Cooler DODGE RAM 2003 Service User Guide

NOTE: The radiator is equipped with one alignment
dowel on the bottom of the outlet tank and one
retaining bracket on the front side of the inlet tank.
Both features have rubber insulators attached to
them that must be present. The alignment dowel fits
into a hole at the bottom of the front end sheet
metal vertical support post and the support bracket
rests on top of the lower radiator closure tube.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, broken
or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the fan shroud over the fan blades
rearward towards engine.
(2) Install the rubber insulators to the lower radi-
ator mounting features (alignment dowel and support
bracket at the lower part of the radiator).
(3) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the alignment dowel into the vertical post bracket.
Position and seat the lower radiator support bracket
onto the lower radiator closure tube.
(4) Install the upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the lower radiator hose and install the
clamp in the proper position.
(6) Connect the power steering hoses to the power
steering oil cooler and install the clamps.
(7) Connect the transmission oil cooler lines to the
transmission oil cooler and install the secondary
latches.
(8) Position the fan shroud into the mounting clips
on the radiator tanks and secure with bolts. Tighten
the bolts to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(9) Secure the power steering hoses into the clip
on the lower fan shroud.
(10) Install the windshield washer reservoir tank
and connect the hose and electrical connector.
(11) Install coolant reserve/overflow container
hose(s) to radiator filler neck and secure properly
with clamps.
Fig. 33 Fan Shroud
1 - RADIATOR
2 - SCREWS
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - SLIDE MOUNT
Fig. 34 Radiator
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER MOUNT
4 - RADIATOR
5 - DRAINCOCK
6 -LOWER MOUNT
7 - 58 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR (Continued)

(12) Install coolant reserve/overflow container or
degas container to fan shroud and tighten the bolts
to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(13) Connect upper radiator hose and install
clamp.
(14) Install battery negative cable.
(15) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) Operate the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature. Check cooling system fluid
levels.
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a aluminum cross-flow design with
horizontal tubes through the radiator core and verti-
cal plastic side tanks (Fig. 35).
This radiator does not contain an internal trans-
mission oil cooler
OPERATION
The radiator supplies sufficient heat transfer using
the cooling fins interlaced between the horizontal
tubes in the radiator core to cool the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant
is flowing through the cooling system.
(1) Idle engine until operating temperature is
reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the
touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flow-
ing to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO
COVER THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, OPEN
RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS
WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO VENT
TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRES-
SURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE
CAP FROM FILLER NECK.
(2) Drain a small amount of coolant from the radi-
ator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible
through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the
exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
6094). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20)
MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CON-
STANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with a matching number or letter.
(3) Remove air box and turbocharger inlet tube.
(4) Remove coolant tank hose, washer bottle hose
and the positive battery cable from the fastening
clips located on top of the radiator.
(5) Remove hose clamps and hoses from radiator.
Fig. 35 Radiator Ð Typical
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER MOUNT
4 - RADIATOR
5 - DRAINCOCK
6 -LOWER MOUNT
DRENGINE 7 - 59
RADIATOR (Continued)

(6) Remove the power steering cooler mounting
bolts and position the power steering cooler out of
the way.
(7) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines at the
transmission. The transmission cooler will remain on
the radiator and can be removed as an assembly.
(8) Remove the lower shroud assembly and the
electronic viscous fan wiring from the upper shroud
assembly.
(9) Remove the two radiator upper mounting bolts
(Fig. 36).
(10) Lift radiator straight up and out of engine
compartment. The bottom of the radiator is equipped
with two alignment dowels that fit into holes in the
lower radiator support panel. Rubber biscuits (insu-
lators) are installed to these dowels. Take care not to
damage cooling fins or tubes on the radiator and air
conditioning condenser when removing.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, broken
or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install rubber insulators to alignment dowels
at lower part of radiator.
(2) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the two alignment dowels into lower radiator sup-
port. Different alignment holes are provided in the
lower radiator support for each engine application.
(3) Install two upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect both radiator hoses and install hose
clamps.
(5) Connect transmission cooler lines to radiator
tank. Inspect quick connect fittings for debris and
install until an audible ªclickº is heard. Pull apart to
verify connection.
(6) Position power steering cooler on the radiator
and tighten nuts to 8.5M´N (75 in. lbs.)
(7) Attach electronic viscous fan wiring to upper
shroud ands install lower shroud.
(8) Position coolant recover tank hose, washer bot-
tle hose and the positive battery cable into the clips
located on the top of the radiator.
(9) Install air box and turbocharger inlet hose.
Tighten clamps to 4 N´M (35 in. lbs.).
(10) Position heater controls tofull heatposition.
(11) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(12) Operate engine until it reaches normal tem-
perature. Check cooling system and automatic trans-
mission (if equipped) fluid levels.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
All cooling systems are equipped with a pressure
cap (Fig. 37). For 5.9L engines, the pressure cap is
located on top of the radiator outlet tank. For the
3.7L/4.7L engines, the pressure cap is located on top
of the coolant degas container. The cap releases pres-
sure at some point within a range of 97-to-124 kPa
(14-to-18 psi). The pressure relief point (in pounds) is
engraved on top of the cap
The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity. The cap contains a spring-
Fig. 36 Fan Shroud MountingÐ5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - UPPER FAN SHROUD
3 - BOLTS (2)
4 - LOWER FAN SHROUD
5 - RADIATOR
7 - 60 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

TRANSMISSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANS COOLER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................72
DESCRIPTION........................72
OPERATION...........................72
REMOVAL.............................72
DISASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY...............73
ASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY..................73
INSTALLATION.........................73TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................73
OPERATION...........................74
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐAIR TO OIL COOLER.........74
REMOVALÐWATER TO OIL COOLER......74
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐAIR TO OIL COOLER.....75
INSTALLATION.......................75
TRANS COOLER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
An air-to-oil transmission oil cooler is standard on
all engine packages. The transmission oil cooler is
mounted to the front of the radiator above the power
steering cooler (Fig. 1).
DESCRIPTION
An air-to-oil transmission oil cooler is standard on
all engine packages. The transmission oil cooler is
mounted to the front of the radiator above the power
steering cooler (Fig. 2).
OPERATION
Transmission oil is routed through the cooler
where heat is removed from the transmission oil
before returning to the transmission. Vehicles
equipped with the 5.9L engine have an internal ther-
mostat that controls fluid flow through the cooler-
.When the transmission fluid is cold ( less than
operating temperature) the fluid is routed through
the cooler bypass. when the transmission fluid
reaches operating temperatures and above, the ther-
mostat closes off the bypass allowing fluid flow
through the cooler. The thermostat is serviceable.
NOTE: Vehicles with the 3.7L/4.7L engines are not
equipped with the oil cooler thermostat.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler lines.(3) Disconnect the transmission oil cooler line
quick-connect fitting at the cooler outlet using the
quick connect release tool 6935. Plug the cooler lines
to prevent oil leakage.
(4) Unsnap the transmission cooler tubes from the
radiator tank clips.
Fig. 1 Cooling Module Ð 5.9L Gas
1 - TRANS OIL COOLER BYPASS (5.9L only)
2 - OIL COOLER THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE (5.9L only)
3 -TRANS OIL COOLER
4 - OIL COOLER MOUNTING BOLT (4)
5 - POWER STEERING COOLER
6 - POWER STEERING COOLER MOUNTING BOLT(2)
7 - TRANS OIL COOLER OUTLET
8 - TRANS OIL COOLER INLET
9 - COOLER LINE CLIP
10 - COOLER LINE CLIP
11 - RADIATOR
7 - 72 TRANSMISSIONDR

(5) Remove the bolts attaching the transmission
cooler to the radiator.
(6) Remove oil cooler from the vehicle. Take care
not to damage the radiator core or transmission
cooler tubes.
DISASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY
NOTE: The transmission oil cooler uses an internal
thermostat to control transmission oil flow through
the cooler. This thermostat is servicable.
(1) Remove the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the snap ring retaining the thermostat
end plug (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove the end plug, thermostat and spring
from transmission oil cooler (Fig. 3).
ASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY
(1) Throughly clean the thermostat bore on the
transmission oil cooler.
(2) Install the new spring, thermostat, end plug
and snap ring.(3) Install the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the transmission cooler tubes to the
front of the radiator.
(2) Snap the transmission cooler tubes into the
clips on the side of the radiator tank.
(3) Install the transmission cooler attaching bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 16 N´m (140 in. lbs.).
(4) inspect the quick connect fittings for debris and
install the quick connect fitting on the cooler tube
until an audible ªclickº is heard. Pull apart the con-
nection to verify proper installation and install the
secondary latches.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Start the engine and check all fittings for
leaks.
(7) Check the fluid level in the automatic trans-
mission. Refer to the appropriate transmission sec-
tion(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 45RFE/545RFE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) or(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/FLUID - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
All diesel models equipped with an automatic
transmission are equipped with both a main water-
to-oil cooler and a separate air-to-oil cooler. Both cool-
Fig. 2 Cooling Module - 3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
1 - TRANS OIL COOLER
2 - TRANS OIL COOLER MOUNTING BOLT (3)
3 - POWER STEERING OIL COOLER
4 - POWER STEERING OIL COOLER MOUNTING BOLT
5 - TRANS OIL COOLER OUTLET
6 - TRANS OIL COOLER INLET
7 - COOLER LINE CLIP
8 - COOLER LINE CLIP
9 - RADIATOR
Fig. 3 Transmission Oil Cooler Thermostat
Removal/Installation
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - SPRING
3 - END PLUG
4 - SNAP RING
5 - THERMOSTAT
DRTRANSMISSION 7 - 73
TRANS COOLER (Continued)

ers are supplied as standard equipment on diesel
engine powered models when equipped with an auto-
matic transmission.
The main water-to-oil transmission oil cooler is
mounted to a bracket on the intake side of the engine
(Fig. 4).
The air-to-oil cooler is located in front of and to the
left side of the radiator (Fig. 5).
OPERATION
The transmission oil is routed through the main
cooler first, then the auxiliary cooler where addi-
tional heat is removed from the transmission oil
before returning to the transmission. The cooler has
an internal thermostat that controls fluid flow
through the cooler. When the transmission fluid is
cold (less then operating temperature), the fluid is
routed through the cooler bypass. When the trans-
mission fluid reaches operating temperatures and
above, the thermostat closes off the bypass allowing
fluid flow through the cooler. The thermostat is ser-
vicable.
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐAIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Remove Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
REMOVAL).(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Disconnect the oil cooler quick-connect fittings
from the transmission lines.
(5) Remove the charge air cooler-to-oil cooler bolt
(Fig. 6).
(6) Remove two mounting nuts.
(7) Remove the oil cooler and line assembly
towards the front of vehicle. Cooler must be rotated
and tilted into position while removing.
REMOVALÐWATER TO OIL COOLER
CAUTION: If a leak should occur in the water-to-oil
cooler mounted to the side of the engine block,
engine coolant may become mixed with transmis-
sion fluid. Transmission fluid may also enter engine
cooling system. Both cooling system and transmis-
sion should be drained and inspected in case of oil
cooler leakage.
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove starter (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(3) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Disconnect coolant lines from cooler.
Fig. 4 Transmission Water-To-Oil CoolerÐDiesel
EngineÐTypical
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
Fig. 5 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - RADIATOR
3 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
4 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
7 - 74 TRANSMISSIONDR
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

(5) Disconnect transmission oil lines from cooler.
Plug cooler lines to prevent oil leakage.
(6) Remove cooler bracket to transmission bolt.
(7) Remove two cooler bracket to cooler bolts.
(8) Remove cooler assembly from vehicle. (Fig. 7)
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐAIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Carefully position the oil cooler assembly to the
vehicle.
(2) Install two nuts and one bolt. Tighten to 11
N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect the quick-connect fittings to the trans-
mission cooler lines.
(4) Install Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Start the engine and check all fittings for
leaks.(6) Check the fluid level in the automatic trans-
mission (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position oil cooler on cylinder block.
(2) Install two mounting bolts to cooler at the cyl-
inder block. Torque bolts to 77N´m (57 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install cooler bracket to transmission adapter
bolt. Tighten to 24N´M (18 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect transmission oil lines to cooler.
(5) Connect coolant hoses to cooler.
(6) Install starter motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Connect battery negative cables.
(8) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Check transmission oil level and fill as neces-
sary (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 6 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - RADIATOR
3 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
4 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
Fig. 7 Transmission Water-To- Oil CoolerÐDiesel
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
DRTRANSMISSION 7 - 75
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

(4) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process. Do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(5) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nuts securing
starter wiring harness to starter (Fig. 13). Do not let
starter motor hang from wire harness.
(6) Remove starter motor from engine. Note: Cer-
tain diesel engines use an aluminum spacer (Fig. 12).
Note position and orientation of spacer before
removal.
5.9L Gas
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Note: If equipped with 4WD and certain trans-
missions, a support bracket is used between front
axle and side of transmission. Remove 2 support
bracket bolts at transmission. Pry support bracket
slightly to gain access to lower starter mounting bolt.
(4) Remove nut and lock washer securing starter
motor to mounting stud (Fig. 14).
(5) While supporting starter motor, remove upper
mounting bolt from starter motor.
(6) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket forward on tubes far enough for
starter motor mounting flange to be removed from
lower mounting stud.
(7) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
Fig. 11 STARTER R/I - 5.7L
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 12 STARTER R/I - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
2 - STARTER MOTOR
3 - SPACER (CERTAIN TRANSMISSIONS)
Fig. 13 STARTER ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS -
5.9L DIESEL
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY CABLE NUT
3 - SOLENOID NUT
4 - HARNESS ASSEMBLY
8F - 36 STARTINGDR
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

housing. Always support starter motor during this
process, do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(8) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nut that secures
battery positive cable wire harness connector eyelet
to solenoid battery terminal stud. Do not let starter
motor hang from wire harness.
(9) Remove battery positive cable wire harness
connector eyelet from solenoid battery terminal stud.
(10) Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness
connector from solenoid terminal connector recepta-
cle.
(11) Remove starter motor.
INSTALLATION
3.7L / 4.7L
(1) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps
on).
(2) Position battery cable to solenoid stud. Install
and tighten battery cable eyelet nut. Refer to Torque
Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang
from wire harness.
(3) Position starter motor to transmission.
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.(5) Install and tighten both bolts (auto. trans.), or
1 nut and 1 bolt (man. trans.). Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
5.7L
(1) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps
on).
(2) Position battery cable to solenoid stud. Install
and tighten battery cable eyelet nut. Refer to Torque
Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang
from wire harness.
(3) Position starter motor to engine.
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(5) Install and tighten both mounting bolts. Refer
to Torque Specifications.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
5.9L Diesel
(1)If Equipped:Position and hold aluminum
spacer to rear of starter while positioning starter to
engine.
(2) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor. Tighten
nut.
(3) Position battery cable to starter stud. Install
and tighten battery cable nut. Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang from
wire harness.
(4) Position starter motor to transmission.
(5) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(6) Install and tighten 3 starter mounting bolts.
Refer to Torque Specifications.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Connect both negative battery cables to both
batteries.
5.9L Gas
(1) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps
on).
(2) Position battery cable to solenoid stud. Install
and tighten battery cable eyelet nut. Refer to Torque
Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang
from wire harness.
(3) Position starter motor to transmission.
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(5) Install and tighten both bolts (auto. trans.), or
1 nut and 1 bolt (man. trans.). Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
Fig. 14 STARTER R/I - 5.9L GAS
1 - ENGINE
2 - STARTER MOUNTING FLANGE
3 - STUD
4 - STARTER MOTOR
5 - LOCK WASHER
6 - NUT
7 - BRACKET
8 - BOLT
9 - POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WIRE HARNESS
10 - POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WIRE HARNESS NUT
DRSTARTING 8F - 37
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

mal in condition and can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation can also separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 46). Spark plugs with
this condition must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive
combustion chamber temperature. The center elec-
trode dissolves first and the ground electrode dis-
solves somewhat latter (Fig. 47). Insulators appear
relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug
has the correct heat range rating for the engine.Determine if ignition timing is over advanced or if
other operating conditions are causing engine over-
heating. (The heat range rating refers to the operat-
ing temperature of a particular type spark plug.
Spark plugs are designed to operate within specific
temperature ranges. This depends upon the thick-
ness and length of the center electrodes porcelain
insulator.)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
48). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
Fig. 45 SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE COVERED WITH WHITE OR YELLOW
DEPOSITS
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
Fig. 46 CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
3 - CHIPPED INSULATOR
Fig. 47 PREIGNITION DAMAGE
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 48 SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 29
SPARK PLUG (Continued)