1998 DODGE RAM 1500 air condition

ENGINE DATA PLATE
DESCRIPTION
The engine data plate contains specific information
that is helpful to servicing and obtaining parts for
the engine. The data plate can be found affixed to the
breather cover on the left side of the engine. Informa-
tion that can be found on the data plate includes:
²Date of Engine Manufacture
²Engine Serial Number
²Control Parts List (CPL)
²Engine Rated Horsepower
²Engine Firing Order
²Engine Displacement
²Valve Lash Reset Specifications
If the engine data plate is missing or not legible,
the engine serial number is used for engine identifi-
cation. The engine serial number is stamped on the
right side of the block, on top of the oil cooler cavity
(Fig. 5).
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL
Testing Air Cleaner Element using Filter MinderŸ
Do not attempt to unnecessarily remove top
of air cleaner housing for air cleaner element
inspection on diesel engines.
The air cleaner (filter) housing is equipped with an
air Filter MinderŸ gauge (Fig. 6). This air flow
restriction gauge will determine when air cleaner ele-
ment is restricted and should be replaced.
The Filter MinderŸ consists of a diaphragm and
calibrated spring sealed inside of a plastic housing
(Fig. 7). A yellow colored disc attached to diaphragm
moves along a graduated scale on side of Filter
Minder. After the engine has been shut off, a ratch-
eting device located within Filter Minder will hold
yellow disc at highest restriction that air cleaner ele-
ment has experienced. A drop in air pressure due toan air cleaner element restriction moves diaphragm
and yellow disc will indicate size of air drop.
CAUTION: Certain engine degreasers or cleaners
may discolor or damage plastic housing of Filter
Minder. Cover and tape Filter Minder if any engine
degreasers or cleaners are to be used.
To test, turn engine off. If yellow disc (Fig. 7) has
reached red colored zone on graduated scale, air
cleaner element should be replaced. Refer to Removal
/ Installation.
Resetting Filter Minder:After air cleaner (filter)
element has been replaced, press rubber button on
top of Filter Minder (Fig. 7). This will allow yellow
colored disc to reset. After button has been pressed,
yellow disc should spring back to UP position.
If Filter Minder gauge has reached red colored
zone, and after an examination of air cleaner (filter)
element, element appears to be clean, high reading
may be due to a temporary condition such as snow
build-up at air intake. Temporary high restrictions
may also occur if air cleaner (filter) element has got-
ten wet such as during a heavy rain or snow. If this
occurs, allow element to dry out during normal
engine operation. Reset rubber button on top of Filter
Minder and retest after element has dried.
Fig. 5 Engine Serial Number Location
Fig. 6 5.9L DIESEL AIR CLEANER - FILTER
MINDERŸ
1 - CLIPS
2 - FILTER COVER
3 - FILTER MINDERŸ
4 - INLET AIR TEMPERATURE/ PRESSURE SENSOR
5 - FILTER HOUSING
9 - 248 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR

Inspect the cylinder bores for damage or excessive
wear.
Measure the cylinder bores (Fig. 54). If the cylin-
der bores exceed the limit, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
BORE SPECIFICATIONS
BORE DIAMETER
Min. 102.000 mm (4.0157 in.)
Max. 102.116 mm (4.0203 in.)
OUT OF ROUNDNESS
Max. 0.038 mm (0.0015 in.)
TAPER
Max. 0.076 mm (.003 in.)
Inspect the camshaft bores for scoring or excessive
wear.
Measure the camshaft bores (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
If a bore exceeds the limit, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN
BLOCK) - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Inspect the tappet bores for scoring or excessive
wear.
Measure tappet bore from bottom of block. Mini-
mum tappet bore diameter 16.000 mm (0.0630 in.).
Maximum tappet bore 16.055 mm. (0.632 in.).
If out of limits, replace the cylinder block.
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN
BLOCK)
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐCAMSHAFT BEARINGS
NOTE: Measure the diameter of each bore. If the
camshaft bore for the first or rear cam bushing is
worn beyond the limit, install a new service bush-
ing. Inspect the rest of the camshaft bores for dam-
age or excessive wear.If the bores without a
bushing are worn beyond the limit, the engine must
be removed for machining and installation of ser-
vice bushings. If badly worn, replace the cylinder
block.
(1) Remove the camshaft (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN
BLOCK) - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the bushing from the No.1 bore and
No.7 using a universal cam bushing tool.
(3) Mark the cylinder block so you can align the oil
hole in the cylinder block with the oil hole in the
bushing.
REMOVAL - CAMSHAFT
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Recover A/C refrigerant (if A/C equipped) (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine coolant into container suitable for
re-use (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Remove radiator upper hose.
(7) Remove viscous fan/drive assembly and fan
shroud (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR
FAN - REMOVAL).
(8) Disconnect the coolant recovery bottle hose
from the radiator filler neck.
(9) Disconnect lower radiator hose from radiator
outlet.
(10)Automatic Transmission models:Discon-
nect transmission oil cooler lines from front of radia-
tor using Special Tool 6931 (unless equipped with
finger-release disconnect).
(11) Remove radiator mounting screws and lift
radiator out of engine compartment.
(12) Remove upper radiator support panel.
(13) If A/C equipped, disconnect A/C condenser
refrigerant lines.
(14) Disconnect charge air cooler piping from the
cooler inlet and outlet.
Fig. 54 Cylinder Bore Diameter
9 - 268 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DIESEL 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. Replace gasket
if necessary.
7. Turbocharger mounting flange
cracked.7. Remove turbocharger and
inspect. (Refer to 11 - EXHAUST
SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER
SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER -
REMOVAL).
8. Restriction in exhaust system. 8. Remove restriction, if possible.
Replace restricted part if necessary.
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Bolt-Adjusting Strap 23 - 200
Nuts-Air Heater Power
Supply14 - 124
Bolts-Air Inlet Housing 24 18 -
Nuts-Cab Heater Supply/
Return Line24 18 -
Nuts-Exhaust Clamp 54.3 40 -
Bolts-Exhaust Manifold to
Cylinder Head-(Diesel
Engine)43 32 -
Bolts-Exhaust Manifold to
Cylinder Head-(5.9L)31 23 -
Bolts-Exhaust Manifold to
Cylinder Head-(8.0L)22 - 195
Bolts-Exhaust Pipe to
Manifold31 23 -
Bolts-Generator Mounting 41 30 -
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Bolts-Charge Air Cooler
Mounting2-17
Nuts-Charge Air Cooler Duct 11 - 95
Bolt-Generator to Block-
Diesel24 18 -
Nuts and Bolts-Heat Shield 11 - 95
Turbocharger flange studs 24 18 -
Nuts-Turbocharger Mounting 43 32 -
Bolts-Turbocharger Oil Drain
Tube24 18 -
Fitting-Turbocharger Oil
Supply Line24 18 -
Nut-Turbocharger V-Band
Clamp5.6 - 70
Turbocharger Oil Supply
fitting (at Turbocharger)36 27 -
Turbocharger Oil Supply
fitting (at lube filter head)24 18 -
Turbocharger Drain Hose
Clamps8-71
DREXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 5
EXHAUST SYSTEM (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the tailpipe into the muffler.
(2) Install the tailpipe hanger rods into the isola-
tors (Fig. 11)
(3) Install the exhaust clamp, align the exhaust
system, and tighten the clamp 48 N´m (35 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Connect the battery negative cables.
(6) Start the engine and inspect for exhaust leaks.
Reair exhaust leaks as necessary.
(7) Check the exhaust system for contact with the
body panels. A minimum of 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) is
required between the exhaust system components
and body/frame parts. Make the necessary adjust-
ments, if needed..
TAILPIPE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Saturate the clamp nuts with heat valve lubri-
cant. Allow 5 minutes for penetration.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust tailpipe support hanger
(Fig. 12).(4) Remove clamps and nuts.
(5) Remove the exhaust tailpipe.
INSPECTION
Discard rusted clamps, broken or worn supports
and attaching parts. Replace a component with orig-
inal equipment parts, or equivalent. This will assure
proper alignment with other parts in the system and
provide acceptable exhaust noise levels.
INSTALLATION
(1) Loosely assemble exhaust tailpipe to permit
proper alignment of all parts.
(2) Connect the support hangers.
(3) Position the exhaust tailpipe for proper clear-
ance with the underbody parts.
(4) Tighten all clamp nuts to 54.2 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Start the engine and inspect for exhaust leaks.
Reair exhaust leaks as necessary.
(7) Check the exhaust system for contact with the
body panels. A minimum of 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) is
required between the exhaust system components
and body/frame parts. Make the necessary adjust-
ments, if needed..
TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURBOCHARGER
BOOST PRESSURE
NOTE: This diagnostic procedure is to be used with
the DRB IIITwhile test driving the vehicle under
normal load and driving conditions.
Low turbocharger boost pressure can cause poor
engine performance and driveability concerns. The
following procedure will test the turbocharger boost
pressure.
(1) Loosen clamps holding air inlet duct rubber
sleeve to the intake manifold and air inlet duct.
Remove rubber sleeve (Fig. 13).
(2) Position Special Tool 8462 onto air inlet duct
and intake manifold. Using the existing clamps
tighten to 8 N´m (72 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the 3447.5 kPa 500 psi (gray) Pressure
Transducer (part of OT-CH8520 Transducer Kit) into
Special Tool 8462.
(4) Connect the DRB IIItto the pressure trans-
ducer following the instructions supplied with the
DRB IIIt.
(5) Enter DRB IIItinto pressure reading mode
and test drive vehicle.
Fig. 12 TAILPIPE
1 - INSULATOR
2 - TAILPIPE
3 - CLAMP
4 - MUFFLER
5 - CLAMP
6 - INSULATOR
7 - INSULATOR
8 - INSULATOR
DREXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 11
TAILPIPE - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

TURBOCHARGER(COOL DOWN(CHART
Driving
ConditionLoad Turbo-
charger
Temper-
atureIdle Time (in
minutes)
Before Shut
Down
Stop & Go Empty Cool Less than 1
Stop & Go Medium Warm 1
Highway
SpeedsMedium Warm 2
City Traffic Max.
GCWRWarm 3
Highway
SpeedsMax.
GCWRWarm 4
Uphill Grade Max.
GCWRHot 5
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the turbo-
charger elbow(Refer to 11 - EXHAUST SYSTEM/EX-
HAUST PIPE - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the bolts from the turbocharger oil
drain tube.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Disconnect the turbocharger air inlet hose (Fig.
18).
(7) Disconnect the turbocharger oil supply line
from the turbocharger (Fig. 19).
(8) Disconnect the charge air cooler inlet pipe from
the turbocharger compressor outlet (Fig. 19).
Fig. 17 Turbocharger Oil Supply and Drain
1 - BEARINGS
2 - OIL SUPPLY (FROM FILTER HEAD)
3 - OIL RETURN (TO SUMP)
Fig. 18 Turbocharger Air Inlet Hose
1 - AIR INLET TUBE
2 - AIR FILTER HOUSING
3 - TURBOCHARGER
Fig. 19 Oil Supply Line and Charge Air Cooler Inlet
Duct
1 - TURBOCHARGERR EXHAUST ELBOW
2 - TURBOCHARGER
3 - OIL SUPPLY LINE
4 - AIR INLET TUBE
5 - TURBOCHARGER COMPRESSOR OUTLET
6 - OIL DRAIN LINE
11 - 14 EXHAUST SYSTEMDR
TURBOCHARGER (Continued)

(9) Remove the turbocharger and gasket from the
exhaust manifold.
(10) If the turbocharger is not to be installed
immediately, cover the opening to prevent material
from entering into the manifold.
(11) If replacing the turbocharger, transfer the tur-
bocharger oil supply fitting to the new assembly.
Tighten fitting to 36 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(12) Clean and inspect the sealing surface.
CAUTION: The turbocharger is only serviced as an
assembly. Do not attempt to repair the turbocharger
as turbocharger and/or engine damage can result.
CLEANING
WARNING: To prevent damage or personal injury,
do not use a combustable cleaner to clean the tur-
bocharger.
Clean the turbocharger and exhaust manifold
mounting surfaces with a suitable scraper.
INSPECTION
Visually inspect the turbocharger and exhaust
manifold gasket surfaces. Replace stripped or eroded
mounting studs.
(1) Visually inspect the turbocharger for cracks.
The following cracks are NOT acceptable:
²Cracks in the turbine and compressor housing
that go completely through.
²Cracks in the mounting flange that are longer
than 15 mm (0.6 in.).
²Cracks in the mounting flange that intersect
bolt through-holes.
²Two (2) Cracks in the mounting flange that are
closer than 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) together.
(2) Visually inspect the impeller and compressor
wheel fins for nicks, cracks, or chips. Note: Some
impellers may have a factory placed paint mark
which, after normal operation, appears to be a crack.
Remove this mark with a suitable solvent to verify
that it is not a crack.
(3) Visually inspect the turbocharger compressor
housing for an impeller rubbing condition (Fig. 20).
Replace the turbocharger if the condition exists.
(4) Measure the turbocharger axial end play:
(a) Install a dial indicator as shown in (Fig. 21).
Zero the indicator at one end of travel.
(b) Move the impeller shaft fore and aft and
record the measurement. Allowable end play is
0.026 mm (0.0001 in.) MIN. and 0.127 mm (0.005
in.) MAX. If the recorded measurement falls out-
side these parameters, replace the turbocharger
assembly.(5) Measure the turbocharger bearing radial clear-
ance:
(a) Insert a narrow blade or wire style feeler
gauge between the compressor wheel and the hous-
ing (Fig. 22).
(b) Gently push the compressor wheel toward
the housing and record the clearance.
(c) With the feeler gauge in the same location,
gently push the compressor wheel away from the
housing and again record the clearance.
(d) Subtract the smaller clearance from the
larger clearance. This is the radial bearing clear-
ance.
(e) Allowable radial bearing clearance is 0.33
mm (0.013 in.) MIN. and 0.50 mm (0.020 in.) MAX.
If the recorded measurement falls outside these
specifications, replace the turbocharger assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the turbocharger. Apply anti-seize to the
studs and then tighten the turbocharger mounting
nuts to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 20 Inspect Compressor Housing for Impeller
Rubbing Condition
Fig. 21 Measure Turbocharger Axial End Play
DREXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 15
TURBOCHARGER (Continued)

CAUTION: Do not apply more than 138 kPa (20 psi)
air pressure to the charge air cooler system, sever
damage to the charge air cooler system may occur.
(3) Connect a regulated air supply to air fitting on
Tool 9022 Adapter. Set air pressure to a Maximum of
138 kPa (20 psi).
(4) Using soapy water check the rubber sleeves,
charge air cooler and intake manifold for leaks.
REMOVAL
WARNING: IF THE ENGINE WAS JUST TURNED
OFF, THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM TUBES MAY BE
HOT.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Discharge the A/C system (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE) and remove the A/C condenser
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL) (if A/C
equipped).
(3) Remove the transmission auxiliary cooler
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS
COOLER - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the boost tubes from the charge air
cooler (Fig. 24).
(5) Remove the charge air cooler bolts. Pivot the
charge air cooler forward and up to remove.
CLEANING
CAUTION: Do not use caustic cleaners to clean the
charge air cooler. Damage to the charge air cooler
will result.
NOTE: If internal debris cannot be removed from
the cooler, the charge air cooler MUST be replaced.
(1) If the engine experiences a turbocharger failure
or any other situation where oil or debris get into the
charge air cooler, the charge air cooler must be
cleaned internally.
(2) Position the charge air cooler so the inlet and
outlet tubes are vertical.
(3) Flush the cooler internally with solvent in the
direction opposite of normal air flow.
(4) Shake the cooler and lightly tap on the end
tanks with a rubber mallet to dislodge trapped
debris.
(5) Continue flushing until all debris or oil are
removed.
(6) Rinse the cooler with hot soapy water to
remove any remaining solvent.
(7) Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blow
dry with compressed air.
INSPECTION
Visually inspect the charge air cooler for cracks,
holes, or damage. Inspect the tubes, fins, and welds
for tears, breaks, or other damage. Replace the
charge air cooler if damage is found.
Pressure test the charge air cooler, using Charge
Air Cooler Tester Kit #3824556. This kit is available
through CumminstService Products. Instructions
are provided with the kit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the charge air cooler. Install the bolts
and tighten to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install the air intake system tubes to the
charge air cooler. With the clamps in position, tighten
the clamps to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install the transmission auxiliary cooler (if
equipped) (Refer to 7 - COOLING/TRANSMISSION/
TRANS COOLER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the A/C condenser (if A/C equipped)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - INSTALLATION).
Recharge A/C system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(5) Connect the battery negative cables.
(6) Start engine and check for boost system leaks.
Fig. 24 Air Intake System Tubes
1 - BOLT
2 - CHARGE AIR COOLER
3 - CLAMP
4 - BOOST TUBE
DREXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 17
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Align the holes in the bumpers to the trailer
hitch pins and install the bumper.
(2) Install the support bracket to the hitch bolts,
loosely.
(3) Install the front upper edge to the trailer hitch
bolts and tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the license plate reinforcement to hitch
bolts and tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the left bumper bracket bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the right bumper bracket bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(7) Connect the trailer light connector electrical
connection, if equipped.
(8) Connect the license plate light electrical con-
nectors.
(9) Install the license plate.
FRAME
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRIND-
ING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FRAME REPAIR
INVOLVING GRINDING OR WELDING, VERIFY THAT
VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT LEAKING OR IN
CONTACT WITH REPAIR AREA, PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT ALLOW OPEN FLAME OR HEAT AND
METAL SPATTER FROM ARC WELDING, TO CON-
TACT PLASTIC BODY PANELS. FIRE OR EXPLO-
SION CAN RESULT.
²WHEN WELDED FRAME COMPONENTS ARE
REPLACED, ENSURE COMPLETE PENETRATION
WELD IS ACHIEVED DURING INSTALLATION. IF
NOT, DANGEROUS OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN
RESULT.
²STAND CLEAR OF CABLES OR CHAINS ON
PULLING EQUIPMENT DURING FRAME STRAIGHT-
ENING OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: 1500 series Dodge Ram Trucks (2002 and
later) are not designed for snow plow equipment.The front collision repair tips must not be installed
on any truck equipped with a snow plow, or even
intended to be equipped with a snow plow.
CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only pro-
duction fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hard-
ness can result in loosening or failure. Do not drill
any holes in the frame that are not specifically out-
lined in this or other, DaimlerChrysler procedure as
frame rail failure can result. When using heat to
straighten frame components do not exceed 566ÉC
(1050ÉF), metal fatigue can result.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LIGHT DUTY FRONT
FRAME RAIL TIP REPLACEMENT
CAUTION: This procedure is designed to replace
the front frame rail tips that have been damaged in
the crush initiator zones. Prior to any cutting, the
vehicle must be mounted on the appropriate frame
repair equipment (ªframe rackº), checked with three
dimensional measuring equipment, and the neces-
sary pull corrections made. If damage remains in
the frame beyond the area covered by this service
part after the pull, the frame must be replaced in its
entirety.
NOTE: Procedures for 4X2 and 4X4 are common
except as noted in this procedure.
(1) Before proceding with this repair procedure
review the required service warnings and precau-
tions. (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME -
WARNING)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the bolts and position aside the wire
harness and grounds, if required.
(5) Remove the front bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER
- REMOVAL)
(6) Loosen and lower the stabilizer bar mount and
bar. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/STABI-
LIZER BAR - REMOVAL)
13 - 4 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
REAR BUMPER (Continued)