1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Head bolts

PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
PISTONS
The piston (Fig. 85) is constructed of aluminum
and is gravity cast, free floating design. The piston
incorporates a centrally located high swirl combus-
tion bowl, and utilizes a ªkeystoneº style top com-
pression ring (Fig. 86), and a ªTapered Faceº
intermediate ring (Fig. 86), for superior cylinder wall
scraping. Piston cooling nozzles cool the piston and
pin with engine oil supplied by the crankshaft main
journals. High horsepower pistons are gallery cooled
and utilize J-jet piston cooling nozzles. Pistons are
directional in order to provide clearance to piston
cooling nozzles.
CONNECTING RODS
The connecting rods are a split angle design. They
have a pressed-in-place wrist pin bushing that is
lubricated by piston cooling nozzle oil spray.
Machined connecting rods are no longer used
in the diesel engine. Do not install machined
connecting rods into an engine that has frac-
tured split connecting rods.
Fractured split connecting rods are first manufac-
tured as a single piece and then fractured into two
pieces. Fractured split connecting rods can be identi-
fied by a rough and irregular surface at the connect-
ing rod split face. To properly assemble the rod cap to
the connecting rod, the bearing tangs on the connect-
ing rod and cap must be located on the same side of
the rod. The long end of the connecting rod must be
assembled on the intake or camshaft side of the
engine.
Each matched fractured split connecting rod and
cap is an assembly and are not interchangeable. If a
connecting rod or cap is damaged, the entire assem-
bly must be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAD GASKET
SELECTION
(1) Measure piston protrusion for all six pistons.
(2) Calculate the average piston protrusion. Maxi-
mum allowable protrusion is 0.516 mm (0.020 inch).
NOTE: There are two different head gaskets avail-
able. One gasket is for Average piston protrusion
less than 0.30 mm (0.011 inch). The other gasket is
for Average piston protrusion greater than 0.30 mm
(0.011 inch)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery cables.
(2) Remove the cylinder head (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the oil pan and suction tube (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove bolts and the block stiffener.
(5) Using Miller Tool 7471-B crankshaft barring
tool, rotate the crankshaft so all of the pistons are
below TDC.
(6) Before removing the piston(s) from the bore(s):
(a) Remove any carbon ridge formations or
deposits at the top of the bore with a dull scraper
or soft wire brush.
(b) If cylinder bore wear ridges are found, use a
ridge reamer to cut the ridge from the bore. DO
NOT remove more metal than necessary to remove
the ridge.
(7) Remove the J-jet cooling nozzles, if equipped.
Fig. 85 Piston - Typical
Fig. 86 Piston Ring Identification
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 281

Inspect the piston pin for nicks, gouges and exces-
sive wear. Measure the pin diameter (Fig. 89). The
minimum diameter is 39.990 mm (1.5744 inch), max-
imum 40.003 mm (1.5749 inch). If the diameter is out
of limits, replace the pin.
INSPECTIONÐCONNECTING ROD
Inspect the connecting rod for damage and wear.
The I-Beam section of the connecting rod cannot have
dents or other damage. Damage to this part can
cause stress risers which will progress to breakage.
Measure the connecting rod pin bore (Fig. 90). The
maximum diameter is 40.042 mm (1.5765 inch), min-
imum diameter is 40.019 mm (1.5756 inch). If out of
limits, replace the connecting rod.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the cylinder bores with clean engine
oil.
(2) Generously lubricate the rings and piston
skirts with clean engine oil.(3) Orientate the rings on the piston (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Compress the rings using a piston ring com-
pressor tool (Fig. 91). If using a strap-type ring com-
pressor, make sure the inside end of the strap does
not hook on a ring gap and break the ring.
(5) Bar the crankshaft so the rod journal for the
piston to be installed is at BDC (Bottom Dead Cen-
ter) - (Fig. 92).
(6) Make sure the front of the piston is oriented
properly according to the marking on the top of the
piston and the connecting rod is oriented properly.
(7) Position the piston and rod assembly into the
cylinder bore with the front of the piston oriented
properly according to the stamping in the top of the
piston. Use care when you install the piston and con-
necting rod so the cylinder bore is not damaged. The
long side of the connecting rod must be installed on
the intake side of the engine.
(8) Push the piston into the bore until the top of
the piston is approximately 50 mm (2 inch) below the
top of the block. Carefully pull the connecting rod
onto the crankshaft journal.
(9) Use clean engine oil to lubricate the threads
and under the heads of the connecting rod bolts.
Fig. 89 Piston Pin Diameter
1 - PISTON PIN
Fig. 90 Connecting Rod Pin Bore
1 - CONNECTING ROD
Fig. 91 Piston Ring Compressor Tool
1 - PISTON RING COMPRESSOR TOOL
Fig. 92 Piston/Rod Assembly at BDC
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 283
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

(10)For fractured/split type connecting rods,
the long end of the rod must be installed towards the
intake side of the engine.
(a) The connecting rod split/face must face
toward the same side as the piston notch feature
on the skirt. The split face will face toward the
exhaust side of the engine if properly installed.
(11) Install the rod cap and bolts to the connecting
rod. Tighten the connecting rod bolts evenly in 3
steps.
²Tighten the bolts to 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.) torque.
²Tighten the bolts to 60 N´m (44 ft. lbs.) torque.
²Rotate 60É clockwise.
(12) The crankshaft must rotate freely. Check for
freedom of rotation as the caps are installed. If the
crankshaft does not rotate freely, check the installa-
tion of the rod bearing and the bearing size.
(13) Measure the side clearance between the con-
necting rod and the crankshaft. DO NOT measure
the clearance between the cap and crankshaft.
(14) Install J-jet piston cooling nozzles if equipped.
(15) Install block stiffener. Torque to 43 N´m (32 ft.
lbs.).
(16) Install the suction tube and oil pan (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(17) Install the cylinder head onto the engine
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTAL-
LATION).
(18) Install a new filter and fill the crankcase with
new engine oil.Prefill the filter with clean oil.
(19) Connect the battery negative cables and start
engine.
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING
(1) Determine the piston diameter and obtain the
appropriate ring set. The piston rings can be identi-
fied as shown in (Fig. 93).
(2) Position each ring in the cylinder and use a
piston to square it with the bore at a depth of 89.0
mm (3.5 inch) - (Fig. 94).(3) Use a feeler gauge to measure the piston ring
gap.
PISTON RING GAP CHART
TOP RING 0.26 - 0.36 mm(0.010 - 0.014
in.)
INTERMEDIATE
RING0.85-1.15 mm(0.033 - 0.045
in.)
OIL CONTROL
RING0.25-0.55 mm(0.010 - 0.022
in.)
Fig. 93 Piston Ring Identification
Fig. 94 Position of Ring in Cylinder Bore
1 - PISTON
2 - CYLINDER BORE
3 - DEPTH
9 - 284 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

OIL COOLER & LINES
CLEANING
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
Clean the sealing surfaces.
Apply 483 kPa (70 psi) air pressure to the element
to check for leaks. If the element leaks, replace the
element.
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL
(1) Clean the area around the oil filter head.
Remove the filter from below using a cap-style filter
wrench.
(2) Clean the gasket surface of the filter head. The
filter canister O-Ring seal can stick on the filter
head. Make sure it is removed.
INSTALLATION
(1) Fill the oil filter element with clean oil before
installation. Use the same type oil that will be used
in the engine.
(2) Apply a light film of lubricating oil to the seal-
ing surface before installing the filter.
CAUTION: Mechanical over-tightening may distort
the threads or damage the filter element seal.
(3) Install the filter until it contacts the sealing
surface of the oil filter adapter. Tighten filter an
additional
1¤2turn.
OIL PAN
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Install engine support fixture # 8534.
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Disconnect starter cables from starter motor.
(5) Remove transmission and transfer case (if
equipped).
(6) Remove flywheel or flexplate.
(7) Remove starter motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
and transmission adapter plate assembly.
WARNING: HOT OIL CAN CAUSE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(8) Drain the engine oil (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE).(9) Install the oil pan drain plug if sealing surface
is not damaged and tighten to 50 N´m (37 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(10) Remove oil pan bolts, break the pan to block
seal, and lower pan slightly and remove oil suction
tube fasteners.
(11) Remove oil pan and suction tube.
CLEANING
Remove all gasket material from the oil pan and
cylinder block sealing surfaces. Extra effort may be
required around T-joint areas. Clean oil pan and
flush suction tube with a suitable solvent.
INSPECTION
Inspect the oil pan, suction tube, and tube braces
for cracks and damage. Replace any defective compo-
nent. Inspect the oil drain plug and drain hole
threads. Inspect the oil pan sealing surface for
straightness. Repair any minor imperfections with a
ball-peen hammer. Do not attempt to repair an oil
pan by welding.
INSTALLATION
(1) Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear hous-
ing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use
MopartSilicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equiva-
lent.
(2) Place suction tube in oil pan and guide them
into place. Using a new tube to block gasket, install
and tighten the suction tube bolts by hand. Starting
with the oil pump inlet bolts, tighten the bolts to 24
N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the remaining tube
brace bolts to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Starting in the center and working outward,
tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(4) Install the flywheel housing assembly with the
starter motor attached and tighten bolts to 77 N´m
(57 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect starter motor cables.
(6) Install the flywheel or flexplate. Torque to 137
N´m (101 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install transmission and transfer case (if
equipped).
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Remove the engine support fixture # 8534.
(10) Install battery negative cables.
(11) Fill the crankcase with new engine oil.
(12) Start engine and check for leaks. Stop engine,
check oil level, and adjust, if necessary.
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 293

(13) Install the cooling fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect battery negative cables.
(15) Start engine and check for oil leaks.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove the charge air cooler outlet tube from
the air inlet housing (Fig. 118).
(3) Remove the engine oil dipstick tube mounting
bolt (Fig. 118).
(4) Remove dipstick support at fuel filter housing.
Position dipstick tube to the side.
(5) Disconnect the air grid heater power cables at
the cable mounting studs.
(6) Disconnect the ground strap at the intake
cover.
(7) Remove the engine wiring harness connections
at the air inlet housing elbow.
(8) Remove the four (4) air inlet housing mounting
bolts and remove the housing from top of the heater
elements.
(9) Remove the intake air grid heater from the
manifold (Fig. 119).
(10) Remove the high pressure fuel lines and fuel
rail (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL LINES - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove APPS bracket from cylinder head to
gain access to front intake manifold cover bolts.
(12) Disconnect manifold air temperature/pressure
sensor connector.
(13) Remove the remaining intake manifold cover-
to-cylinder head bolts.
(14) Remove the intake manifold cover and gasket.
Keep the gasket material and any other material out
of the air intake.
(15) Clean the intake manifold cover and cylinder
head sealing surface.
CLEANING
Clean manifold in solvent and blow dry with com-
pressed air.
Clean cylinder block gasket surfaces using a suit-
able solvent.
The plenum pan rail must be clean and dry (free of
all foreign material).
INSPECTION
Inspect manifold for cracks.
Inspect mating surfaces of manifold for flatness
with a straightedge.
Fig. 118 Charge Air Cooler Air Tube
1 - FRONT WIRING CLIP
2 - GROUND CABLE
3 - TUBE BOLT
4 - ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK TUBE
5 - CLAMPS
6 - AIR TUBE (INT. MAN.-TO-INTERCOOLER)
7 - RUBBER HOSE
8 - AIR INTAKE HOUSING
9 - CABLE BRACKET HOUSING
Fig. 119 Intake Air Grid Heater
1 - INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER
2 - GASKET
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 297
OIL PUMP (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Using a new gasket, install the intake manifold
cover.
(2) Install the cover-to-cylinder head bolts that do
not hold down the fuel rail. Tighten the bolts to 24
N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install the high pressure rail and fuel lines
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL LINES - INSTALLATION).
(4) Using two (2) new gaskets, install the intake
air grid heater and air inlet housing. Position the
ground cable and install and tighten the bolts to 24
N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect the manifold air temperature/pressure
sensor connector.
(6) Install and tighten the air intake heater power
supply nuts to 14 N´m (120 in. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the APPS bracket. Torque fasteners to
43 N´m (32ft lbs.) torque.
(8) Install oil dipstick tube support at fuel filter
housing.
(9) Install the engine oil dipstick tube and mount-
ing bolt.
(10) Position the charge air cooler outlet tube onto
the air inlet housing. Tighten the clamps to 11 N´m
(100 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Attach the engine wire harness to the air inlet
housing at two locations.
(12) Prime the fuel system. Refer to the fuel prim-
ing procedure in Group 14, Fuel System.
(13) Connect the battery negative cables.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the turbo-
charger elbow.
(4) Disconnect oil drain tube from turbocharger.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Disconnect the turbocharger air inlet hose.
(7) Remove air cleaner assembly.
(8) Disconnect the turbocharger oil supply line.
(9) Disconnect the charge air cooler inlet pipe from
the turbocharger.
(10) Remove the turbocharger and gasket from the
exhaust manifold.
(11) Remove the cab heater return pipe nuts from
the exhaust manifold stud. Position the tube out of
the way.
(12) Remove heat shield.
(13) Remove exhaust manifold bolt lockplates.
(14) Remove the exhaust manifold-to-cylinder head
bolts and spacers (Fig. 120).(15) Remove the exhaust manifold and gaskets
(Fig. 120).
CLEANING
Clean the cylinder head and exhaust manifold seal-
ing surfaces with a suitable scraper. Use a Scotch-
BriteŸ pad or equivalent.
INSPECTION
Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks. Measure
the exhaust manifold for flatness. Place a ruler over
all of the exhaust ports and insert a feeler gauge
between the port flange and the ruler. Maximum
deviation from flat is 0.20 mm (.008 inch).
INSTALLATION
(1) Using new gaskets, install the exhaust mani-
fold and gaskets. Install the bolts and spacers and
tighten the bolts in the sequence shown in to 43 N´m
(32 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Retorque the four center bolts.
Fig. 120 Exhaust Manifold and Gaskets
1 - RETAINING STRAP
2 - BOLT (7)
3 - SPACER
4 - MANIFOLD, EXHAUST
5 - GASKET
6 - BOLT (5)
9 - 298 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

(3) Install heat shield and torque nuts to 15 Nm
(11 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install cab heater tube.
(5) Install exhaust manifold bolt retention straps.
(6) Install the cab heater return hose to the man-
ifold bolt stud. Tighten the nut to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(7) Install the turbocharger and a new gasket.
Apply anti-seize to the studs and then tighten the
turbocharger mounting nuts to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8)Pre-lube the turbocharger.Pour 50 to 60 cc
(2 to 3 oz.) clean engine oil in the oil supply line fit-
ting on the turbo. Rotate the turbocharger impeller
by hand to distrubute the oil thoroughly.
(9) Install and tighten the oil supply line fitting
nut to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Position the charge air cooler inlet pipe to the
turbocharger. With the clamp in position, tighten the
clamp nut to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Position the air inlet hose to the turbocharger.
Tighten the clamp to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque.
(12) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(13) Install the oil drain tube and a new gasket to
the turbocharger. Tighten the drain tube bolts to 24
N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(14) Connect the exhaust pipe to the turbocharger
and tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Lower the vehicle.
(16) Connect the battery negative cables.
(17) Start the engine to check for leaks.
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIMING
VERIFICATION
(1) Remove the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove fuel injector from cylinder number
1(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/
FUEL INJECTOR - REMOVAL).
(3) Using Special Tool 7471B rotate the engine
until the TDC mark on the damper is at 12 o'clock.
(4) Using a 8 in.x 1/4 in. dowel rod inserted into
cylinder number 1, rock the crankshaft back and
forth to verify piston number 1 is at TDC.
(5) With cylinder number still at TDC, inspect the
keyway on the crankshaft gear for proper alignment
(12 o'clock position).
(6) If the keyway is not at 12 o'clock position
replace the crankshaft gear assembly.
(7) If the keyway is at 12 o'clock position, remove
front gear cover and verify timing mark alignmentbetween the camshaft gear and crankshaft gear, if
not aligned inspect keyway on camshaft gear.
(8) Inspect keyway on camshaft gear for proper
alignment with the key in the camshaft, if alignment
is off replace the camshaft/gear assembly.
(9) If timing marks alignment is off and no dam-
age is found at either the crankshaft or camshaft
gear keyways, realign timing marks as necessary.
GEAR HOUSING
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Partially drain engine coolant into container
suitable for re-use (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Remove radiator upper hose.
(6) Disconnect coolant recovery bottle hose from
radiator filler neck and lift bottle off of fan shroud.
(7) Disconnect windshield washer pump supply
hose and electrical connections and lift washer bottle
off of fan shroud.
(8) Remove lower fan shroud fasteners. Disconnect
fan drive wire harness.
(9) Remove the upper fan shroud-to-radiator
mounting bolts.
(10) Remove viscous fan/drive assembly (Refer to 7
- COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(12) Remove the cooling fan support/hub from the
front of the engine.
(13) Raise the vehicle on hoist.
(14) Remove the crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL) and speed indicator ring.
(15) Lower the vehicle.
(16) Remove the power steering pump.
(17) Remove the accessory drive belt tensioner.
(18) Remove the gear cover-to-housing bolts and
gently pry the cover away from the housing, taking
care not to mar the gasket surfaces.
(19) Remove the fuel injection pump (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL INJEC-
TION PUMP - REMOVAL).
(20) Disconnect the camshaft position sensor con-
nector.
(21) Disconnect and remove engine speed sensor.
(22) Remove the camshaft (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN
BLOCK) - REMOVAL).
(23) Remove the six front oil pan fasteners.
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 299
EXHAUST MANIFOLD (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GAS ENGINE
EXHAUST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE OR
LEAKING EXHAUST GASES1. Leaks at pipe joints. 1. Tighten clamps/bolts at leaking
joints.
2. Rusted or blown out muffler. 2. Replace muffler. Inspect exhaust
system.
3. Broken or rusted out exhaust
pipe.3. Replace exhaust pipe.
4. Exhaust pipe leaking at manifold
flange.4. Tighten/replace flange attaching
nuts/bolts.
5. Exhaust manifold cracked or
broken.5. Replace exhaust manifold.
6. Leak between exhaust manifold
and cylinder head.6. Tighten exhaust manifold to
cylinder head bolts.
7. Catalytic converter rusted or
blown out.7. Replace catalytic converter assy.
8. Restriction in exhaust system. 8. Remove restriction, if possible.
Replace restricted part if necessary.
CAUTION:
When servicing and replacing exhaust system components, disconnect the oxygen sensor connector(s). Allowing
the exhaust to hang by the oxygen sensor wires will damage the harness and/or sensor.
11 - 4 EXHAUST SYSTEMDR
EXHAUST SYSTEM (Continued)