1998 DODGE RAM 1500 engine overheat

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
COOLANT LOSS TO THE
GROUND WITHOUT PRESSURE
CAP BLOWOFF. GAUGE READING
HIGH OR HOT1. Coolant leaks in radiator, cooling
system hoses, water pump or
engine.1. Pressure test and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DETONATION OR PRE-IGNITION
(NOT CAUSED BY IGNITION
SYSTEM). GAUGE MAY OR MAY
NOT BE READING HIGH1. Engine overheating. 1. Check reason for overheating
and repair as necessary.
2. Freeze point of coolant not
correct. Mixture is too rich or too
lean.2. Check coolant concentration.
(Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
HOSE OR HOSES COLLAPSE
WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING1. Vacuum created in cooling
system on engine cool-down is not
being relieved through coolant
reserve/overflow system.1. (a) Radiator cap relief valve
stuck. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR PRESSURE
CAP - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Replace if necessary
(b) Hose between coolant
reserve/overflow tank and radiator is
kinked. Repair as necessary.
(c) Vent at coolant reserve/overflow
tank is plugged. Clean vent and
repair as necessary.
(d) Reserve/overflow tank is
internally blocked or plugged. Check
for blockage and repair as
necessary.
NOISY VISCOUS FAN/DRIVE 1. Fan blades loose. 1. Replace fan blade assembly.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
2. Fan blades striking a surrounding
object.2. Locate point of fan blade contact
and repair as necessary.
3. Air obstructions at radiator or air
conditioning condenser.3. Remove obstructions and/or
clean debris or insects from radiator
or A/C condenser.
4. Thermal viscous fan drive has
defective bearing.4. Replace fan drive. Bearing is not
serviceable. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - REMOVAL).
5. A certain amount of fan noise
may be evident on models
equipped with a thermal viscous fan
drive. Some of this noise is normal.5. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
DESCRIPTION) for an explanation
of normal fan noise.
DRCOOLING 7 - 15
COOLING (Continued)

ACCESSORY DRIVE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BELT TENSIONER - 3.7L / 4.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................22
BELT TENSIONER-5.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................23
BELT TENSIONER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
DRIVE BELT - 3.7L / 4.7L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT.........................24
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................26
DRIVE BELT - 5.9L DIESEL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT.........................27
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................29
BELT TENSIONER - 3.7L / 4.7L
DESCRIPTION
Correct drive belt tension is required to ensure
optimum performance of the belt driven engine acces-
sories. If specified tension is not maintained, belt
slippage may cause; engine overheating, lack of
power steering assist, loss of air conditioning capac-
ity, reduced generator output rate, and greatly
reduced belt life.
It is not necessary to adjust belt tension on the
3.7L or 4.7L engine. These engines are equipped with
an automatic belt tensioner (Fig. 1). The tensioner
maintains correct belt tension at all times. Due to
use of this belt tensioner, do not attempt to use a belt
tension gauge on 3.7L or 4.7L engines.
OPERATION
The automatic belt tensioner maintains belt ten-
sion by using internal spring pressure, a pivoting
arm and pulley to press against the drive belt.
REMOVAL
On 3.7L and 4.7L engines, the tensioner is
equipped with an indexing tang on back of ten-
sioner and an indexing stop on tensioner hous-
ing. If a new belt is being installed, tang must
be within approximately 24 mm (.94 inches) of
indexing stop. Belt is considered new if it has
been used 15 minutes or less.
If the above specification cannot be met, check for:²The wrong belt being installed (incorrect length/
width)
²Worn bearings on an engine accessory (A/C com-
pressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pul-
ley or generator)
²A pulley on an engine accessory being loose
²Misalignment of an engine accessory
²Belt incorrectly routed.
NOTE: A used belt should be replaced if tensioner
indexing arrow has moved to the minimum tension
indicator. Tensioner travel stops at this point.
Fig. 1 AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
1 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
DRACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 21

(1) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove tensioner assembly from mounting
bracket (Fig. 2).
WARNING: BECAUSE OF HIGH SPRING PRES-
SURE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE AUTO-
MATIC TENSIONER. UNIT IS SERVICED AS AN
ASSEMBLY EXCEPT FOR PULLEY ON TENSIONER.
(3) Remove pulley bolt. Remove pulley from ten-
sioner.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pulley and pulley bolt to tensioner.
Tighten bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) An indexing slot is located on back of tensioner.
Align this slot to the head of the bolt on the front
cover. Install the mounting bolt. Tighten bolt to 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) Check belt indexing marks (Fig. 1).
BELT TENSIONER-5.7L
DESCRIPTION
Correct drive belt tension is required to ensure
optimum performance of the belt driven engine acces-
sories. If specified tension is not maintained, belt
slippage may cause; engine overheating, lack of
power steering assist, loss of air conditioning capac-
ity, reduced generator output rate, and greatly
reduced belt life.
It is not necessary to adjust belt tension on the
5.7L engines. This engines is equipped with an auto-
matic belt tensioner. The tensioner maintains correct
belt tension at all times (Fig. 3). Due to the use of
this belt tensioner, do not attempt to use a belt ten-
sion gauge on 5.7L engine.
OPERATION
The automatic belt tensioner maintains belt ten-
sion by using internal spring pressure, a pivoting
arm and pulley to press against the drive belt.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove tensioner and mounting bracket.
(3) Remove the tensioner assembly from the
mounting bracket.
(4)
Fig. 2 AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER - 3.7L/4.7L
ENGINE
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - BOLT TORQUE TO 41 N´m (30 FT LBS)
3 - AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
Fig. 3 Automatic Belt Tensioner
1 - TENSIONER
2 - BOLT
7 - 22 ACCESSORY DRIVEDR
BELT TENSIONER - 3.7L / 4.7L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CORD EDGE FAILURE
(Tensile member exposed at edges
of belt or separated from belt body)1. Incorrect belt tension 1. Inspect/Replace tensioner if
necessary
2. Belt contacting stationary object 2. Replace belt
3. Pulley(s) out of tolerance 3. Replace pulley
4. Insufficient adhesion between
tensile member and rubber matrix4. Replace belt
REMOVAL
CAUTION: DO NOT LET TENSIONER ARM SNAP
BACK TO THE FREEARM POSITION, SEVER DAM-
AGE MAY OCCUR TO THE TENSIONER.
Belt tension is not adjustable. Belt adjustment is
maintained by an automatic (spring load) belt ten-
sioner.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Rotate belt tensioner until it contacts it's stop.
Remove belt, then slowly rotate the tensioner into
the freearm position. (Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
Belt tension is not adjustable. Belt adjustment is
maintained by an automatic ( spring load ) belt ten-
sioner.
(1) Check condition of all pulleys.
CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. If not,
the engine may overheat due to the water pump
rotating in the wrong direction (Fig. 7).
(2) Install new belt (Fig. 7). Route the belt around
all pulleys except the idler pulley. Rotate the ten-
sioner arm until it contacts it's stop position. Route
the belt around the idler and slowly let the tensioner
rotate into the belt. Make sure the belt is seated onto
all pulleys.
(3) With the drive belt installed, inspect the belt
wear indicator (Fig. 8). On 4.7L Engines only, the gap
between the tang and the housing stop (measure-
ment A) must not exceed 24 mm (.94 inches). If the
measurement exceeds this specification replace the
serpentine accessory drive belt.
Fig. 7 BELT ROUTING 3.7L / 4.7L
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT
3 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
4 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
5 - IDLER PULLEY
6 - TENSIONER
7 - A/C COMPRESSOR PULLEY
8 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
Fig. 8 Accessory Drive Belt Wear Indicator±4.7L
Engine
1 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
7 - 26 ACCESSORY DRIVEDR
DRIVE BELT - 3.7L / 4.7L (Continued)

REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner. Refer to Automatic Belt
Tensioner in this group.
NOTE: The belt routing schematics are published
from the latest information available at the time of
publication. If anything differs between these sche-
matics and the Belt Routing Label, use the sche-
matics on Belt Routing Label.This label is located in
the engine compartment.
Drive belts on diesel engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner.
This belt tensioner will be used on all belt config-
urations, such as with or without air conditioning.
For more information, (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/BELT TENSIONERS - DESCRIP-
TION).
(1) A 1/2 inch square hole is provided in the auto-
matic belt tensioner. Attach a 1/2 inch drive-long
handle ratchet to this hole.(2) Rotate ratchet and tensioner assembly clock-
wise (as viewed from front) until tension has been
relieved from belt.
(3) Remove belt from water pump pulley first.
(4) Remove belt from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing the accessory drive belt,
the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may
overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong
direction. Refer to (Fig. 10) or (Fig. 11)for correct
engine belt routing. The correct belt with correct
length must be used.
(1) Position drive belt over all pulleysexcept
water pump pulley.
(2) Attach a 1/2 inch ratchet to tensioner.
(3) Rotate ratchet and belt tensioner clockwise.
Place belt over water pump pulley. Let tensioner
rotate back into place. Remove ratchet. Be sure belt
is properly seated on all pulleys.
Fig. 10 Belt Routing ± 5.9L Diesel Engine With A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
3 - IDLER PULLEY
4 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
6 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
7 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
8 - A/C COMPRESSOR PUMP PULLEY
Fig. 11 Belt Routing - 5.9L Diesel Engine Without
A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
3 - IDLER PULLEY
4 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
6 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
7 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
DRACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 29
DRIVE BELT - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
CAP................................58
CLEANING............................59
INSPECTION..........................59
WATER PUMP - 3.7L/4.7L
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - WATER PUMP...........59
DESCRIPTION - WATER PUMP BYPASS....59
OPERATION
OPERATIONÐWATER PUMP............60
OPERATION - WATER PUMP BYPASS.....60
REMOVAL.............................60
CLEANING............................61
INSPECTION..........................61
INSTALLATION.........................61
WATER PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................62OPERATION...........................62
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐWATER PUMP . . . 62
REMOVAL.............................62
CLEANING............................62
INSPECTION..........................62
INSTALLATION.........................62
WATER PUMP - 5.7L
REMOVAL.............................63
INSTALLATION.........................63
WATER PUMP - 8.0L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER PUMP . . . 63
REMOVAL.............................64
CLEANING............................66
INSPECTION..........................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
COOLANT
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT
ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. Only MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
year/100,000 Mile Formula (ethylene-glycol base cool-
ant with corrosion inhibitors called HOAT, for Hybrid
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% distilled water to obtain a freeze
point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF).
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon the climate and vehicle oper-
ating conditions. The antifreeze concentrationmust
alwaysbe a minimum of 44 percent, year-round in
all climates.If percentage is lower than 44 per-
cent, engine parts may be eroded by cavitation,
and cooling system components may be
severely damaged by corrosion.Maximum protec-
tion against freezing is provided with a 68% anti-
freeze concentration, which prevents freezing down to
-67.7É C (-90É F). A higher percentage will freeze at a
warmer temperature. Also, a higher percentage of
antifreeze can cause the engine to overheat becausethe specific heat of antifreeze is lower than that of
water.
Use of 100 percent ethylene-glycol will cause for-
mation of additive deposits in the system, as the cor-
rosion inhibitive additives in ethylene-glycol require
the presence of water to dissolve. The deposits act as
insulation, causing temperatures to rise to as high as
149É C (300É F). This temperature is hot enough to
melt plastic and soften solder. The increased temper-
ature can result in engine detonation. In addition,
100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes at 22É C (-8É F ).
PROPYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
It's overall effective temperature range is smaller
than that of ethylene-glycol. The freeze point of 50/50
propylene-glycol and water is -32É C (-26É F). 5É C
higher than ethylene-glycol's freeze point. The boiling
point (protection against summer boil-over) of propy-
lene-glycol is 125É C (257ÉF)at96.5 kPa (14 psi),
compared to 128É C (263É F) for ethylene-glycol. Use
of propylene-glycol can result in boil-over or freeze-up
on a cooling system designed for ethylene-glycol. Pro-
pylene glycol also has poorer heat transfer character-
istics than ethylene glycol. This can increase cylinder
head temperatures under certain conditions.
Propylene-glycol/ethylene-glycol Mixtures can
cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibi-
tors, causing damage to the various cooling system
components. Also, once ethylene-glycol and propy-
lene-glycol based coolants are mixed in the vehicle,
conventional methods of determining freeze point will
not be accurate. Both the refractive index and spe-
cific gravity differ between ethylene glycol and propy-
lene glycol.
DRENGINE 7 - 31

(4)Do Notattempt to remove the fan/viscous fan
drive assembly from the vehicle at this time.
(5)Do Notunbolt the fan blade assembly (Fig. 3)
from viscous fan drive at this time.
(6) Remove the fan shroud-to-radiator mounting
bolts.
(7) Pull the lower shroud mounts out of the radia-
tor tank clips.
(8) Remove the fan shroud and fan blade/viscous
fan drive assembly as a complete unit from vehicle.
(9) After removing the fan blade/viscous fan drive
assembly,do notplace the viscous fan drive in a
horizontal position. If stored horizontally, silicone
fluid in the viscous fan drive could drain into its
bearing assembly and contaminate lubricant.
CAUTION: Do not remove water pump pulley-to-wa-
ter pump bolts. This pulley is under spring tension.
(10) Remove four bolts securing fan blade assem-
bly to viscous fan drive (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine
drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous
fan drives. They are marked with the word
REVERSE to designate their usage. Installation of
the wrong fan or viscous fan drive can result in
engine overheating.
CLEANING
Clean the fan blades using a mild soap and water.
Do not use an abrasive to clean the blades.
INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR
STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF FAN IS NOT WITHIN
SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: If fan blade assembly is replaced
because of mechanical damage, water pump and
viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These
components could have been damaged due to
excessive vibration.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to the viscous fan
drive. Tighten the bolts (Fig. 3) to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(2) Position the fan shroud and the fan blade/vis-
cous fan drive assembly to the vehicle as a complete
unit.
(3) Install the fan shroud.
Fig. 2 Using Special Tool 6958 Spanner Wrench
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
Fig. 3 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive - Gas Engines -
Typical
1 - WATER PUMP BYPASS HOSE
2 - FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY
3 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
4 - WATER PUMP AND PULLEY
5 - Bolts (4)
7 - 34 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR FAN - GAS ENGINES (Continued)

CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of the constant tension clamps (Fig. 19). If
replacement is necessary, use only an original
equipment clamp with a matching number, letter
and width.
(7) Remove the radiator upper hose clamp and
upper hose at the thermostat housing.
(8) Position the wiring harness (behind thermostat
housing) to gain access to the thermostat housing.(9) Remove the thermostat housing mounting
bolts, thermostat housing, gasket and thermostat
(Fig. 20). Discard old gasket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the mating areas of the intake manifold
and thermostat housing.
(2) Install the thermostat (spring side down) into
the recessed machined groove on the intake manifold
(Fig. 20).
(3) Install the gasket on the intake manifold and
over the thermostat (Fig. 20).
(4) Position the thermostat housing to the intake
manifold.Note:The word FRONT stamped on hous-
ing (Fig. 21). For adequate clearance, thismustbe
placed towards the front of the vehicle. The housing
is slightly angled forward after the installation to the
intake manifold.
(5) Install the housing-to-intake manifold bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the radiator upper hose to the thermo-
stat housing.
CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. If not,
the engine may overheat due to the water pump
rotating in wrong direction. Refer to (Fig. 22) for the
correct 5.9L engine belt routing. The correct belt
with correct length must be used.
Fig. 18 Automatic Belt Tensioner ± 5.9L Engines
1 - IDLER PULLEY
2 - TENSIONER
3 - FAN BLADE
Fig. 19 SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
Fig. 20 Thermostat ± 5.9L Engines
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - GASKET
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - THERMOSTAT
5 - MACHINED GROOVE
DRENGINE 7 - 43
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT- 5.7L (Continued)