1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Cooling system

TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove right and left cylinder head covers(Re-
fer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER
HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove radiator fan shroud(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(5) Rotate engine until timing mark on crankshaft
damper aligns with TDC mark on timing chain cover
(Fig. 108) and the camshaft sprocket ªV6º marks are
at the 12 o'clock position (No. 1 TDC exhaust stroke)
(Fig. 107).
(6) Remove power steering pump(Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL).
Fig. 107 CAMSHAFT SPROCKET V6 MARKS, (#1 TDC EXHAUST STROKE)
1 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
Fig. 108 Engine Top Dead Center
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 83

must be within 0.10 -0.25 mm (0.004 - 0.010 in.). If
not within specification, the idler gear must be
replaced (Fig. 116).
(21) Install timing chain cover and crankshaft
damper. Refer to procedures.
(22) Install cylinder head covers(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Before installing threaded plug in right cylin-
der head, the plug must be coated with sealant to
prevent leaks.(23) Coat the large threaded access plug with
MopartThread Sealant with Teflon, then install
into the right cylinder head and tighten to 81 N´m
(60 ft. lbs.).
(24) Install the oil fill housing.
(25) Install access plug in left cylinder head.
(26) Install power steering pump(Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(27) Fill cooling system(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(28) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 115 TIGHTENING RIGHT SIDE CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET BOLT
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 WITH ADAPTER PINS 8346
3 - LEFT CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
4 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT SPROCKETFig. 116 MEASURING IDLER GEAR END PLAY
1 - IDLER SPROCKET ASSEMBLY
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 87
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS (Continued)

to one gasket surface. Be certain the material sur-
rounds each mounting hole. Excess material can eas-
ily be wiped off. Components should be torqued in
place within 15 minutes. The use of a locating dowel
is recommended during assembly to prevent smear-
ing material off the location.
MopartEngine RTV GEN II or ATF RTV gasket
material should be applied in a continuous bead
approximately 3 mm (0.120 in.) in diameter. All
mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a
3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 in.) drop is placed in the
center of the gasket contact area. Uncured sealant
may be removed with a shop towel. Components
should be torqued in place while the sealant is still
wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). The usage of a
locating dowel is recommended during assembly to
prevent smearing material off the location.
MopartGasket Sealant in an aerosol can should be
applied using a thin, even coat sprayed completely
over both surfaces to be joined, and both sides of a
gasket. Then proceed with assembly. Material in a
can w/applicator can be brushed on evenly over the
sealing surfaces. Material in an aerosol can should be
used on engines with multi-layer steel gaskets.
REMOVAL
NOTE: This procedure applies to both the 4X2 and
4X4 vehicles, steps that apply to the 4X4 vehicle
only, are identified.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative and positive
cables.
(2) Remove the battery and the battery tray.
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Remove exhaust crossover pipe from exhaust
manifolds.
(5)4X4 vehiclesDisconnect axle vent tube from
left side engine mount.
(6) Remove the through bolt retaining nut and bolt
from both the left and right side engine mounts.
(7)4X4 vehiclesRemove locknut from left and
right side engine mount brackets.
(8) Disconnect two ground straps from the lower
left hand side and one ground strap from the lower
right hand side of the engine.
(9) Disconnect crankshaft position sensor. (Fig. 1)
NOTE: The following step applies to 4X4 vehicles
equipped with automatic transmission only.(10)4X4 vehiclesRemove the axle isolator
bracket from the engine, transmission and the axle.
(11) Remove structural cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER -
REMOVAL).
(12) Remove starter (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(13) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(14) Remove torque converter bolts (Automatic
Transmission Only).
(15) Remove transmission to engine mounting
bolts.
(16) Disconnect the engine block heater power
cable from the block heater, if equipped.
(17) Lower vehicle.
(18) Remove throttle body resonator assembly and
air inlet hose.
Fig. 1 Crankshaft Position Sensor
1 - CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
3 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
4 - RIGHT SIDE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRENGINE - 4.7L 9 - 95
ENGINE - 4.7L (Continued)

(19) Disconnect throttle and speed control cables.
(20) Disconnect tube from both the left and right
side crankcase breathers (Fig. 2). Remove breathers
(21) Discharge A/C system (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIG-
ERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(22) Remove A/C compressor (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - REMOVAL).
(23) Remove shroud, fan assembly (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - REMOVAL) and accessory drive belt
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE
BELTS - REMOVAL).
(24) Disconnect transmission oil cooler lines at the
radiator.
(25) Disconnect radiator upper and lower hoses.
(26) Remove radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL), A/C condenser
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL) and
transmission oil cooler.
(27) Remove generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHARGING/GENERATOR - REMOVAL).
(28) Disconnect the two heater hoses from the tim-
ing chain cover and heater core.
(29) Unclip and remove heater hoses and tubes
from the intake manifold.
(30) Disconnect engine harness at the following
points :
²Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor (Fig. 3)
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(31) Disconnect the vacuum lines at the throttle
body and intake manifold.
(32) Release fuel rail pressure (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE) then disconnect the fuel supply quick connect
fitting at the fuel rail (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/
FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(33) Remove power steering pump and position out
of the way.
(34) Install Special Tools 8400 Lifting Studs, into
the cylinder heads.
(35) Install Engine Lifting Fixture Special Tool
8347 (Fig. 4) following these steps.
²Holding the lifting fixture at a slight angle, slide
the large bore in the front plate over the hex portion
of the lifting stud.
²Position the two remaining fixture arms onto
the two Special Tools 8400 Lifting Studs, in the cyl-
inder heads.
²Pull foward and upward on the lifting fixture so
that the lifting stud rest in the slotted area below the
large bore.
Fig. 2 Crankcase Breather Connection Points
1 - CRANKCASE BREATHERS
Fig. 3 Throttle Body Connection Points
1 - THROTTLE BODY
2 - TPS
3 - IAC MOTOR
4 - IAT SENSOR
5 - MOUNTING SCREWS
9 - 96 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
ENGINE - 4.7L (Continued)

Position both the left and right side engine mount
brackets and install the through bolts and nuts.
Tighten nuts to4X2 vehicles95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
4X4 vehicles102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(2)4X4 vehiclesInstall locknuts onto the engine
mount brackets. Tighten locknuts to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Remove jack from under the transmission.
(4) Remove Engine Lifting Fixture Special Tool
8347 (Fig. 4).
(5) Remove Special Tools 8400 Lifting Studs.
(6) Position generator wiring behind the oil dip-
stick tube, then install the oil dipstick tube upper
mounting bolt.
(7) Connect both left and right side body ground
straps.
(8) Install power steering pump.
(9) Connect fuel supply line quick connect fitting
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Connect the vacuum lines at the throttle body
and intake manifold.
(11) Connect engine harness at the following
points (Fig. 3):
²Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Fuel Injectors
²Throttle Position (TPS) Switch
²Engine Oil Pressure Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Coil Over Plugs
(12) Position and install heater hoses and tubes
onto intake manifold.
(13) Install the heater hoses onto the heater core
and the engine front cover.
(14) Install generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHARGING/GENERATOR - INSTALLATION).
(15) Install A/C condenser (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C CON-
DENSER - INSTALLATION), radiator (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
and transmission oil cooler.
(16) Connect radiator upper and lower hoses.
(17) Connect the transmission oil cooler lines to
the radiator.
(18) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -INSTALLATION), fan assembly and shroud (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - INSTALLATION).
(19) Install A/C compressor (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - INSTALLATION).
(20) Install both breathers. Connect tube to both
crankcase breathers (Fig. 2).
(21) Connect throttle and speed control cables.
(22) Install throttle body resonator assembly and
air inlet hose. Tighten clamps 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
(23) Raise vehicle.
(24) Install transmission to engine mounting bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(25) Install torque converter bolts (Automatic
Transmission Only).
(26) Connect crankshaft position sensor (Fig. 1).
(27)4X4 vehiclesPosition and install the axle
isolator bracket onto the axle, transmission and
engine block. Tighten bolts to specification (Refer to 9
- ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
(28) Install starter (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLATION).
CAUTION: The structural cover requires a specific
torque sequence. Failure to follow this sequence
may cause severe damage to the cover.
(29) Install structural cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER - INSTAL-
LATION).
(30) Install exhaust crossover pipe.
(31) Install engine block heater power cable, If
equipped.
(32)4X4 vehiclesConnect axle vent tube to left
side engine mount.
(33) Lower vehicle.
(34) Check and fill engine oil.
(35) Recharge the A/C system (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIG-
ERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(36) Refill the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(37) Install the battery tray and battery.
(38) Connect the battery positive and negative
cables.
(39) Start the engine and check for leaks.
9 - 98 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
ENGINE - 4.7L (Continued)

REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD
(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 COOLING
SYSTEM.
(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 section 5 brakes.
(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 assembly
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VIS-
COUS CLUTCH - 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.
9).(13) Verify the V8 mark on the camshaft sprocket
is at the 12 o'clock position (Fig. 11). Rotate the
crankshaft 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).
(16) Lock the secondary timing chains to the idler
sprocket using Special Tool 8515 (Fig. 10).
Fig. 9 Engine Top Dead Center (TDC) Indicator Mark
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
Fig. 10 Using Special Tool 8515 to Hold Chains to
Idler Sprocket.
1 - LOCK ARM
2 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT CHAIN
3 - SECONDARY CHAINS RETAINING PINS (4)
4 - IDLER SPROCKET
5 - LEFT CAMSHAFT CHAIN
6 - SPECIAL TOOL 8515
9 - 108 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(9) Install the left side secondary chain guide
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(10) Install the cylinder head access plug (Fig. 20).
(11) Re-set and Install the left side secondary
chain tensioner (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIM-
ING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION).
(12) Remove Special Tool 8515.
(13) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(14) Install the crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the power steering pump.
(16) Install the fan blade assembly and fan shroud
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VIS-
COUS CLUTCH - INSTALLATION).
(17) Install the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(18) Reinstall the master cylinder and booster
assembly. Refer to section 5 brakes.
(19) Install the intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(20) Refill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(21) Raise the vehicle.
(22) Install the exhaust pipe onto the left exhaust
manifold.
(23) Lower the vehicle.
(24) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(25) Start the engine and check for leaks.INSTALLATION - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts are tightened using
a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be
examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked
down the bolts should be replaced.
Necking can be checked by holding a straight edge
against the threads. If all the threads do not contact
the scale, the bolt should be replaced (Fig. 21).
CAUTION: When cleaning cylinder head and cylin-
der block surfaces, DO NOT use a metal scraper
because the surfaces could be cut or ground. Use
only a wooden or plastic scraper.
(1) Clean the cylinder head and cylinder block
mating surfaces (Fig. 22).
(2) Position the new cylinder head gasket on the
locating dowels.
CAUTION: When installing cylinder head, use care
not damage the tensioner arm or the guide arm.
(3) Position the cylinder head onto the cylinder
block. Make sure the cylinder head seats fully over
the locating dowels.
NOTE: The four smaller cylinder head mounting
bolts require sealant to be added to them before
installing. Failure to do so may cause leaks.
(4) Lubricate the cylinder head bolt threads with
clean engine oil and install the ten M10 bolts.
(5) Coat the four M8 cylinder head bolts with
MopartLock and Seal Adhesivethen install the
bolts.
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts are tightened using
an angle torque procedure, however, the bolts are
not a torque-to-yield design.
Fig. 20 Cylinder Head Access Plugs
1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
2 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
Fig. 21 Checking Cylinder Head Bolts for Stretching
(Necking)
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
DRENGINE - 4.7L 9 - 113
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(6) Tighten the bolts in sequence (Fig. 23) using
the following steps and torque values:
²Step 1: Tighten bolts 1±10, 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
²Step 2: Tighten bolts 1±10, 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
Tighten bolts 11±14, 25 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
²Step 3: Tighten bolts 1±10, 90 degrees. Tighten
bolts 11±14, 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(7) Position the secondary chain onto the camshaft
drive gear, making sure one marked chain link is on
either side of the V8 mark on the gear and position
the gear onto the camshaft.
(8) Install the camshaft drive gear retaining bolt.
(9) Install the right side secondary chain guide
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the right side cylinder head access
plug (Fig. 24).(11) Re-set and install the right side secondary
chain tensioner.
(12) Remove Special Tool 8515.
(13) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(14) Install the crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(16) Install the fan shroud.
(17) Install the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(19) Install oil fill housing onto cylinder head.
(20) Refill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(21) Raise the vehicle.
(22) Install the exhaust pipe onto the right
exhaust manifold.
(23) Lower the vehicle.
(24) Reconnect battery negitive cable.
(25) Start the engine and check for leaks.
CAMSHAFT(S) - LEFT
DESCRIPTION
The camshafts consist of powdered metal steel
lobes which are sinter-bonded to a steel tube. A steel
post or nose piece is friction-welded to the steel cam-
shaft tube. Five bearing journals are machined into
Fig. 22 Proper Tool Usage for
1 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 23 Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence
Fig. 24 Cylinder Head Access Plugs
1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
2 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
9 - 114 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)