1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Fig

loaded pressure relief valve. This valve opens when
system pressure reaches the release range of 97-to-
124 kPa (14-to-18 psi).
A rubber gasket seals the radiator filler neck. This
is done to maintain vacuum during coolant cool-down
and to prevent leakage when system is under pres-
sure.
OPERATION
A vent valve in the center of the cap will remain
shut as long as the cooling system is pressurized. As
the coolant cools, it contracts and creates a vacuum
in the cooling system. This causes the vacuum valve
to open and coolant in the reserve/overflow container
to be drawn through the recovery hose connecting
the filler neck and reserve/overflow container. If the
vacuum valve is stuck shut, or the recovery hose is
kinked, radiator hoses will collapse on cool down.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
CAP-TO-FILLER NECK SEAL
The pressure cap upper gasket (seal) pressure
relief can be tested by removing overflow hose from
the radiator filler neck tube. Attach the hose of the
pressure tester tool 7700 (or equivalent) to the tube.
It will be necessary to disconnect hose from its
adapter for the filler neck. Pump air into radiator.
The pressure cap upper gasket should relieve at 69
to 124kPa (10 to 18 psi) and hold pressure at a min-
imum of 55 kPa (8 psi).
WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS, ºDO NOT OPEN
HOTº, ON RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, ARE A
SAFETY PRECAUTION. WHEN HOT, PRESSURE
BUILDS UP IN COOLING SYSTEM. TO PREVENT
SCALDING OR INJURY, RADIATOR CAP SHOULD
NOT BE REMOVED WHILE SYSTEM IS HOT AND/OR
UNDER PRESSURE.
Do not remove the radiator cap at any timeexcept
for the following purposes:
²Check and adjust antifreeze freeze point.
²Refill the system with new antifreeze.
²Conducting service procedures.
²Checking for vacuum leaks.
WARNING: IF VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUN RECENTLY,
WAIT AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING
RADIATOR CAP. WITH A RAG, SQUEEZE RADIATOR
UPPER HOSE TO CHECK IF SYSTEM IS UNDER
PRESSURE. PLACE A RAG OVER CAP AND WITH-
OUT PUSHING CAP DOWN, ROTATE IT COUNTER-
CLOCKWISE TO FIRST STOP. ALLOW FLUID TO
ESCAPE THROUGH THE COOLANT RESERVE/
OVERFLOW HOSE INTO RESERVE/OVERFLOW
TANK. SQUEEZE RADIATOR UPPER HOSE TO
DETERMINE WHEN PRESSURE HAS BEEN
RELEASED. WHEN COOLANT AND STEAM STOP
BEING PUSHED INTO TANK AND SYSTEM PRES-
SURE DROPS, REMOVE RADIATOR CAP COM-
PLETELY.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR CAP
Remove the cap from the radiator. Be sure that the
sealing surfaces are clean. Moisten the rubber gasket
with water and install the cap on the pressure tester
7700 or an equivalent (Fig. 41).
Operate the tester pump to bring the pressure to
104 kPa (15 psi) on the gauge. If the pressure cap
fails to hold pressure of at least 97 kPa (14 psi)
replace the cap. Refer to the followingCAUTION.
Fig. 40 Radiator Pressure Cap - Typical
1 - FILLER NECK SEAL
2 - VACUUM VENT VALVE
3 - PRESSURE RATING
4 - PRESSURE VALVE
7 - 58 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP (Continued)

The pressure cap may test properly while posi-
tioned on tool 7700 (or equivalent). It may not hold
pressure or vacuum when installed on the radiator. If
so, inspect the radiator filler neck and radiator cap's
top gasket for damage. Also inspect for dirt or distor-
tion that may prevent the cap from sealing properly.
CAUTION: Radiator pressure testing tools are very
sensitive to small air leaks which will not cause
cooling system problems. A pressure cap that does
not have a history of coolant loss should not be
replaced just because it leaks slowly when tested
with this tool. Add water to tool. Turn tool upside
down and recheck pressure cap to confirm that cap
needs replacement.
CLEANING
Use only a mild soap and water to clean the radi-
ator cap. Using any type of solvent may cause dam-
age to the seal in the radiator cap.
INSPECTION
Hold cap at eye level, right side up. The vent valve
(Fig. 42) at bottom of cap should closed. A slight
downward pull on the vent valve should open it. If
the rubber gasket has swollen and prevents vent
valve from opening, replace cap.
Hold cap at eye level, upside down. If any light can
be seen between vent valve and rubber gasket,
replace cap. A replacement cap must be the typedesigned for a coolant reserve/overflow system with a
completely sealed diaphragm spring and a rubber
gasket. This gasket is used to seal to radiator filler
neck top surface. Use of proper cap will allow coolant
return to radiator.
WATER PUMP - 3.7L/4.7L
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - WATER PUMP
A centrifugal water pump circulates coolant
through the water jackets, passages, intake manifold,
radiator core, cooling system hoses and heater core.
The pump is driven from the engine crankshaft by a
single serpentine drive belt.
The water pump impeller is pressed onto the rear
of a shaft that rotates in bearings pressed into the
housing. The housing has two small holes to allow
seepage to escape. The water pump seals are lubri-
cated by the antifreeze in the coolant mixture. No
additional lubrication is necessary.
Both heater hoses are connected to fittings on the
timing chain front cover. The water pump is also
mounted directly to the timing chain cover and is
equipped with a non serviceable integral pulley (Fig.
43).
DESCRIPTION - WATER PUMP BYPASS
The 3.7L and 4.7L engine uses an internal water/
coolant bypass system. The design uses galleries in
the timing chain cover to circulate coolant during
Fig. 41 Pressure Testing Radiator Cap - Typical
1 - PRESSURE CAP
2 - TYPICAL COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTER
Fig. 42 Radiator Pressure Cap
1 - STAINLESS-STEEL SWIVEL TOP
2 - RUBBER SEALS
3 - VENT VALVE
4 - RADIATOR TANK
5 - FILLER NECK
6 - OVERFLOW NIPPLE
7 - MAIN SPRING
8 - GASKET RETAINER
DRENGINE 7 - 59
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP (Continued)

engine warm-up preventing the coolant from flowing
through the radiator (Fig. 44).
OPERATION
OPERATIONÐWATER PUMP
A centrifugal water pump circulates coolant
through the water jackets, passages, intake manifold,
radiator core, cooling system hoses and heater core,
this coolant absorbs the heat generated when the
engine is running. The pump is driven by the engine
crankshaft via a drive belt.
OPERATION - WATER PUMP BYPASS
When the thermostat is in the closed position the
bypass gallery is not obstructed allowing 100% flow.
When the thermostat is in the open position the pill
partially covers the bypass hole, reducing the amount
of bypass flow. This design allows the coolant to
reach operating temperature quickly when cold,
while adding extra cooling during normal tempera-
ture operation.
REMOVAL
The water pump on 3.7L/4.7L engines is bolted
directly to the engine timing chain case cover.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove fan/viscous fan drive assembly from
water pump (Fig. 45) (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
REMOVAL). Do not attempt to remove fan/viscous
fan drive assembly from vehicle at this time.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter and width.
(4) If the water pump is being replaced, do not
unbolt the fan blade assembly from the thermal vis-
cous fan drive.
Fig. 43 Water Pump and Timing Chain Cover - 4.7L
1 - INTEGRAL WATER PUMP PULLEY
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
3 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
4 - HEATER HOSE FITTINGS
5 - WATER PUMP
Fig. 44 Water/Coolant Bypass Flow and Thermostat
1 - FROM HEATER AND DEGAS CONTAINER
2 - FROM RADIATOR
3 - TO WATER PUMP
4- THERMOSTAT
7 - 60 ENGINEDR
WATER PUMP - 3.7L/4.7L (Continued)

(5) Remove the radiator fan (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove accessory drive belt (Fig. 46) (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the lower radiator hose clamp and
remove the lower hose at the water pump.
(8) Remove the water pump mounting bolts.
CAUTION: Do not pry water pump at timing chain
case/cover. The machined surfaces may be dam-
aged resulting in leaks.
(9) Remove the water pump and gasket. Discard
gasket.
CLEANING
Clean the gasket mating surface. Use caution not
to damage the gasket sealing surface.
INSPECTION
Inspect the water pump assembly for cracks in the
housing, water leaks from shaft seal, worn bearing or
impeller rubbing either the pump body or timing
chain case/cover.
INSTALLATION
The water pump on 3.7L/4.7L engine is bolted
directly to the engine timing chain case cover.
(1) Clean the gasket mating surfaces.(2) Using a new gasket, position water pump and
install the mounting bolts. (Fig. 47). Tighten the
water pump mounting bolts to 58 N´m (43 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 45 Viscous Fan and Fan Drive 4.7L Engine
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
Fig. 46 Automatic Belt TensionerÐ4.7L
1 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
2 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
Fig. 47 Water Pump InstallationÐ3.7L/4.7L Typical
1 - WATER PUMP
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
DRENGINE 7 - 61
WATER PUMP - 3.7L/4.7L (Continued)

(3) Spin the water pump to be sure that the pump
impeller does not rub against the timing chain case/
cover.
(4) Connect the radiator lower hose to the water
pump.
(5) Relax the tension from the belt tensioner (Fig.
46). Install the drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLA-
TION).
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. Refer to (Fig. 48) for
the correct belt routing. Or, refer to the Belt Routing
Label located in the engine compartment. The cor-
rect belt with correct length must be used.
(6) Install the radiator fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION).
(7) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Connect the negative battery cable.
(9) Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.WATER PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The water pump is mounted to the front of the
engine block between the automatic belt tensioner
and the fan drive pulley.
The water pump impeller is pressed onto the rear
of a shaft that rotates in a bearing pressed into the
water pump body. The body has a small hole for ven-
tilation. The water pump seals are lubricated by
antifreeze in the coolant mixture. Additional lubrica-
tion is not necessary.
OPERATION
The diesel engine water pump draws coolant from
the radiator outlet and circulates it through engine,
heater core and back to radiator inlet. The crank-
shaft pulley drives the water pump with a serpentine
drive belt.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐWATER PUMP
A quick test to determine if pump is working is to
check if heater warms properly. A defective water
pump will not be able to circulate heated coolant
through the long heater hose to the heater core.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cables.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove water pump mounting bolts (Fig. 49).
(5) Clean water pump sealing surface on cylinder
block.
CLEANING
Clean gasket mating surfaces as necessary.
INSPECTION
Visually inspect the water pump and replace if it
has any of the following conditions:
²The body is cracked or damaged
²Water leaks from the shaft seal. This is evident
by traces of coolant below the vent hole
²Loose or rough turning bearing.
²Impeller rubbing the pump body
INSTALLATION
(1) Install new O-ring seal in groove on water
pump (Fig. 50).
(2) Install water pump with the weep hole facing
downward. Tighten mounting bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft.
lbs.) torque.
Fig. 48 Belt Routing 3.7L
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
7 - 62 ENGINEDR
WATER PUMP - 3.7L/4.7L (Continued)

(3) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Connect both battery cables.
(6) Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.
WATER PUMP - 5.7L
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Drain coolant.
(3) Remove serpentine belt.
(4) Remove fan clutch assembly.
(5) Remove coolant fill bottle.
(6) Disconnect washer bottle wiring and hose.
(7) Remove fan shroud assembly.
(8) Remove A/C compressor and generator brace.
(9) Remove idler pulleys.
(10) Remove belt tensioner assembly.
(11) Remove upper and lower radiator hoses.
(12) Remove heater hoses.
(13) Remove water pump mounting bolts and
remove pump.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install water pump and mounting bolts.
Tighten moubting bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install heater hoses.
(3) Install upper and lower radiator hoses.
(4) Install belt tensioner assembly.
(5) Install idler pulleys.
(6) Install A/C compressor and alternator brace.
Tighten bolt and nuts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install fan shroud assembly.
(8) Connect washer bottle wiring and hose.
(9) Install coolant fill bottle.
(10) Install fan clutch assembly.
(11) Install serpentine belt.
(12) Connect negative battery cable.
(13) Fill coolant.
(14) Pressure test coolant system
WATER PUMP - 8.0L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER PUMP
A quick test to determine if pump is working is to
check if heater warms properly. A defective water
pump will not be able to circulate heated coolant
through the long heater hose to the heater core.
Fig. 49 Water Pump Removal/Installation
1 - O-RING SEAL (SQUARE)
2 - WATER PUMP
3 - BOLT (2)
Fig. 50 Pump O-ring Seal
1 - O-RING SEAL
2 - GROOVE
3 - WATER PUMP
DRENGINE 7 - 63
WATER PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

REMOVAL
NOTE:
The water pump on all models can be removed
without discharging the air conditioning system (if
equipped).
The water pump on all gas powered engines is
bolted directly to the engine timing chain case/
cover.
On the 8.0L V-10 engine, a rubber o-ring (instead of
a gasket) is used as a seal between the water pump
and timing chain case/cover.
If water pump is replaced because of bearing/shaft
damage or leaking shaft seal, the mechanical cooling
fan assembly should also be inspected. Inspect for
fatigue cracks, loose blades or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan if
any of these conditions are found. Also check condi-
tion of the thermal viscous fan drive (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean,
drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
(3) Remove windshield washer reservoir tank from
radiator fan shroud.
(4) Remove the four fan shroud mounting bolts at
the radiator (Fig. 51). Do not attempt to remove
shroud from vehicle at this time.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL NUMBER
6094. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with a matching number or letter.
(5) Remove radiator upper hose at radiator.
(6) The thermal viscous fan drive is threaded on to
the water pump hub shaft (Fig. 53). Remove the fan/
fan drive assembly from water pump by turning the
mounting nut counterclockwise (as viewed from
front). Threads on the fan drive areRIGHT-HAND.
A 36 MM fan wrench can be used with Tool 6958
Spanner Wrench and Adapter Pins 8346 (Fig. 52) to
prevent the pulley from rotating.
(7) If water pump is being replaced, do not unbolt
fan blade assembly (Fig. 53) from the thermal control
fan drive.
(8) Remove fan blade/fan drive and fan shroud as
an assembly from vehicle.
After removing fan blade/fan drive assembly,do
notplace the thermal viscous fan drive in the hori-
zontal position. If stored horizontally, the silicone
Fig. 51 Typical Fan Shroud Mounting
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - RADIATOR
3 - BOLTS (4)
4 - FAN SHROUD
Fig. 52 Using Special Tool 6958 Spanner Wrench
and Adapter Pins 8346
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
7 - 64 ENGINEDR
WATER PUMP - 8.0L (Continued)

fluid in the viscous drive could drain into its bearing
assembly and contaminate the bearing lubricant.
(9) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL) (Fig. 54).
(10) Remove the radiator lower hose at water
pump.(11) Remove heater hose at water pump fitting.
(12) Remove the seven water pump mounting bolts
(Fig. 55).
(13) Loosen the clamp at the water pump end of
bypass hose. Slip the bypass hose from the water
pump while removing pump from vehicle. Do not
remove the clamp from the bypass hose.
(14) Discard the water pump-to-timing chain/case
cover o-ring seal (Fig. 56).
Fig. 53 Water Pump Location - Typical
1 - WATER PUMP BYPASS HOSE
2 - FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY
3 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
4 - WATER PUMP AND PULLEY
Fig. 54 Belt Tensioner - 8.0L V-10 Engines
1 - PULLEY BOLT
2 - IDLER PULLEY
3 - TENSIONER PULLEY
4 - TENSIONER
5 - TENSIONER MOUNTING BOLT
Fig. 55 Water Pump Bolts - 8.0L V-10 - Typical
1 - WATER PUMP MOUNTING BOLTS (7)
Fig. 56 Water Pump O-Ring Seal - 8.0L V-10
1 - WATER PUMP
2 - O-RING SEAL
DRENGINE 7 - 65
WATER PUMP - 8.0L (Continued)