Oil pump DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE DIAGNOSIS - LUBRICATION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS 1. Gaskets and O-Rings. 1.
(a) Misaligned or damaged. (a) Replace as necessary.
(b) Loose fasteners, broken or
porous metal parts.(b) Tighten fasteners, Repair or
replace metal parts.
2. Crankshaft rear seal 2. Replace as necessary.
3. Crankshaft seal flange.
Scratched, nicked or grooved.3. Polish or replace crankshaft.
4. Oil pan flange cracked. 4. Replace oil pan.
5.Front cover seal, damaged or
misaligned.5. Replace seal.
6. Scratched or damaged vibration
damper hub.6. Polish or replace damper.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check and correct oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Replace sending unit.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check pump and bearing
clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Replace oil filter.
5. Worn oil pump. 5. Replace as necessary.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil and filter.
7. Excessive bearing clearance. 7. Replace as necessary.
8. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 8. Replace oil pump.
9. Oil pickup tube loose or
damaged.9. Replace as necessary.
OIL PUMPING AT RINGS; SPARK
PLUGS FOULING1. Worn or damaged rings. 1. Hone cylinder bores and replace
rings.
2. Carbon in oil ring slots. 2. Replace rings.
3. Incorrect ring size installed. 3. Replace rings.
4. Worn valve guides. 4. Ream guides and replace valves.
5. Leaking intake gasket. 5. Replace intake gaskets.
6. Leaking valve guide seals. 6. Replace valve guide seals.
9 - 358 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

(3) Discharge the air conditioning system, if
equipped (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Remove the upper crossmember.
(5) Remove the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOV-
AL).
(7) Remove the A/C compressor with the lines
attached (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR -
REMOVAL). Set aside.
(8) If equipped, remove the condenser (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the washer fluid reservoir bottle (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS -
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION).
(10) Disconnect the top radiator hose.
(11) Remove the fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(12) Remove the fan shroud.
(13) Disconnect the lower radiator hose.
(14) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines.
(15) Remove radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL).
(16) Remove the generator with the wire connec-
tions (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/GEN-
ERATOR - REMOVAL).
(17) Remove the air cleaner.
(18) Disconnect the throttle linkage.
(19) Remove throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE BODY -
REMOVAL).
(20) Remove the upper intake manifold (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(21) Remove the coil assemblies with the ignition
cables.
(22) Disconnect the heater hoses.
(23) Disconnect the power steering hoses, if
equipped.
(24) Perform the Fuel System Pressure release
procedure (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Disconnect
the fuel line (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(25) On Manual Transmission vehicles, remove the
shift lever.
(26) Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
(27) Remove the drain plug and drain the engine
oil.
(28) Loosen front engine mount thru-bolt nuts.(29) Remove the transmission cooler line brackets
from oil pan.
(30) Disconnect exhaust pipe at manifold.
(31) Disconnect the starter wires. Remove starter
motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/
STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(32) Remove transmission.
(33) Lower vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT lift the engine by the intake
manifold.
(34) Install an engine lifting fixture.
(35) Remove engine from vehicle and install
engine assembly on a repair stand.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove engine from the repair stand and posi-
tion in the engine compartment. Position the thru-
bolt into the support cushion brackets.
(2) Install an engine support fixture.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
(4) Install Transmission.
(5) Install the starter and connect the starter
wires (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/
STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install exhaust pipe to manifold.
(7) Install the transmission cooler line brackets
from oil pan.
(8) Tighten the Front mount thru-bolts and nuts to
102N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the drain plug and tighten to 34 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Prime oil pump by squirting oil in the oil fil-
ter mounting hole and filling the J-trap of the front
timing cover. When oil is running out, install oil filter
that has been filled with oil.
(11) Lower the vehicle.
(12) Remove engine lifting fixture.
(13) On Manual Transmission vehicles, install the
shift lever.
(14) Connect the fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Connect the heater hoses.
(16) Install the upper intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(17) Install the coil assemblies with the ignition
cables.
(18) Using a new gasket, install throttle body
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/
THROTTLE BODY - INSTALLATION).
(19) Connect the throttle linkage.
(20) Install the air cleaner box.
9 - 362 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Heat ShieldÐNuts 20 Ð 175
Hydraulic Tappet Yoke
Retaining22 16 Ð
SpiderÐBolts
Intake Manifold (Lower)Ð
Bolts54 40 Ð
Intake Manifold (Upper)Ð
Bolts22 16 Ð
Oil Filter 9 Ð 80 +
45É
Oil Filter Connector 46 34 Ð
Oil Pan
Ð1/4 - 20 Bolts 11 Ð 96
Ð5/16 - 18 Bolts 16 Ð 144
ÐStud Bolts 16 Ð 144
ÐDrain Plug 34 25 Ð
Oil Pan Pick Up TubeÐBolts 16 Ð 144
Oil Pump AttachingÐBolts 41 30 Ð
Oil Pump CoverÐBolts 14 Ð 125
Oil Pump Pressure
ReliefÐPlug20 15 Ð
Rocker ArmÐBolts 54 40 Ð
Spark Plugs 41 30 Ð
Starter MountingÐBolts 68 50 Ð
Timing Chain CoverÐBolts 47 35 Ð
Thermostat HousingÐBolts 25 Ð 220
Throttle BodyÐNuts 11 Ð 96
Transfer Case to Insulator
Mounting204 150 Ð
PlateÐNuts
Transmission Support
BracketÐ102 75 Ð
Bolts
Transmission Support
CushionÐ47 35 Ð
Bolts
Transmission Support
Cushion47 35 Ð
StudÐNuts
Water Pump to Chain Case
CoverÐ41 30 Ð
Bolts8.OL ENGINE
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
CAMSHAFT
Bearing Diameter
No. 1 53.16 ± 53.19 mm
(2.093 ± 2.094 in.)
No. 2 52.76 ± 52.78 mm
(2.077 ± 2.078 in.)
No. 3 52.35 ± 52.37 mm
(2.061 ± 2.062 in.)
No. 4 51.94 ± 51.97 mm
(2.045 ± 2.046 in.)
No. 5 51.54 ± 51.56 mm
(2.029 ± 2.030 in.)
No. 6 48.74 ± 48.77 mm
(1.919 ± 1.920 in.)
Bearing Journal Diameter
No. 1 53.11 ± 53.14 mm
(2.091 ± 2.092 in.)
No. 2 52.69 ± 52.72 mm
(2.0745 ± 2.0755 in.)
No. 3 52.30 ± 52.32 mm
(2.059 ± 2.060 in.)
No. 4 51.89 ± 51.92 mm
(2.043 ± 2.044 in.)
No. 5 51.49 ± 51.51 mm
(2.027 ± 2.028 in.)
No. 6 48.69 ± 48.72 mm
(1.917 ± 1.918 in.)
Bearing to Journal
Clearance
No. 1,3,4,5,6 0.0254 ± 0.0762 mm
(0.001 ± 0.003 in.)
No. 2 0.0381 ± 0.0889 mm
(0.0005 ± 0.0035 in.)
Service Limit 0.127 mm (0.005 in.)
End Play 0.127 ± 0.381 mm
(0.005 ± 0.015 in.)
9 - 364 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
HYDRAULIC TAPPETS
Body Diameter 22.949 ± 22.962 mm
(0.9035 ± 0.9040 in.)
Clearance (to bore) 0.0203 ± 0.0610 mm
(0.0008 ± 0.0024 in.)
Dry Lash 1.524 ± 5.334 mm
(0.060 ± 0.210 in.)
Push Rod Length 195.52 ± 196.02 mm
(7.698 ± 7.717 in.)
OIL PRESSURE
Curb Idle (Min.*) 83 kPa (12 psi)
@ 3000 rpm 345 ± 414 kPa (50 ± 60
psi)
* If oil pressure is zero at curb idle, DO NOT RUN
ENGINE.
OIL PUMP
Clearance over Rotors
(Max.)0.1906 mm (0.0075 in.)
Cover Out of Flat (Max.) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
Inner Rotor Thickness
(Min.)14.925 ± 14.950 mm
(0.5876 ± 0.5886 in.)
Outer Rotor
Clearance (Max.) 0.1626 mm (0.006 in.)
Diameter (Min.) 82.461 mm (3.246 in.)
Thickness (Min.) 14.925 mm (0.5876 in.)
Tip Clearance between
Rotors
(Max.) 0.584 mm (0.0230 in.)
PISTONS
Clearance at Top of Skirt 0.013 ± 0.038 mm
(0.0005 ± 0.0015 in.)
Piston Length 82.5 mm (3.25 in.)
Piston Ring Groove
Depth
#1&2 91.30 ± 91.55 mm
(3.594 ± 3.604 in.)
#3 92.90 ± 93.15 mmDESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
(3.657 ± 3.667 in.)
Weight 463 ± 473 grams (16.33
± 16.68 oz.)
Piston to Bore Clearance 0.013 ± 0.038 mm
(0.0005 ± 0.0015 in.)
Service Limit 0.0762 mm (0.003 in.)
PISTON PINS
Clearance in Piston 0.010 ± 0.020 mm
(0.0004 ± 0.0008 in.)
Diameter 24.996 ± 25.001 mm
(0.9841 ± 0.9843 in.)
End Play NONE
Length 67.8 ± 68.3 mm
(2.67 ± 2.69 in.)
PISTON RINGS
Ring Gap
Compression Rings 0.254 ± 0.508 mm
(0.010 ± 0.020 in.)
Oil Control (Steel Rails) 0.381 ± 1.397 mm
(0.015 ± 0.055 in.)
Ring Side Clearance
Compression Rings 0.074 ± 0.097 mm
(0.0029 ± 0.0038 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Rails) 2.591 ± 2.743 mm
(0.102 ± 0.108 in.)
VALVE TIMING
Exhaust Valve
Closes (ATDC) 25É
Opens (BBDC) 60É
Duration 265É
Intake Valve
Closes (ATDC) 61É
Opens (BBDC) 6É
Duration 246É
Valve Overlap 31É
9 - 366 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

(5) Remove camshaft thrust plate (Fig. 26).
(6) Install a long bolt into front of camshaft to aid
in removal of the camshaft. Remove camshaft, being
careful not to damage cam bearings with the cam
lobes.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐCAMSHAFT BEARINGS
(1) Install new camshaft bearings using recom-
mended Tool 8544 Camshaft Bushing Remover
Installer, by sliding the new camshaft bearing shell
over proper adapter.
(2) Bearings must be carefully aligned to bring oil
holes into full register with oil passages from the
main bearing. If the camshaft bearing shell oil holes
are not in exact alignment, remove and install them
correctly. Install a new core hole plug at the rear of
camshaft.Be sure this plug does not leak.
INSTALLATIONÐCAMSHAFT
(1) Lubricate camshaft lobes and camshaft bearing
journals. Using a long bolt, insert the camshaft into
the cylinder block.
NOTE: Whenever an engine has been rebuilt, a new
camshaft and/or new tappets installed, add 1 pint of
MoparTCrankcase Conditioner, or equivalent. The
oil mixture should be left in engine for a minimum
of 805 km (500 miles). Drain at the next normal oil
change.
(2) Install camshaft thrust plate. Tighten the torx
bolts to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Check camshaft end play. The end play should
be 0.051-0.152 mm (0.002-0.006 inch) with a new
thrust plate and up to 0.254 mm (0.010 inch) with a
used thrust plate. If not within these limits install a
new thrust plate.(4) Line up key with keyway in sprocket, then
using Special Tools C-3688, C-3718 and MB990799
install crankshaft timing sprocket. Make sure the
sprocket seats against the crankshaft shoulder (Fig.
27).
(5) Install timing chain and sprocket (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the crankshaft pulley/damper (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Prime oil pump by squirting oil in the oil filter
mounting hole and filling the J-trap of the front tim-
ing cover. When oil is running out, install oil filter
that has been filled with oil.
(9) Each tappet reused must be installed in the
same position from which it was removed.When
camshaft is replaced, all of the tappets must be
replaced.
(10) Install tappets and push rods in their original
location.
(11) Position the tappet aligning yokes and yoke
retaing spider.
(12) Install the retaining spider mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 26 Camshaft
1 - CAMSHAFT
2 - THRUST PLATE
Fig. 27 Crankshaft Sprocket Installation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3688
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3718
3 - SPECIAL TOOL MD990799
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 381
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)

INSTALLATION
When a crankshaft is replaced, all main and con-
necting rod bearings should be replaced with new
bearings. Therefore, selective fitting of the bearings
is not required when a crankshaft and bearings are
replaced.
NOTE: Lubricate crankshaft main bearings with
clean engine oil.
(1) Position upper main bearings into block.
(2) Position the crankshaft into the cylinder block.
(3) Lubricate the main journals with clean engine
oil. Install upper main bearings, caps and bolts. Fol-
low the 2 step tightening sequence, starting with
main bearing cap 1.
(4) Lubricate the connecting rod bearings and jour-
nals with clean engine oil. Carefully install connect-
ing rods to the crankshaft.
(5) Using Special Tool 8359 Seal Installer install
new oil into oil seal retainer.
(6) Using Special Tool 6687 Guide, install the rear
seal retainer with a new gasket.
(7) Install the timing chain cover with a new gas-
ket and oil seal.
(8) Prime oil pump by squirt oil in the oil filter
mounting hole and filling the J-trap of the front tim-
ing cover. When oil is running out, install oil filter
that has been filled with oil.(9) Apply a rearward axial load of 667 N (150
lbs-f) on crankshaft centerline, driving No.3 main cap
and thrust bearing against No.3 bulkhead. Repeat
procedure, driving crankshaft forward to align rear
flange of thrust bearings in a common plane. Front
face of No.1 main cap must not extend forward in
front of face of No.1 bulkhead.
(10) Install the oil pickup tube. Tighten the bolts
to 16 N´m (144 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install the oil pan.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐFITTING
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
Bearing caps are not interchangeable and should
be marked at removal to ensure correct assembly.
Upper and lower bearing halves are NOT inter-
changeable. All lower main bearing halves are inter-
changeable. Upper main bearing halves of No. 2, 4,
and 5 are interchangeable. Upper main bearing
halves of No. 1 and 6 are interchangeable, this also
applies to the lower bearing halves.
The No.3 main bearing is flanged to carry the
crankshaft thrust loads. This bearing is NOT inter-
changeable with any other bearing halves in the
engine. Bearing shells are available in standard and
the following undersizes: 0.25 mm (0.001 inch), 0.051
mm (0.002 inch), 0.076 mm (0.003 inch), 0.254 mm
(0.010 inch) and 0.305 mm (0.012 inch). Never install
an undersize bearing that will reduce clearance
below specifications.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the oil pan and oil pump pick-up tube
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
REMOVAL).
(2) Identify bearing caps before removal. Remove
bearing caps one at a time.
(3) Remove upper half of bearing by inserting
Crankshaft Main Bearing Remover/Installer Tool
C-3059 into the oil hole of crankshaft (Fig. 30).
(4) Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise, forcing out
upper half of bearing shell.
INSTALLATION
Only one main bearing should be selectively fitted
while all other main bearing caps are properly tight-
ened. All bearing capbolts removed during service
procedures are to be cleaned and oiled before instal-
lation.
When installing a new upper bearing shell, slightly
chamfer the sharp edges from the plain side.
Fig. 29 Main Bearing Identification
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP
2 - UPPER MAIN BEARINGS
3 - CRANKSHAFT
4 - LOWER MAIN BEARINGS
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 383
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

(1) Start bearing in place, and insert Crankshaft
Main Bearing Remover/Installer Tool C-3059 into oil
hole of crankshaft (Fig. 30).
(2) Slowly rotate crankshaft counterclockwise slid-
ing the bearing into position. Remove Tool C-3059.
(3) Lubricate the main journals with clean engine
oil. Install main bearing caps and bolts. Follow the 2
step tightening sequence, starting with No. 1 main
bearing cap.
(4) Apply a rearward axial load of 667 N (150
lbs-f) on crankshaft centerline, driving No.3 main cap
and thrust bearing against No.3 bulkhead. Repeat
procedure, driving crankshaft forward to align rear
flange of thrust bearings in a common plane. Front
face of No.1 main cap must not extend forward in
front of face of No.1 bulkhead.
(5) Install the oil pump pick-up tube and oil pan
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
INSTALLATION).
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐFRONT OIL SEAL - FRONT COVER
INSTALLED
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Remove vibration damper from the crankshaft
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL).(3) Place a suitable tool behind the lips of the oil
seal to pry the oil seal outward. Be careful not to
damage the crankshaft seal surface of the cover (Fig.
31).
REMOVALÐFRONT OIL SEAL - FRONT COVER
REMOVED
(1) Remove engine front cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) Place a suitable tool behind the lips of the oil
seal to pry the oil seal outward. Be careful not to
damage the crankshaft seal surface of the cover.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐFRONT OIL SEAL ± FRONT
COVER INSTALLED
(1) Position the crankshaft front oil seal onto seal
installer special tool 6806 and C-3688 (Fig. 32).
Install seal.
(2) Install vibration damper (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - INSTAL-
LATION).
(3) Install serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install cooling fan and shroud (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Connect negative cable to the battery.
(6) Start engine and check for leaks.
INSTALLATIONÐFRONT OIL SEAL - FRONT
COVER REMOVED
(1) Position the crankshaft front oil seal onto seal
installer special tool 6806.
Fig. 30 Upper Main Bearing Removal and
Installation with Tool C-3059
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3059
2 - BEARING
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3059
4 - BEARINGFig. 31 Timing Chain Cover and Oil Seal
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - OIL SEAL
9 - 384 ENGINE 8.0LDR
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL
RETAINER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the transmission.
(3) Remove the drive plate / flywheel.
(4) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the rear oil seal retainer mounting
bolts.
(6) Carefully remove the retainer from the engine
block.
INSTALLATION
(1) Throughly clean all gasket resdue from the
engine block.
(2) Use extream care and clean all gasket resdue
from the retainer.
(3) Apply a small amount of MopartSilicone Rub-
ber Adhesive Sealant to the retainer gasket. Position
the gasket onto the retainer.
(4) Position Special Tool 6687 Seal Guide onto the
crankshaft.
(5) Position the retainer and seal over the guide
and onto the engine block.
(6) Install the retainer mounting bolts. Tighten the
bolts to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the drive plate / flywheel.
(9) Install the transmission.
(10) Check and verify engine oil level.
(11) Start engine and check for leaks.
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐHYDRAULIC
TAPPETS
Before disassembling any part of the engine to cor-
rect tappet noise, check the oil pressure. If vehicle
has no oil pressure gauge, install a reliable gauge at
the pressure sending-unit. The pressure should be
between 207-552 kPa (30-80 psi) at 3,000 RPM.
Check the oil level after the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. Allow 5 minutes to stabilize
oil level, check dipstick. The oil level in the pan
should never be above the FULL mark or below the
ADD OIL mark on dipstick. Either of these two con-
ditions could be responsible for noisy tappets.
OIL LEVEL
HIGH
If oil level is above the FULL mark, it is possible
for the connecting rods to dip into the oil. With the
engine running, this condition could create foam in
the oil pan. Foam in oil pan would be fed to the
hydraulic tappets by the oil pump causing them to
lose length and allow valves to seat noisily.
LOW
Low oil level may allow oil pump to take in air.
When air is fed to the tappets, they lose length,
which allows valves to seat noisily. Any leaks on
intake side of oil pump through which air can be
drawn will create the same tappet action. Check the
lubrication system from the intake strainer to the
pump cover, including the relief valve retainer cap.
When tappet noise is due to aeration, it may be
intermittent or constant, and usually more than one
tappet will be noisy. When oil level and leaks have
been corrected, operate the engine at fast idle. Run
engine for a sufficient time to allow all of the air
inside the tappets to be bled out.
TAPPET NOISE DIAGNOSIS
(1) To determine source of tappet noise, operate
engine at idle with cylinder head covers removed.
(2) Feel each valve spring or rocker arm to detect
noisy tappet. The noisy tappet will cause the affected
spring and/or rocker arm to vibrate or feel rough in
operation.
NOTE: Worn valve guides or cocked springs are
sometimes mistaken for noisy tappets. If such is
the case, noise may be dampened by applying side
thrust on the valve spring. If noise is not apprecia-
bly reduced, it can be assumed the noise is in the
tappet. Inspect the rocker arm push rod sockets
and push rod ends for wear.
(3) Valve tappet noise ranges from light noise to a
heavy click. A light noise is usually caused by exces-
sive leak-down around the unit plunger, or by the
plunger partially sticking in the tappet body cylinder.
The tappet should be replaced. A heavy click is
caused by a tappet check valve not seating, or by for-
eign particles wedged between the plunger and the
tappet body. This will cause the plunger to stick in
the down position. This heavy click will be accompa-
nied by excessive clearance between the valve stem
and rocker arm as valve closes. In either case, tappet
assembly should be removed for inspection and clean-
ing.
9 - 386 ENGINE 8.0LDR

(4) The valve train generates a noise very much
like a light tappet noise during normal operation.
Care must be taken to ensure that tappets are mak-
ing the noise. If more than one tappet seems to be
noisy, it's probably not the tappets.
LEAK-DOWN TEST
After cleaning and inspection, test each tappet for
specified leak-down rate tolerance to ensure zero-lash
operation (Fig. 35).
Swing the weighted arm of the hydraulic valve tap-
pet tester away from the ram of the Universal Leak-
Down Tester.
(1) Place a 7.925-7.950 mm (0.312-0.313 inch)
diameter ball bearing on the plunger cap of the tap-
pet.
(2) Lift the ram and position the tappet (with the
ball bearing) inside the tester cup.
(3) Lower the ram, then adjust the nose of the ram
until it contacts the ball bearing. DO NOT tighten
the hex nut on the ram.
(4) Fill the tester cup with hydraulic valve tappet
test oil until the tappet is completely submerged.
(5) Swing the weighted arm onto the push rod and
pump the tappet plunger up and down to remove air.
When the air bubbles cease, swing the weighted arm
away and allow the plunger to rise to the normal
position.
(6) Adjust the nose of the ram to align the pointer
with the SET mark on the scale of the tester and
tighten the hex nut.
(7) Slowly swing the weighted arm onto the push
rod.
(8) Rotate the cup by turning the handle at the
base of the tester clockwise one revolution every 2
seconds.
(9) Observe the leak-down time interval from the
instant the pointer aligns with the START mark on
the scale until the pointer aligns with the 0.125
mark. A normally functioning tappet will require
20-110 seconds to leak-down. Discard tappets with
leak-down time interval not within this specification.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Remove the air cleaner.
(3) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove rocker arm assembly and push rods
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER
ARM / ADJUSTER ASSY - REMOVAL). Identify
push rods to ensure installation in original location.
(5) Remove upper and lower intake manifold
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - REMOVAL).(6) Cut the cylinder head gasket for accessibility if
the end tappets are to be removed.
(7) Remove yoke retainer spider and tappet align-
ing yokes (Fig. 36).
Fig. 35 Leak-Down Tester
1 - POINTER
2 - WEIGHTED ARM
3 - RAM
4 - CUP
5 - HANDLE
6 - PUSH ROD
Fig. 36 Tappets, Aligning Yoke and Yoke Retaining
Spider
1 - TAPPET ALIGNING YOLK
2 - YOKE RETAINING SPIDER
3 - TAPPET
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 387
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDUREÐPISTON FITTING
Piston and cylinder wall must be clean and dry.
Specified clearance between the piston and the cylin-
der wall is 0.013-0.038 mm (0.0005-0.0015 inch). The
max. allowable clearance is 0.0762 mm (0.003 in.).
Piston diameter should be measured at the top of
skirt, 90É to piston pin axis. Cylinder bores should be
measured halfway down the cylinder bore and trans-
verse to the engine crankshaft center line.
Pistons and cylinder bores should be measured at
normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
(1) To correctly select the proper size piston, a cyl-
inder bore gauge, capable of reading in .00019
INCREMENTS is required (Fig. 38). If a bore gauge
is not available, do not use an inside micrometer.The
coating material is applied to the piston after the
final piston machining process. Measuring the out-
side diameter of a coated piston will not provide
accurate results. Therefore measuring the inside
diameter of the cylinder bore with a dial Bore Gauge
isMANDATORY.. To correctly select the proper size
piston, a cylinder bore gauge capable of reading in
.00019increments is required.Piston installation into
the cylinder bore require slightly more pressure than
that required for non-coated pistons. The bonded
coating on the piston will give the appearance of a
line-to-line fit with the cylinder bore.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the engine from the vehicle (Refer to 9
- ENGINE - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove cylinder head (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the oil pan and oil pump pick-up tube
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reli-
able ridge reamer before removing pistons from cyl-
inder block. Be sure to keep tops of pistons covered
during this operation.
(5) Be sure the connecting rod and connecting rod
cap are identified with the cylinder number. Remove
connecting rod cap. Install connecting rod bolt guide
set on connecting rod bolts.
(6) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. When removing piston and
connecting rod assemblies, rotate crankshaft center
the connecting rod in the cylinder bore and at BDC.
Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals. DO
NOT try to remove black coating on skirt. This
is the dry film lubricant.
(7) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
CLEANING
Clean the piston and connecting rod assembly
using a suitable solvent.
INSPECTION
Check the connecting rod journal for excessive
wear, taper and scoring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the connecting rod for signs of twist or bend-
ing.
Check the piston for taper and elliptical shape
before it is fitted into the cylinder bore (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the piston for scoring, or scraping marks in
the piston skirts. Check the ring lands for cracks
and/or deterioration.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check the crankshaft connecting rod journal
for excessive wear, taper and scoring.
(2) Check the cylinder block bore for out-of-round,
taper, scoring and scuffing.
(3) Be sure that compression ring gaps are stag-
gered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap.
(4) Before installing the ring compressor, make
sure the oil ring expander ends are butted and the
rail gaps located properly (Fig. 39).
Fig. 38 Bore Gauge
1 - BORE GAUGE
2 - CYLINDER BORE
3 - 2-5/16 in.
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 389
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)