUTION: If pressure is zero at curb idle, DO
NOT run engine at 3000 rpm.
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Lbs. Lbs.
Camshaft
Non - Oiled Sprocket Bolt 122 90 Ð
Bearing Cap Bolts 11 Ð 100
Counterbalance shaft
retaining bolt28 Ð 250
Timing Chain CoverÐBolts 58 43 Ð
Connecting Rod CapÐBolts 27 20 Ð
PLUS 90É TURN
Bed PlateÐBolts Refer to Procedure
Crankshaft DamperÐBolt 175 130 Ð
Cylinder HeadÐBolts
M11 Bolts Refer ToProcedure
M8 Bolts - - -
Cylinder Head CoverÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Exhaust ManifoldÐBolts 25 18 Ð
Exhaust Manifold Heat
ShieldÐNuts8Ð72
Then loosen 45É
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Lbs. Lbs.
FlexplateÐBolts 95 70 Ð
Engine Mount Bracket to
BlockÐBolts61 45 Ð
Rear Mount to
TransmissionÐBolts46 34 Ð
Generator MountingÐBolts
M10 Bolts 54 40 Ð
M8 Bolts 28 Ð 250
Intake ManifoldÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Refer to Procedure
for
Tightening Sequence
Oil PanÐBolts 15 Ð 130
Oil PanÐDrain Plug 34 25 Ð
Oil PumpÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Oil Pump CoverÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Pickup TubeÐBolt and
Nut28 Ð 250
Oil Dipstick Tube to Engine
BlockÐBolt 15 Ð 130
Oil Fill TubeÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Timing Chain GuideÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Timing Chain Tensioner Arm 28 Ð 250
Hydraulic TensionerÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Timing Chain Primary
TensionerÐBolts28 Ð 250
Timing Drive Idler SprocketÐ
Bolt34 25 Ð
Thermostat HousingÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Water PumpÐBolts 58 43 Ð
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 15
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1265 of 2895

SPECIAL TOOLS
Spanner Wrench 6958
Adapter Pins 8346
Front Crankshaft Seal Remover 8511
Front Crankshaft Seal Installer 8348
Handle C-4171
Rear Crankshaft Seal Installer 8349
Rear Crankshaft Seal Remover 8506
Connecting Rod Guides 8507
9 - 16 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1266 of 2895

Crankshaft Damper Installer 8512
Puller 1026
Crankshaft Damper Removal Insert 8513
Chain Tensioner Wedge 8379
Chain Tensioner Pins 8514
VALVE SPRING COMPRESSOR 8426
ENGINE LIFTING FIXTURE 8427
CAMSHAFT HOLDER 8428
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 17
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1267 of 2895

HOLDER SECONDARY CAMSHAFT CHAIN 8429
Remover, Rocker Arm 8516
Idler Shaft Remover 8517
Valve Spring Compressor Adapters 8519
INSTALLER - REMOVER - COUNTER BALANCE
SHAFT 8641
Valve Spring Tester C-647
Dial Indicator C-3339
Valve Spring Compressor C-3422-B
9 - 18 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1268 of 2895

Bore Size Indicator C-119
Oil Pressure Gauge C-3292
Piston Ring Compressor C-385
Pressure Tester Kit 7700
Bloc±Chek±Kit C-3685±A
ENGINE SUPPORT FIXTURE 8534
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 19
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
Page 1269 of 2895

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL
Filter Element Only
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 3) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Pry over 4 spring clips (Fig. 3) from housing
cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(3) Release housing cover from locating tabs on
housing (Fig. 3) and remove cover.
(4) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(5) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
Housing Assembly
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 3) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Lift entire housing assembly from 4 locating
pins (Fig. 4).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install filter element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs (Fig. 3).(3) Pry up 4 spring clips (Fig. 3) and lock cover to
housing.
(4) Install air duct to air cleaner cover and tighten
hose clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) If any other hose clamps were removed from
air intake system, tighten them to 3.4 N´m (30 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) If any bolts were removed from air resonator
housing or air intake tubing, tighten them to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
Fig. 3 AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER
1 - CLAMP
2 - AIR DUCT
3 - AIR CLEANER COVER
4 - LOCATING TABS
5 - CLIPS (4)
Fig. 4 AIR CLEANER HOUSING
1 - AIR CLEANER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - LOCATING PINS (4)
9 - 20 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
Page 1270 of 2895

²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
CHEMICAL TEST METHOD
Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also
be checked by using Bloc-Chek Kit C-3685-A or
equivalent. Perform test following the procedures
supplied with the tool kit.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the left side
exhaust manifold.
(4) Drain the engine coolant(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Lower the vehicle.(6) Remove the intake manifold(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the master cylinder and booster assem-
bly(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANI-
CAL/POWER BRAKE BOOSTER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the fan shroud and fan blade assem-
bly(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN
- REMOVAL).
(10) Remove accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the power steering pump and set
aside.
(12) Rotate the crankshaft until the damper tim-
ing mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark (Fig.
5).
(13) Verify the V6 mark on the camshaft sprocket
is at the 12 o'clock position (Fig. 6). Rotate the crank-
shaft one turn if necessary.
(14) Remove the crankshaft damper(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(15) Remove the timing chain cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
Fig. 5 Engine Top Dead Center
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 21
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT (Continued)