1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Valve cover

Push Rods
Inspect the push rod ball and socket for signs of
scoring. Check for cracks where the ball and the
socket are pressed into the tube (Fig. 41).
Roll the push rod on a flat work surface with the
socket end hanging off the edge (Fig. 42). Replace
any push rod that appears to be bent.
Crossheads
Inspect the crossheads for cracks and/or excessive
wear on rocker lever and valve tip mating surfaces
(Fig. 43).
INSTALLATION
(1) If previously removed, install the push rods in
their original location.Verify that they are seated
in the tappets.(2) Lubricate the valve tips and install the cross-
heads in their original locations.
(3) Lubricate the crossheads and push rod sockets
and install the rocker arms and pedestals in their
original locations. Tighten bolts to 36 N´m (27 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(4)Verify valve lash adjustment (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST
VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Install cylinder head cover and reusable gasket
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(6) Connect battery negative cables.
Fig. 40 Measuring Rocker Arm Shaft
ROCKER ARM SHAFT (MIN.)
21.965 mm (.865 in.)
Fig. 41 Inspecting Push Rod for Cracks
Fig. 42 Inspecting Push Rod for Flatness
Fig. 43 Inspecting Crosshead for Cracks
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 263
ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER ASSY (Continued)

ENGINE BLOCK
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BLOCK
REFACING
(1) The combustion deck can be refaced twice. The
first reface should be 0.25 mm (0.0098 inch). If addi-
tional refacing is required, an additional 0.25 mm
(0.0098 inch) can be removed. Total allowed refacing
is 0.50 mm (0.0197 inch) - (Fig. 44).
(2) The upper right corner of the rear face of the
block must be stamped with a X when the block is
refaced to 0.25 mm (0.0098 inch). A second X must be
stamped beside the first when the block is refaced to
0.50 mm (0.0197 inch) - (Fig. 45).
(3) Consult the parts catalog for the proper head
gaskets which must be used with refaced blocks to
ensure proper piston-to-valve clearance.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE -
DE-GLAZE
(1) New piston rings may not seat in glazed cylin-
der bores.
(2) De-glazing gives the bore the correct surface
finish required to seat the rings. The size of the bore
is not changed by proper de-glazing.
(3) Cover the lube and tappet holes in the top of
the block with waterproof tape.
(4) It crankshaft is installed, wrap connecting rod
journals with clean cloth. Cover cloth with water-
proof tape.
(5) A correctly honed surface will have a cross-
hatch appearance with the lines at 15É to 25É angles
(Fig. 46). For the rough hone, use 80 grit honing
stones. To finish hone, use 280 grit honing stones.
Fig. 44 Refacing Dimensions of the Cylinder Block
CYLINDER BLOCK REFACING DIMENSIONS
DIMENSION(A(
1st Reface 0.25mm (0.0098 in.)
2nd Reface 0.25mm (0.0098 in.)
Dim (A) Total 0.50 mm (0.0197 in.)
DIMENSION(B(
Dim.9B9(STD.)323.00 mm   0.10
mm(12.7165 in.  
0.0039 in.)
1st Reface322.75 mm   0.10
mm(12.7067 in.  
0.0039 in.)
2nd Reface322.50 mm   0.10
mm(12.6968 in.  
0.0039 in.)
Fig. 45 Stamp Block after Reface
Fig. 46 Cylinder Bore Crosshatch Pattern
9 - 264 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR

(6) Remove the wooden dowel rods and rubber
bands from the tappets.
(7) Lubricate the push rods with engine oil and
install in their original location.Verify that they
are seated in the tappets.
(8) Lubricate the valve tips with engine oil and
install the crossheads in their original locations.
(9) Lubricate the crossheads and push rod sockets
with engine oil and install the rocker arms and ped-
estals in their original locations. Tighten bolts to 36
N´m (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10)Verify valve lash adjustment (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST
VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Install the cylinder head cover and reusable
gasket (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(12) Install gear housing cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/GEAR HOUSING COVER
- INSTALLATION). Install front crankshaft dust
seal.
(13) Install the crankshaft damper with the speed
indicator ring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - INSTALLATION).
(14) Install the fan support/hub assembly Refer to
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the power steering pump.
(16) Install accessory drive belt tensioner. Torque
bolt to 43 Nm (32 ft. lbs.).
(17) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the charge air cooler (with a/c con-
denser and auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if
equipped) and tighten the mounting bolts to 2 N´m
(17 in. lbs.) torque.
(19) Connect charge air cooler inlet and outlet
pipes. Tighten clamps to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(20) Install the radiator upper support panel.
(21) Close radiator petcock and lower the radiator
into the engine compartment. Tighten the mounting
bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(22) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(23) Connect radiator lower hose and install
clamp.
(24) Connect transmission auxiliary oil cooler lines
(if equipped).
(25) Lower vehicle.
(26) Install the fan shroud and tighten the mount-
ing screws to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(27) Install the electronically controlled viscous
fan/drive assembly. Connect harness connector.(Refer
to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION).(28) Install the coolant recovery and windshield
washer fluid reservoirs to the fan shroud.
(29) Connect the coolant recovery hose to the radi-
ator filler neck.
(30) Add engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(31) Charge A/C system with refrigerant (if A/C
equipped) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(32) Connect the battery negative cables.
(33) Start engine and check for engine oil and cool-
ant leaks.
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONNECTING ROD
BEARING AND CRANKSHAFT JOURNAL
CLEARANCE
(1) Measure the connecting rod bore with bearings
removedand the bolts tightened to 100 N´m (73 ft.
lbs.) torque..
(2) Measure the connecting rod bore with the bear-
ingsinstalledand the bolts tightened to 100 N´m
(73 ft. lbs.) torque.
Measure within 20É arc from each side of the part-
ing line. Also measure 90É from parting line.
Record the smallest and largest diameter.
Measure the diameter of the rod journal at the
location shown (Fig. 63). Calculate the average diam-
eter for each side of the journal.
Determine minimum bearing clearance by calculat-
ing the differance between the smallest connecting
rod bore diameter with the bearing installed and the
average diameter for each side of the crankshaft jour-
nal.
Determine the maximum bearing clearance by cal-
culating the difference between the largest connect-
ing rod bore diameter and the average diameter with
the bearing installed for each side of the crankshaft
journal.
DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT
CONNECTING ROD
BORE, BEARINGS
REMOVEDMIN. 72.99 mm (2.874
in.)
MAX. 73.01 mm (2.875
in.)
CONNECTING ROD
BORE, BEARINGS
INSTALLEDMIN. 69.05 mm (2.719
in.)
MAX. 69.10 mm (2.720
in.)
9 - 272 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)

If the crankshaft is within limits, replace the bear-
ing. If the crankshaft is out of limits, grind the
crankshaft to the next smaller size and use oversize
rod bearings.
CRANKSHAFT AND GEAR
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft (Fig. 64) is a forged steel, integrally
balanced unit. It is supported by seven main bear-
ings, with position number six designated as the
thrust journal. The crankshaft is held in place by
main caps and 12 mm capscrews. The crankshaft
also has internal cross drillings to supply the con-
necting rods with engine oil.
REMOVAL - GEAR
(1) Remove the gear housing cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/GEAR HOUSING COVER
- REMOVAL)
(2) Split the gear and remove it from the crank-
shaft.
INSTALLATION - GEAR
(1) Remove all burrs and make sure the gear sur-
face on the end of the crankshaft is smooth.
(2) If removed, install a new alignment pin. Drive
the pin in using a ball- peen hammer, leaving it pro-truding 1.0 mm (0.039 inch) to 1.5 mm (0.059 inch)
above the crankshaft (Fig. 65).
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES TO PRE-
VENT INJURY.
CAUTION: DO NOT heat the gear longer than 45
minutes.
(3) Heat the crankshaft gear for 45 minutes at a
temperature of 149ÉC (300ÉF).Do not use torch,
gear failure will occur.
(4) Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the nose of the
crankshaft.
(5) Position the gear with the timing mark out and
install it on the crankshaft using the alignment pin.
Make sure the gear contacts the shoulder.
Fig. 63 Connecting Rod Journal Diameter Limits
CONNECTING ROD JOURNAL DIAMETER
LIMITS CHART
DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT
CRANKSHAFT ROD JOURNAL
DIAMETERMin. 68.96 mm (2.715 in.)
Max. 69.01 mm (2.717 in.)
BEARING CLEARANCE Min. 0.04 mm (.002 in.)
Max. 0.12 mm (0.005 in.)
Fig. 64 Crankshaft
Fig. 65 Installing Alignment Pin
1 - ALIGNMENT PIN
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 273
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Refer to (Fig. 105) and (Fig. 106) for circuit
illustrations.
A gear driven gerotor type oil pump is mounted
behind the front gear cover in the lower right portion
on the engine.
OPERATION
A gerotor style oil pump draws oil from the crank-
case through the suction tube and delivers it through
the block where it enters the oil cooler cover and
pressure regulator valve. When oil pressure exceeds
517 kPa (75 PSI), the valve opens exposing the dump
port, which routes excess oil back to the oil pump.
At the same time, oil is directed to a cast in pas-
sage in the oil cooler cover, leading to the oil cooler
element. As the oil travels through the element
plates, it is cooled by engine coolant traveling past
the outside of the plates. It is then routed to the oil
filter head and through a full flow oil filter. If a
plugged filter is encountered, the filter by-pass valve
opens, allowing unfiltered oil to lubricate the engine.
This condition can be avoided by frequent oil and fil-
ter changes, per the maintenance schedules found in
the owners manual. The by-pass valve is calibrated
to open when it sees a pressure drop of more than
345 kPa (50 psi) across the oil filter.
The oil filter head then divides the oil between the
engine and the turbocharger. The turbocharger
receives filtered, cooled and pressurized oil through a
supply line from the filter head. The oil lubricates
the turbocharger and returns to the pan by way of a
drain tube connecting the bottom of the turbocharger
to a pressed in tube in the cylinder block.
Oil is then carried across the block to an angle
drilling which intersects the main oil rifle. The main
oil rifle runs the length of the block and delivers oil
to the crankshaft main journals and valve train. Oil
travels to the crankshaft through a series of transfer
drillings (one for each main bearing) and lubricates a
groove in the main bearing upper shell. From there
another drilling feeds the camshaft main journals.The saddle jet piston cooling nozzles are also sup-
plied by the main bearing upper shell. J-jet piston
cooling nozzles are supplied by a separate oil rifle.
Plugs are used in place of saddle jets when J-jets are
used. J-jet hole locations are plugged when saddle jet
cooling nozzles are used. Crankshaft internal cross-
drillings supply oil to the connecting rod journals.
Another series of transfer drillings intersecting the
main oil rifle supply the valve train components. Oil
travels up the drilling, through a hole in the head
gasket, and through a drilling in the cylinder head
(one per cylinder), where it enters the rocker arm
pedestal and is divided between the intake and
exhaust rocker arm. Oil travels up and around the
rocker arm mounting bolt, and lubricates the rocker
shaft by cross drillings that intersect the mounting
bolt hole. Grooves at both ends of the rocker shaft
supply oil through the rocker arm where the oil trav-
els to the push rod and socket balls (Fig. 105) and
(Fig. 106).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
(1) Remove the 1/8 npt plug from the top of the oil
filter housing.
(2) Install Oil Pressure Line and Gauge Tool
C-3292 with a suitable adapter.
(3) Start engine and warm to operating tempera-
ture.
(4) Record engine oil pressure and compare with
engine oil pressure chart.
CAUTION: If engine oil pressure is zero at idle, DO
NOT RUN THE ENGINE.
Engine Oil Pressure (MIN)
At Idle 68.9 kPa (10 psi)
At 2500 rpm 206.9 kPa (30 psi)
If minimum engine oil pressure is below these
ranges, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
(5) Remove oil pressure gauge and install the 1/8
npt plug.
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 289

OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove the threaded plug, spring and plunger
(Fig. 108). Insert a finger or a seal pick to lift the
plunger from the bore.
NOTE: If the plunger is stuck in the bore, it will be
necessary to remove the filter head.
CLEANING
(1) Clean the regulator spring and plunger with a
suitable solvent and blow dry with compressed air. If
the plunger bore requires cleaning, it is necessary to
remove the oil filter head to avoid getting debris into
the engine.
INSPECTION
Inspect the plunger and plunger bore for cracks
and excessive wear. Polished surfaces are acceptable.
Verify that the plunger moves freely in the bore.
Check the spring for height and load limitations
(Fig. 109). Replace the spring if out of limits shown
in the figure.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the plunger, spring, and plug as shown
in (Fig. 108). Tighten the plug to 80 N´m (59 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(2) Connect the battery negative cables.
(3) Start the engine and verify that it has oil pres-
sure.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Disconnect the oil pressure switch connector.
(3) Using a suitable socket, remove the oil pres-
sure switch from the block (counter-clockwise).
INSTALLATION
(1) If the switch is not being replaced, replace and
lubricate the o-ring.
(2) Install the oil pressure switch and tighten to
18 N´m (159 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect oil pressure switch connector.
(4) Connect the battery negative cables.
(5) Start engine and check for oil leaks at the
switch.
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove fan/drive assembly (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the fan support/hub assembly.
(5) Remove crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL) and speed indicator ring.
(6) Remove power steering pump.
(7) Remove accessory drive belt tensioner.
(8) Remove the gear housing cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/GEAR HOUSING COVER
- REMOVAL).
Fig. 108 Oil Pressure Regulator
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - PLUG
3 - GASKET
4 - SPRING
5 - VALVE
Fig. 109 Oil Pressure Regulator Spring Check
9 - 294 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR

(8) Measure the clearance of the gerotor planetary
to the body bore (Fig. 114). Maximum clearance is
0.381 mm (0.015 inch). If the oil pump is out of lim-
its, replace the pump.
(9) Measure the gears backlash (Fig. 115). The lim-
its of a used pump is 0.15- 0.25 mm (0.006-0.010
inch). If the backlash is out of limits, replace the oil
pump.
(10) Install the back plate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the pump with clean engine oil. Fill-
ing the pump with clean engine oil during installa-
tion will help to prime the pump at engine start up.
(2) Install the pump (Fig. 110). Verify the idler
gear pin is installed in the locating bore in the cylin-
der block. Tighten the oil pump mounting bolts in
two steps, in the sequence shown in (Fig. 116).
²Step 1ÐTighten to 8 N´m (71 in. lbs.) torque.
²Step 2ÐTighten to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) The back plate on the pump seats against the
bottom of the bore in the cylinder block. When the
pump is correctly installed, the flange on the pump
will not touch the cylinder block.(4) Measure the idler gear to pump drive gear
backlash and the idler gear to crankshaft gear back-
lash (Fig. 117). The backlash should be 0.15- 0.25
mm (0.006-0.010 inch). If the backlash is out of lim-
its, replace the oil pump.
(5) If the adjoining gear moves when you measure
the backlash, the reading will be incorrect.
(6) Apply a bead of MopartSilicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant or equivalent to the gear housing cover
sealing surface.
(7) Install the gear housing cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/GEAR HOUSING COVER
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the vibration damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION) and speed indicator ring.
(9) Install the fan support/hub assembly Refer to
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install power steering pump.
(11) Install accessory drive belt tensioner. Torque
bolt to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(12) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 114 Measuring Gerotor Planetary to Body Bore
Clearance
1 - BODY BORE
2 - GEROTOR PLANETARY
Fig. 115 Measure Gear Backlash
1 - OIL PUMP DRIVE GEAR
2 - IDLER GEAR
3 - BACKLASH
4 - BACKLASH
Fig. 116 Oil Pump Mounting Bolt Torque Sequence
Fig. 117 Idler Gear to Pump Drive Gear and
Crankshaft Gear Backlash
9 - 296 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
OIL PUMP (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)