engine oil DODGE VIPER 2004 ZB / 2.G User Guide

present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopartengine oil filters are high quality oil
filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the appropriate ªMaintenance
Scheduleº, check the condition of the drive belt for
condition and proper tension. Improper belt tension can
cause belt slippage and failure.
Inspect the drive belt for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace it if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission control. Install new recom-
mended plugs with the recommended gap at the speci-
fied mileage.
Refer to the ªVehicle Emission Control Informationº label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
152 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System and Ignition Timing
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Do not
remove the nipple assemblies from the coil towers unless
the nipples are damaged or cable testing shows high
resistance or broken insulation. Refer to the Service
154 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Rubber bushings
²Starter bearing
²Throttle control cable
²Water pump bearings
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir in the right side engine compartment
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield antifreeze (not radiator
antifreeze).
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or side of the vehicle is damaged;have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide which is colorless and odorless. Breathing
it can make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 165
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Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids are used during assembly plant
operations to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation) should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
High pressure fuel system hoses have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.Use only manufacturer specified hoses or their equiva-
lent in material and specification, in any fuel system
servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps that have
been loosened or removed during service.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
172 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)18 Gallons 68 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
8.3 Liter Engine 10 Quarts 9.5 Liters
Cooling System*
8.3 Liter Engine 16 Quarts 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/102,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified. Refer to oil viscosity chart for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MopartEngine Oil Filter
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine compart-
ment.
Fuel Selection Premium Unleaded 93 Octane Only or higher
196 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 201
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Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the suspension components.
²Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
202 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000) (29 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Inspect and replace, if necessary, theair
cleaner filter.X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints.X
204 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000) (53 000) (58 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints.X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Change the rear axle fluid. X X
Inspect and replace, if necessary, theair
cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs.X
Change the transmission fluid. X
Inspect and replace, if necessary, thePCV ori-
fice.*X
Change the brake and clutch fluid. X
SCHEDULE ªBº 205
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