1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Cooling

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Nuts - Transmission Oil
Cooler Tube31.5 24 -
Bolts - Coolant Bottle 8.5 - 75
Tube Nuts - Transmission
Oil Cooler to Transmission
5.9L/46RE 31.5 24 -
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/45RFE 20 18 -
Bolts - Water Pump -
Diesel24 18 -
Bolts - Water Pump - 4.7L 58 43 -
Block Heater - Diesel 55 41 -
Transmission Oil Cooler -
Diesel
M8 24 18 -
M12 77 57 -
SPECIFICATIONS -
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
3.7/4.7L/5.7L
Engine15.4L 16.2 qts.- to the
middle of the
cold fill range
5.9L Diesel
Engine28L 29.5 qts.
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING
Pliers Constant Pressure Hose Clamp - 6094
3/8º Quick Connect Release Tool - 6935
SPANNER WRENCHÐ6958
Cooling System Pressure Tester - 7700A
Adapter Pins 8346
7 - 20 COOLINGDR
COOLING (Continued)

(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)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install tensioner on to the mounting bracket.
Tighten bolt to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install tensioner and bracket assembly
(3) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
BELT TENSIONER - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
Drive belts on all engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner (Fig. 4). This
tensioner maintains constant belt tension at all times
and requires no maintenance or adjustment.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner.
OPERATION
WARNING: THE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
ASSEMBLY IS SPRING LOADED. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO DISASSEMBLE THE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY.
The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt
tension using a coiled spring within the tensioner
housing. The spring applies pressure to the tensioner
arm pressing the arm into the belt, tensioning the
belt.
REMOVAL
WARNING: BECAUSE OF HIGH SPRING PRES-
SURE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE AUTO-
MATIC TENSIONER. UNIT IS SERVICED AS AN
ASSEMBLY.
(1) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove tensioner mounting bolt (Fig. 5) and
remove tensioner.
Fig. 4 Accessory Drive Belt - 5.9L Diesel
1 - GENERATOR
2 - WATER PUMP
3 - IDLER
4 - POWER STEERING PUMP
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
6 - CRANKSHAFT
7 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
8 - A/C COMPRESSOR
Fig. 5 AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER 5.9L DIESEL
ENGINE
1 - GENERATOR
2 - WATER PUMP
3 - IDLER
4 - POWER STEERING PUMP
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
6 - CRANKSHAFT
7 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
8 - A/C COMPRESSOR
DRACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 23
BELT TENSIONER-5.7L (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install tensioner assembly to water inlet
bracket. A dowel is located on back of tensioner. Align
this dowel to hole in tensioner mounting bracket.
Tighten bolt to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLA-
TION).
DRIVE BELT - 3.7L / 4.7L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts,
small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib (Fig. 6), are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace the belt. However,
cracks running along a rib (not across) arenotnor-
mal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must
be replaced (Fig. 6). Also replace the belt if it has
excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS
CHART for further belt diagnosis.
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are
most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt toresolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory
drive pulleys for alignment, glazing, or excessive end
play.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
RIB CHUNKING (One or more ribs
has separated from belt body)1. Foreign objects imbedded in
pulley grooves.1. Remove foreign objects from
pulley grooves. Replace belt.
2. Installation damage 2. Replace belt
RIB OR BELT WEAR 1. Pulley misaligned 1. Align pulley(s)
2. Abrasive environment 2. Clean pulley(s). Replace belt if
necessary
3. Rusted pulley(s) 3. Clean rust from pulley(s)
4. Sharp or jagged pulley groove
tips4. Replace pulley. Inspect belt.
5. Belt rubber deteriorated 5. Replace belt
Fig. 6 Belt Wear Patterns
1 - NORMAL CRACKS BELT OK
2 - NOT NORMAL CRACKS REPLACE BELT
7 - 24 ACCESSORY DRIVEDR
BELT TENSIONER - 5.9L DIESEL (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

DESCRIPTION - HOAT COOLANT
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE-GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE-GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISPOSE OF
GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROPERLY, CONTACT
YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR
LOCATION OF COLLECTION CENTER IN YOUR
AREA. DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN
THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR
HOT UNDER PRESSURE, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT. AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED SERVICE IS
PERFORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Use of Propylene-Glycol based coolants
is not recommended, as they provide less freeze
protection and less corrosion protection.
The cooling system is designed around the coolant.
The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in
the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and
engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the
radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the
heat to the air.
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equiva-
lent ethylene-glycol base coolant with organic corro-
sion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% distilled
water to obtain a freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it
loses color or becomes contaminated, drain, flush,
and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solu-
tion.
CAUTION: MoparTAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769) may not be
mixed with any other type of antifreeze. Mixing of
coolants other than specified (non-HOAT or other
HOAT), may result in engine damage that may not
be covered under the new vehicle warranty, and
decreased corrosion protection.
COOLANT PERFORMANCE
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon climate and vehicle operating
conditions. The coolant performance of various mix-
tures follows:
Pure Water-Water can absorb more heat than a
mixture of water and ethylene-glycol. This is for pur-
pose of heat transfer only. Water also freezes at a
higher temperature and allows corrosion.
100 percent Ethylene-Glycol-The corrosion
inhibiting additives in ethylene-glycol need the pres-
ence of water to dissolve. Without water, additives
form deposits in system. These act as insulation
causing temperature to rise to as high as 149ÉC
(300ÉF). This temperature is hot enough to melt plas-
tic and soften solder. The increased temperature can
result in engine detonation. In addition, 100 percent
ethylene-glycol freezes at -22ÉC (-8ÉF).
50/50 Ethylene-Glycol and Water-Is the recom-
mended mixture, it provides protection against freez-
ing to -37ÉC (-34ÉF). The antifreeze concentration
must alwaysbe a minimum of 44 percent, year-
round in all climates. If percentage is lower, engine
parts may be eroded by cavitation. Maximum protec-
tion against freezing is provided with a 68 percent
antifreeze concentration, which prevents freezing
down to -67.7ÉC (-90ÉF). A higher percentage will
freeze at a warmer temperature. Also, a higher per-
centage of antifreeze can cause the engine to over-
heat because specific heat of antifreeze is lower than
that of water.
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
COOLANT SELECTION AND ADDITIVES
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. Only MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (glycol base coolant with
corrosion inhibitors called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% distilled water to obtain to obtain a
freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it loses color or
becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with
fresh properly mixed coolant solution.
CAUTION: Do not use coolant additives that are
claimed to improve engine cooling.
7 - 32 ENGINEDR
COOLANT (Continued)

OPERATION
Coolant flows through the engine block absorbing
the heat from the engine, then flows to the radiator
where the cooling fins in the radiator transfers the
heat from the coolant to the atmosphere. During cold
weather the ethylene-glycol or propylene-glycol cool-
ant prevents water present in the cooling system
from freezing within temperatures indicated by mix-
ture ratio of coolant to water.
COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER- GAS ENGINES
DESCRIPTION
The coolant reserve/overflow tank is mounted on
top of the fan shroud, and is made of high tempera-
ture plastic (Fig. 1).
OPERATION
The coolant reserve/overflow system works in con-
junction with the radiator pressure cap. It utilizes
thermal expansion and contraction of coolant to keep
coolant free of trapped air. It provides a volume for
expansion and contraction of coolant. It also provides
a convenient and safe method for checking coolant
level and adjusting level at atmospheric pressure.
This is done without removing the radiator pressure
cap. The system also provides some reserve coolantto the radiator to cover minor leaks and evaporation
or boiling losses.
As the engine cools, a vacuum is formed in the
cooling system of both the radiator and engine. Cool-
ant will then be drawn from the coolant tank and
returned to a proper level in the radiator.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove recovery hose from radiator.
(2) Remove the coolant container to fan shroud
mounting bolt.
(3) Tilt the container backward towards the engine
to disengage the mounting pin locking features and
lift the container away from the fan shroud (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the coolant container mounting pins into
the slots on the fan shroud and push the container
onto the fan shroud.
(2) Secure the container to the fan shroud with the
bolt. Tighten to 8.5N´m (75 in-lbs).
NOTE: Ensure that the locking feature on the
mounting pins has engaged.
(3) Connect the recovery hose to the radiator (Fig.
1).
RADIATOR FAN - GAS
ENGINES
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found. Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft
assembly for any related damage due to a viscous
fan drive malfunction.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Remove coolant reserve/overflow container from
fan shroud and lay aside.Do Notdisconnect the
hoses or drain coolant from the container.
(3) The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assem-
bly is attached (threaded) to the water pump hub
shaft (Fig. 3). Remove the fan blade/viscous fan drive
assembly from the water pump by turning the
mounting nut counterclockwise as viewed from the
front. Threads on the viscous fan drive areRIGHT-
HAND.A 36 MM Fan Wrench should be used to pre-
vent pulley from rotating (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Coolant Recovery Bottle - Gas Engine
1 - SCREW
2 - COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER
3 - RADIATOR/RADIATOR CAP
4 - FAN SHROUD
DRENGINE 7 - 33
COOLANT (Continued)