1998 DODGE RAM 1500 engine oil

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

Filter Removal
(1) The housing cover is equipped with spring clips
(Fig. 6) and is hinged with plastic tabs. Unlatch clips
from top of air cleaner housing and tilt housing cover
up for cover removal.
(2) Remove air cleaner element from air cleaner
housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing new air cleaner element (fil-
ter), clean inside of air cleaner housing.
(2) Position air cleaner cover to tabs on front of air
cleaner housing. Latch spring clips to seal cover to
housing.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
The cylinder head is constructed of cast iron and is
a one piece cross flow design with four valves per cyl-
inder. The arrangement of two intake and two
exhaust valves per cylinder allows for a centrally
located injector. The cylinder head also includes an
integral intake manifold, an integral thermostat
housing, and a longitudal fuel return rifle, which
exits at the rear of the head. The 24 valve design
also includes integrally cast valve guides and hard-
ened intake and exhaust valve seat inserts.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cables.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Drain engine coolant.
(4) Disconnect exhaust pipe from turbocharger
elbow.
(5) Disconnect turbocharger oil drain tube at rub-
ber hose connection. Cap off open ports to prevent
intrusion of dirt or foreign material.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Disconnect air inlet temperature/pressure sen-
sor.
(8) Remove air cleaner housing and snorkel from
the vehicle. Cap off turbocharger air inlet to prevent
intrusion of dirt or foreign material.
(9) Disconnect cab heater core supply and return
hoses from the cylinder head and heater pipe.
(10) Disconnect turbocharger oil supply line at the
turbocharger end. Cap off open ports to prevent
intrusion of dirt or foreign material.
(11) Remove exhaust manifold-to-cylinder head
bolts, spacers, heat shield, retention straps, and cab
heater plumbing. Remove exhaust manifold and tur-
bocharger from the vehicle as an assembly.
(12) Remove cooling fan assembly.
(13) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(14) Remove cooling fan support from cylinder
block.
(15) Remove upper generator bolt, loosen lower
generator bolt, and rotate generator away from cylin-
der head.
(16) Disconnect radiator upper hose from the ther-
mostat housing.
(17) Disconnect the Intake Air Temperature/Mani-
fold Air Pressure, and Coolant Temperature sensor
connectors.
(18) Remove the engine harness to cylinder head
attaching bolts and P-clips at front of head.
(19) Remove the throttle linkage cover (Fig. 8).
(20) For automatic equipped vehicles only, remove
the six (6) accelerator pedal position sensor assem-
bly-to-cylinder head bracket bolts (Fig. 9) and secure
the entire assembly out of the way. Disconnect the
APPS connector (Fig. 10).It is not necessary to
disconnect the cables from the throttle control
assembly.
(21) Remove the intake air grid heater wires from
the grid heater.
(22) Remove engine oil level indicator tube attach-
ing bolt at fuel filter housing bracket and inlet air
connection..
(23) Remove the charge air cooler-to-air inlet hous-
ing pipe.
Fig. 7 FILTER MINDERŸ - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - PRESS BUTTON TO RESET
2 - YELLOW DISC
3 - RED ZONE
4 - TO AIR FILTER HOUSING
5 - FILTER MINDER
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 249
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT (Continued)

INSPECTIONÐPUSHRODS
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. 16).
Roll the push rod on a flat work surface with the
socket end hanging off the edge (Fig. 17). Replace
any push rod that appears to be bent.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE HEAD
GASKET IS VERY SHARP. WHEN HANDLING THE
NEW HEAD GASKET, USE CARE NOT TO INJURE
YOURSELF.
(1) Install a new gasket with the part number side
up, and locate the gasket over the dowel sleeves.
(2) Using an engine lifting crane, lower the cylin-
der head onto the engine.
(3) Lightly lubricate head bolts with engine oil and
install. Using the sequence shown in (Fig. 18),
tighten bolts in the following steps:
(a) Torque bolts to 70 N´m (52 ft. lbs.)(b) Back off 360 degrees in sequence
(c) Torque bolts to 105 N´m (77 ft. lbs.)
(d) Re-check all bolts to 105 N´m (77 ft. lbs.)
(e) Tighten all bolts an additional
1¤4turn (90É)
(4) Install push rods into their original locations
(Fig. 19).Verify that they are seated in the tap-
pets.
(5) Lubricate valve stem tips and install the cross-
heads in their original locations.
(6) Lubricate the rocker arms and pedestals and
install them in their original locations (Fig. 20).
Install the bolts and torque them to 36 N´m (27 ft.
lbs.).
(7) Verify that the valve lash settings are main-
tained (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/IN-
TAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(8) Inspect rocker housing gasket for cuts and
proper installation into groove. Replace if damaged.
Fig. 16 Inspecting Push Rod for Cracks
Fig. 17 Inspecting Push Rod for Flatness
Fig. 18 Cylinder Head Bolt Torque Sequence
Fig. 19 Push Rod Installation
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 253
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(9) Install rocker housing and bolts. Tighten to 24
Nm (18 lb. ft.).
(10) Install fuel injector(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL INJECTION/FUEL INJECTOR -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Install injector harness nuts. Tighten to 1.25
Nm (11 lb. in.).
(12) Install cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(13) Install wire harness P-clip to cylinder head
behind filter housing 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(14) Connect the IAT/MAP sensor connector.
(15) Install the fuel filter canister assembly and
torque mounting bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(16) Connect fuel lift pump, WIF sensor, and fuel
heater.
(17) Remove the engine lift bracket at rear of cyl-
inder head.
CAUTION: Failure to follow procedure will result in
fuel leaks and/or fuel system failure.
(18)Install the fuel rail and high pressure
fuel lines as follows:
(a) Hand tighten fuel rail bolts.
(b) Hand tighten fuel drain line to pressure lim-
iting valve. Hand tighten banjo bolt at fuel filter
housing.
(c) Hand tighten fuel rail-to-cylinder head high
pressure fuel lines.(d) Install fuel line brace bolts-to-intake mani-
fold finger tight.
(e) Hand tighten fuel pump to fuel rail line.
(f) Torque fuel line nuts at cylinder head to 30
Nm ( 22 ft. lbs.).
(g) Torque fuel line nuts at fuel rail to 30 Nm
(22 ft. lbs.)
(h) Using a back up wrench, torque fuel pump to
fuel rail line to 37 Nm (27 ft. lbs.). At injection
pump.
(i) Torque fuel pump to fuel rail line to 37 Nm
(27 ft. lbs.) at fuel rail.
(j) Torque fuel drain banjo bolt at pressure lim-
iting valve and front of fuel filter housing to 24 Nm
(18 ft. lbs.).
(k) Torque fuel line brace bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft.
lbs.).
(l) Torque rail bolts to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
(m) Connect fuel pressure sensor.
(19) Install the engine lift bracket at the rear of
cylinder head. Torque to 77 N´m (57 ft. lbs.).
(20) Reposition number 6 fuel line shield and
torque to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install the fuel filter to injection pump low
pressure line. Inspect and replace sealing washers if
necessary. Torque banjo bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(22) Connect fuel return line at back of cylinder
head hand tight.
(23) Connect fuel return line at filter housing hand
tight.
(24) Torque banjo connections at cylinder head and
fuel filter housing to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.)
(25) Install bracket to rear of filter housing.
Torque to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
(26) Using new gaskets, install the intake grid
heater and air inlet housing. Torque bolts to 24 N´m
(18 ft. lbs.).
(27) Install wire harness P-clip and push on clip to
air inlet housing.
(28) Connect engine oil level indicator tube at fuel
filter housing and at air inlet housing.
(29) Connect the APPS connector.
(30) Install the APPS assembly to the cylinder
head bracket and torque bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(31) Install the throttle linkage cover.
(32) Install the charge air cooler-to-air inlet hous-
ing duct assembly. Torque all clamps to 11 N´m (100
in. lbs.).
(33) Connect intake grid heater wires.
(34) Secure engine harness to front of cylinder
head with bolt at four locations.
(35) Connect engine coolant temperature sensor
connector.
(36) Connect radiator upper hose to thermostat
housing.
Fig. 20 Rocker Arm and Pedestal Removal
1 - ROCKER ARM
2 - PEDESTAL
9 - 254 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(37) Rotate generator into position. Install upper
bolt and torque upper and lower bolts.
(38)
Install wire harness push-on clip below bracket.
(39) Install wire harness P-clip to top of bracket.
(40) Install fan support and torque to 32 N´m (24
ft. lbs.).
(41) Install cooling fan/drive refer to (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(42) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(43) Install exhaust manifold/turbocharger assem-
bly, using new gaskets. Start all bolts/spacers by
hand. Torque bolts to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(44) Install exhaust manifold heat shield to
exhaust manifold studs. Install retaining nuts.Torque
to 15 N´m (11 ft. lbs.).
(45) Install exhaust bolt retention straps across
cylinders5&6.
(46) Connect turbocharger oil drain tube. Torque
clamp to 8 N´m (71 in. lbs.).
(47) Perform the turbocharger pre-lube procedure.
Refer to Group 11, Exhaust System and Turbo-
charger for the correct procedure.
(48) Connect the turbocharger oil supply line.
Torque to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(49) Install air cleaner housing and duct.
(50) Connect air inlet temperature/pressure sensor.
(51) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(52) Install exhaust pipe to turbocharger elbow.
Torque bolts to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(53) Lower vehicle.
(54) Fill engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(55) Start engine and check for leaks.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐCYLINDER HEAD COVER
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove oil fill cap.
(3) Remove the breather cover.
(4) Disconnect the breather hose and breather
drain tube from the breather housing.
(5) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(6) Remove the cylinder head cover.
REMOVALÐROCKER HOUSING
(1) Remove cylinder head cover as outlined in this
section.
(2) Disconnect rocker housing injector harness con-
nectors.(3) Remove injector harness nuts from injectors.
(4) Remove rocker housing bolts.
(5) Remove rocker housing and gasket.
CLEANING
Using a suitable solvent, Clean and dry gasket
mating surfaces on cylinder head and rocker housing.
Wipe gasket dry and inspect for re-use.
INSPECTION
The cylinder head cover gasket and rocker hous-
ing gasket, are reusable.However, should cracks,
nicks, or tears be present in the rubber/silicone construc-
tion, the defective components should be replaced. Also
replace gasket if it is no longer flexible. Inspect o-rings
on cylinder head cover bolts.Do not reuse gasket if it
has been removed from the groove in the rocker
housing or cylinder head cover.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐCYLINDER HEAD COVER
(1) Inspect cylinder head cover gasket for cuts and
proper installation in groove. Replace if damaged.
(2)
Position cylinder cover on top of rocker housing.
(3) Install bolts.
(4) Starting with the center bolt, torque to 24 N´m
(18 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install breather hose to breather.
(6) Install breather drain hose to breather.
(7) Install breather cover and wire harness clip.
Torque to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
INSTALLATION - ROCKER HOUSING
(1) Inspect rocker housing gasket for cuts, nicks,
or tears. Replace if damaged or if gasket has come
out of groove.
(2) Inspect rocker housing gasket for proper instal-
lation in groove. Gasket bead must be centered in
groove. A gasket bead that is tilted to the side will
cause an oil leak.
CAUTION: When installing rocker housing onto cyl-
inder head, do not slide housing from side to side,
The gasket could fall out or be damaged.
(3) Install the rocker housing. Carefully guide the
rocker housing evenly down onto the cylinder head.
(4) Install rocker housing bolts and tighten finger
tight.
(5) Torque bolts, working from center out, to 24
Nm (18ft. lbs.).
(6) Install injector harness nuts to injector sole-
noid. Torque to 1.25 Nm (11 in. lbs.).
(7) Connect rocker housing injector harness con-
nections.
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 255
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(g) Release the spring tension and remove the
compressor. Verify that the collets are seated by
tapping on the valve stem with a plastic hammer.
(12) Using the crankshaft barring tool, rotate the
engine until the next crankshaft damper paint mark
aligns with the mark you placed on the cover.In this
position, cylinders #2 and #5 can be serviced.
(13) Repeat the valve spring compressing proce-
dure previously performed and service the retainers,
springs, and seals as necessary.
(14) Using the crankshaft barring tool, rotate the
engine until the next crankshaft damper paint mark
aligns with the mark you placed on the cover.In this
position, cylinders #3 and #4 can be serviced.
(15) Repeat the spring compressing procedure pre-
viously performed and service the retainers, springs,
and seals as necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install rocker housing.
(2) Install fuel injectors and high pressure fuel
lines.
(3) Lubricate the valve tips and install the cross-
heads in their original locations.
(4) 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.
(5)Verify valve lash adjustment (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST
VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Install cylinder head cover and reusable gasket
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect battery negative cables.
ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER
ASSY
DESCRIPTION
The unique intake and exhaust rocker arms have
their own rocker shafts and are lubricated by pas-
sages intersecting the cylinder block main oil rifle.
Crossheads are used, which allow each rocker arm to
operate two valves.
The solid push rods are hardened at the rocker
arm and tappet contact areas for superior strength
and durability.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the rocker arm/pedestal fasteners (Fig.
36) and remove rocker arm and pedestal from cylin-
der head. Mark the arms and pedestals so they can
be installed in their original position.
CAUTION: When removing the rocker arms, the
sockets (Fig. 37) may come loose and fall into the
engine. Make sure they stay with the arm upon
removal/installation.
(4) Lift the push rod(s) up and out of the engine
(Fig. 38). Mark them so they can be installed in their
original position.
Fig. 34 Spring Compressor Mounting BaseÐPart of
Tool 8319±A
1 - COMPRESSOR MOUNTING BASE
Fig. 35 Compressing Valve Springs with Tool
8319±A
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8319
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 261
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)

NOTE: The #5 cyl. intake and exhaust and #6 cyl.
intake and exhaust push rods must be raised
through the provided cowl panel access holes.
(5) Lift the crosshead(s) off of the valve stems.
Mark them so they can be installed in their original
position.
CLEANING
Clean all components in a suitable solvent. If nec-
essary, use a wire brush or wheel to remove stubborn
deposits. Rinse in hot water and blow dry with com-
pressed air. Inspect oil passages in rocker arms and
pedestals. Apply compressed air to lubrication orifices
to purge contaminants.
INSPECTION
Rocker Arms
(1) Remove rocker shaft and inspect for cracks and
excessive wear in the bore or shaft. Remove socket
and inspect ball insert and socket for signs of wear.
Replace retainer if necessary.
Measure the rocker arm bore and shaft (Fig. 39)
(Fig. 40).
Fig. 36 Rocker Arm and Pedestal Removal
1 - ROCKER ARM
2 - PEDESTAL
Fig. 37 Rocker Arm Assembly Identification
1 - NUT
2 - ADJUSTING SCREW
3 - ROCKER SHAFT
4 - RETAINER
5 - SOCKET
Fig. 38 Push Rod Removal/Installation
Fig. 39 Measuring Rocker Arm Bore
ROCKER ARM BORE (MAX.)
22.027 mm (.867 in.)
9 - 262 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER ASSY (Continued)

(6) Use a drill, a fine grit Flex-hone and a mixture
of equal parts of mineral spirits and SAE 30W engine
oil to de-glaze the bores.
(7) The crosshatch angle is a function of drill
speed and how fast the hone is moved vertically (Fig.
47).
(8) Vertical strokes MUST be smooth continuous
passes along the full length of the bore (Fig. 47).
(9) Inspect the bore after 10 strokes.
(10) Use a strong solution of hot water and laun-
dry detergent to clean the bores. Clean the cylinder
bores immediately after de-glazing.
(11) Rinse the bores until the detergent is removed
and blow the block dry with compressed air.
(12) Check the bore cleanliness by wiping with a
white, lint free, lightly oiled cloth. If grit residue is
still present, repeat the cleaning process until all res-
idue is removed. Wash the bores and the complete
block assembly with solvent and dry with compressed
air. Place a clean shop towel around the top main
bearing saddle to deflect water and residue from pis-
ton cooling nozzels. Remove directed piston cooling
nozzles if installed.
(13) Be sure to remove the tape covering the lube
holes, rod journals, and piston cooling nozzles after
the cleaning process is complete.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐCYLINDER BORE
REPAIR
Cylinder bore(s) can be repaired by one of two
methods:
²Method 1:ÐOver boring and using oversize pis-
tons and rings.
²Method 2:ÐBoring and installing a repair sleeve
to return the bore to standard dimensions.
METHOD 1ÐOVERSIZE BORE
Cylinder bore(s) can be repaired by one of two
methods:Oversize pistons and rings are available in two
sizes - 0.50 mm (0.0197 inch) and 1.00 mm (0.0393
inch).
Any combination of standard, 0.50 mm (0.0197
inch) or 1.00 mm (0.0393 inch) overbore may be used
in the same engine.
If more than 1.00 mm (0.0393 inch) overbore is
needed, a repair sleeve can be installed (refer to
Method 2ÐRepair Sleeve).
Cylinder block bores may be bored twice before use
of a repair sleeve is required. The first bore is 0.50
mm (0.0197 inch) oversize. The second bore is 1.00
mm (0.0393 inch) oversize.
After boring to size, use a honing stone to chamfer
the edge of the bore.
CYLINDER BORE DIMENSION CHART
DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT
BORING DIAMETER
DIMENSION1st. REBORE - 102.469
mm (4.0342 in.)
2nd. REBORE - 102.969
mm (4.0539 in.)
HONING DIAMETER
DIMENSIONSSTANDARD - 102.020  
0.020 mm (4.0165  
0.0008 in.)
1st. REBORE - 102.520
  0.020 mm (4.0362  
0.0008 in.)
2nd. REBORE - 103.020
  0.020 mm 4.0559  
0.0008 in.)
CHAMFER
DIMENSIONSApprox. 1.25 mm (0.049
in.) by 30É
A correctly honed surface will have a crosshatch
appearance with the lines at 15É to 25É angles with
the top of the cylinder block (Fig. 48). For the rough
hone, use 80 grit honing stones. To finish hone, use
280 grit honing stones.
A maximum of 1.2 micrometer (48 microinch) sur-
face finish must be obtained.
Fig. 47 De-Glazing Drill Speed and Vertical Speed
Fig. 48 Crosshatch Pattern of Repaired Sleeve(s)
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 265
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)