1998 DODGE RAM 1500 5.9l

ENGINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLANT
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT.......31
DESCRIPTION - HOAT COOLANT.........32
OPERATION...........................33
COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER- GAS
ENGINES
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
RADIATOR FAN - GAS ENGINES
REMOVAL.............................33
CLEANING............................34
INSPECTION..........................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL
REMOVAL.............................35
CLEANING............................35
INSPECTION..........................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION.........................36
OPERATION...........................36
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER ............................36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................37
OPERATION...........................38
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................41
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT- 5.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................41
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT . . . 42
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................43
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.7L/4.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................44
OPERATION...........................44
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT . . . 44
REMOVAL.............................45INSTALLATION.........................45
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................46
OPERATION...........................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - THERMOSTAT . . . 47
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION.........................48
OPERATION...........................48
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - THERMOSTAT . . . 48
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................49
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH-GAS ENGINES
DESCRIPTION.........................50
OPERATION...........................50
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE..............................50
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................52
OPERATION...........................52
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS
FAN DRIVE..........................52
RADIATOR-3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................54
OPERATION...........................54
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW......................54
REMOVAL.............................54
CLEANING............................55
INSPECTION..........................55
INSTALLATION.........................55
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................56
OPERATION...........................56
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW......................56
REMOVAL.............................56
CLEANING............................56
INSPECTION..........................56
INSTALLATION.........................57
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION.........................57
OPERATION...........................58
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
CAP-TO-FILLER NECK SEAL.............58
7 - 30 ENGINEDR

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) Install the fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly
to the water pump shaft (Fig. 3). Tighten mounting
nut to 50 N´m (37 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the coolant reserve/overflow container
to the fan shroud.
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
NOTE:
Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Requirement:
After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring the
engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If the electronically controlled viscous
fan drive is replaced because of mechanical dam-
age, the cooling fan blades should also be
inspected. Inspect for fatigue cracks, or chipped
blades that could have resulted from excessive
vibration. Replace fan blade assembly if any of
these conditions are found. Also inspect wiring har-
ness and connectors for damage.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove coolant recovery container (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT RECOVERY CON-
TAINER - REMOVAL).
(3) Using a fastener removal tool, remove the two
push pin fasteners from the fan shroud lower half.
(4) Unseat the four fastening tabs and remove the
lower radiator shroud.
(5) Disconnect electrical connector.
(6) Remove the electronically controlled viscous fan
drive electrical wire from the upper radiator shroud.
(7) Using a fastener removal tool, remove the wir-
ing harness bracket from the upper radiator shroud.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fan pulley bolts. This
pulley is under spring tension.
(8) The electronically controlled viscous fan drive/
fan blade assembly is attached (threaded) to the fan
pulley shaft (Fig. 4). Remove the fan blade/fan drive
assembly from fan pulley by turning the mounting
nut counterclockwise (as viewed from front). Threads
on the viscous fan drive areRIGHT-HAND.A36
MM Fan Wrench can be used. Place a bar or screw-
driver between the fan pulley bolts to prevent pulley
from rotating.
(9) Remove the upper radiator shroud mounting
bolts.(10) Remove the fan shroud and the fan blade/vis-
cous drive as an assembly from vehicle.
CAUTION: The electronically controlled viscous fan
drive is vibration and impact sensitive, especially at
the electrical connectors. Do not drop the unit.
(11) Remove the six fan blade-to-viscous fan drive
mounting bolts.
(12) Inspect the fan for cracked, chipped or dam-
aged fan blades.
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.
Fig. 4 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive - 5.9L Diesel
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - BOLT (6)
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
DRENGINE 7 - 35
RADIATOR FAN - GAS ENGINES (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to electrically con-
trolled viscous fan drive. Tighten mounting bolts to
24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position the fan blade/viscous fan drive to the
vehicle as an assembly.
(3) Install the viscous fan drive assembly onto fan
pulley hub shaft (Fig. 4). Tighten mounting nut to
115 N´m (85 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install upper fan shroud. Make sure the upper
shroud locks into the tabs on the lower radiator.
(5) Install two upper shroud mounting bolts.
Tighten to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Position the electronically controlled viscous
fan drive wiring into the channel in the upper fan
shroud (Fig. 5). Make sure the wiring is not pinched.
(7) Install the lower fan shroud into position and
verify the two locking tabs have seated.
(8) Install two push pin fasteners to lock lower fan
shroud to the main assembly.
NOTE: Verify that the fan drive electrical wire does
not interfere with fan blade travel when the fan
blade is spun by hand.
(9) Connect the wiring harness connector and
install the harness bracket to the upper radiator
shroud.(10) Install the coolant recovery container (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER - INSTALLATION).
(11) Connect the battery negative cables.
NOTE:
Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Requirement:
After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring the
engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available with
all models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The cord is attached to an engine compartment com-
ponent with tie-straps. The heater warms the engine
providing easier engine starting and faster warm-up
in low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole of the engine cylinder block in place of a freeze
plug with the heating element immersed in engine
coolant. The 3.7L/4.7L gas powered engines have the
block heater located to the rear on the right side of
the engine (Fig. 6).
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER
If the unit does not operate, possible causes can be
either the power cord or the heater element. Test the
power cord for continuity with a 110-volt voltmeter or
110-volt test light. Test heater element continuity
with an ohmmeter or a 12-volt test light.
CAUTION: To prevent damage, the power cord must
be secured in it's retainer clips and away from any
components that may cause abrasion or damage,
such as linkages, exhaust components, etc.
Fig. 5 Electronically Controlled Viscous Fan Drive
Wiring
1 - UPPER SHROUD
2 - WIRING
3 - GROMMET
7 - 36 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Drain the coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the power cord from the heater by
unplugging (Fig. 7).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the
screw at center of block heater (Fig. 7).
(5) Remove the block heater by carefully prying
from side-to-side. Note the direction of the heating
element coil (up or down). The element coil must be
installed correctly to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install the new O-ring seal(s) to heater.
(3) Insert the block heater into cylinder block and
position the element properly.
(4) With the heater fully seated, tighten center
screw to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Fill the cooling system with the recommended
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check the block heater for leaks.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a threaded hole of the
engine cylinder block with the heating element
immersed in engine coolant. The cord is attached to
an engine compartment component with tie-straps.
The 5.9L diesel engine has the block heater located
on the right side of the engine below the exhaust
manifold next to the oil cooler (Fig. 8).
Fig. 6 Engine Block Heater - 3.7L/4.7L
1 - ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Fig. 7 Engine Block Heater
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
DRENGINE 7 - 37
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (Continued)

OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(3) Unscrew the power cord retaining cap and dis-
connect cord from heater element.
(4) Using a suitable size socket, loosen and remove
the block heater element (Fig. 9).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the threads in the cylinder
block.
(2) Coat heater element threads with Mopart
Thread Sealer with Teflon.
(3) Screw block heater into cylinder block and
tighten to 55 N´m (41 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect block heater cord and tighten retain-
ing cap.
(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
used to sense engine coolant temperature. The sensor
protrudes into an engine water jacket.
The ECT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as engine coolant
temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
At key-on, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
sends out a regulated 5 volt signal to the ECT sensor.
The PCM then monitors the signal as it passes
through the ECT sensor to the sensor ground (sensor
return).
When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
Open Loop cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-
fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds. This is done
until normal operating temperatures are reached.
The PCM uses inputs from the ECT sensor for the
following calculations:
²for engine coolant temperature gauge operation
through CCD or PCI (J1850) communications
²Injector pulse-width
²Spark-advance curves
²ASD relay shut-down times
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor key-on steps
²Pulse-width prime-shot during cranking
²O2 sensor closed loop times
²Purge solenoid on/off times
²EGR solenoid on/off times (if equipped)
²Leak Detection Pump operation (if equipped)
²Radiator fan relay on/off times (if equipped)
²Target idle speed
Fig. 8 Engine Block Heater ± 5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - BLOCK HEATER
Fig. 9 Block Heater - 5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - BLOCK HEATER
7 - 38 ENGINEDR
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

5.9L Diesel
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.9L diesel engine is located near the thermostat
housing (Fig. 14).WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
8.0L V-10
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 8.0L V-10 engine is threaded into the thermostat
housing (Fig. 15).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
Fig. 12 ECT LOCATION - 5.7L V-8
1 - TOP OF AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
2 - ECT SENSOR LOCATION
Fig. 13 ECT REMOVE / INSTALL 5.7L V-8
1 - FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
Fig. 14 ECT LOCATION - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
7 - 40 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
4.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
5.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
5.9L Diesel
(1) Install sensor to engine.
(2) Tighten sensor to 18 N´m (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(4) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
8.0L V-10
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT- 5.7L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on the 5.7L gas powered engine is
located behind the thermostat housing at the front of
the intake manifold (Fig. 16).
The thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse pop-
pet choke type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
Fig. 15 ECT SENSOR - 8.0L V-10
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
DRENGINE 7 - 41
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)