1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Removal

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Pull the cigar lighter knob and element out of
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or unsnap the pro-
tective cap from the power outlet receptacle base.
(3) Look inside the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base and note the position of the rectangu-
lar retaining bosses of the mount that secures the
receptacle base to the panel (Fig. 7).
(4) Insert a pair of external snap ring pliers into
the cigar lighter or power outlet receptacle base and
engage the tips of the pliers with the retaining
bosses of the mount.
(5) Squeeze the pliers to disengage the mount
retaining bosses from the receptacle base and, using
a gentle rocking motion, pull the pliers and the
receptacle base out of the mount.
(6) Pull the receptacle base away from the instru-
ment panel far enough to access the instrument
panel wire harness connector.
(7) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base connector receptacle.
(8) Remove the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the cigar lighter or power outlet recep-
tacle base connector receptacle.
(2) Install the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
into the instrument panel.
(3) Align the splines on the outside of the cigar
lighter or power outlet receptacle base connector
receptacle with the grooves on the inside of the
mount.
(4) Press firmly on the cigar lighter or power out-
let receptacle base until the retaining bosses of the
mount are fully engaged in their receptacles.(5) Install the cigar lighter knob and element into
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or the protective cap
into the power outlet receptacle base.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 7 Cigar Lighter and Power Outlet Remove/
Install
1 - KNOB AND ELEMENT
2 - RETAINING BOSSES-ENGAGE PLIERS HERE
3 - BASE
4 - PARTIALLY REMOVED
5 - EXTERNAL SNAP-RING PLIERS
6 - MOUNT
7 - BASE
8W - 97 - 8 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONDR
POWER OUTLET (Continued)

ENGINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ENGINE - 3.7L............................ 1
ENGINE - 4.7L........................... 88ENGINE - 5.7L.......................... 180
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL..................... 230
ENGINE - 3.7L
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ENGINE - 3.7L
DESCRIPTION..........................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL..............6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - LUBRICATION..............7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMPRESSION PRESSURE..............8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE.......8
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIR
DAMAGED OR WORN THREADS..........9
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-
PLACE GASKETS AND SEALERS..........9
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE
GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION........10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - 3.7L ENGINE.........12
TORQUE............................16
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................17
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER HEAD
GASKET............................21
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................24
CAMSHAFT(S)
DESCRIPTION.........................25
REMOVAL.............................25INSTALLATION.........................27
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION.........................27
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................28
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS
DESCRIPTION.........................28
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFACING......28
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................30
ROCKER ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
VALVE GUIDE SEALS
DESCRIPTION.........................32
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION.........................32
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32
CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
LASH ADJUSTER.....................32
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................34
CAMSHAFT(S)
DESCRIPTION.........................35
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
ROCKER ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................37
REMOVAL.............................37
VALVE GUIDE SEALS
DESCRIPTION.........................38
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION.........................38
DRENGINE 9 - 1

REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................38
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE
HONING............................38
CLEANING............................39
INSPECTION..........................39
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION.........................40
REMOVAL.............................40
INSPECTION..........................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MAIN BEARING FITTING................44
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................48
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION.........................48
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING....49
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON FITTING..51
REMOVAL.............................51
CLEANING............................52
INSPECTION..........................52
INSTALLATION.........................52
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING.............................53
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................55
INSTALLATION.........................56
STRUCTURAL COVER
DESCRIPTION.........................57
OPERATION...........................57
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................57
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................58
INSTALLATION.........................59
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................61
INSTALLATION.........................61
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION.........................61
OPERATION...........................61
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL
LEAK...............................64DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE................65
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR SEAL
AREA LEAKS.........................65
OIL PAN
DESCRIPTION.........................66
REMOVAL.............................66
CLEANING............................66
INSPECTION..........................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................67
OPERATION...........................67
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL.............................67
DISASSEMBLY.........................68
INSPECTION..........................68
ASSEMBLY............................69
INSTALLATION.........................69
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................70
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
SERVICE............................71
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................72
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS.....................72
REMOVAL.............................73
INSTALLATION.........................73
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................74
REMOVAL.............................74
INSTALLATION.........................74
VALVE TIMING
DESCRIPTION.........................76
OPERATION...........................76
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MEASURING TIMING CHAIN WEAR.......77
SERVICE PROCEDURE - TIMING
VERIFICATION........................77
BALANCE SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................80
INSTALLATION.........................80
IDLER SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS
REMOVAL.............................83
INSPECTION..........................84
INSTALLATION.........................85
9 - 2 ENGINE - 3.7LDR

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either per-
formance (e.g., engine idles rough and stalls) or
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING) - PERFORMANCE and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)ÐMECHANICAL for
possible causes and corrections of malfunctions.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) and (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for the fuel system diagnosis.Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following diagnosis:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery 1. Charge or replace as necessary.
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to the terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
4. Faulty coil or control unit. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
6. Incorrect right bank cam timing. 6. Refer to engine timing in this
section.
7. Dirt or water in fuel system. 7. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
8.Faulty fuel pump, relay or wiring. 8.Repair or replace as necessary.
9. Faulty cam or crank sensor 9. Refer to Ignition system.
ENGINE STALLS OR ROUGH IDLE 1. Vacuum leak. 1. Inspect intake manifold and
vacuum hoses, repair or replace as
necessary.
2. Faulty crank position sensor 2. Replace crank position sensor.
3. Faulty coil. 3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
9 - 4 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
4. Incorrect cam timing. 4. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE
TIMING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
1. ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped spark
plugs.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
2. Dirt or water in fuel system. 2. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
3. Faulty fuel pump. 3. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/
FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL PUMP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
4. Blown cylinder head gasket. 4. Replace cylinder head gasket.
5. Low compression. 5. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING), repair
as necessary.
6. Burned, warped or pitted valves. 6. Replace as necessary.
7. Plugged or restricted exhaust
system.7. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
8. Faulty coil. 8. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
9. Incorrect cam timing. 9. Refer to Engine TIming in this
section.
1. ENGINE MISSES ON
ACCELERATION1. Spark plugs dirty or incorrectly
gapped.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
2. Dirt in fuel system. 2. Clean fuel system.
3. Burned, warped or pitted valves. 3. Replcae as necessary.
4. Faulty coil. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
1. ENGINE MISSES AT HIGH
SPEED1. Spark plugs dirty or incorrectly
gapped.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
2. Faulty coil. 2. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
3. Dirt or water in fuel system. 3. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 5
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - LUBRICATION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS 1. Gaskets and O-Rings. 1.
(a) Misaligned or damaged. (a) Replace as necessary.
(b) Loose fasteners, broken or
porous metal parts.(b) Tighten fasteners, Repair or
replace metal parts.
2. Crankshaft rear seal 2. Replace as necessary (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR -
REMOVAL).
3. Crankshaft seal flange.
Scratched, nicked or grooved.3. Polish or replace crankshaft.
4. Oil pan flange cracked. 4. Replace oil pan (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
REMOVAL).
5. Timing chain cover seal,
damaged or misaligned.5. Replace seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
- REMOVAL).
6. Scratched or damaged vibration
damper hub.6. Polish or replace damper.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check and correct oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Replace sending unit (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump and bearing
clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Replace oil filter (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL FILTER
- REMOVAL).
5. Worn oil pump. 5. Replace oil pump (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP
- REMOVAL).
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil and filter.
7. Excessive bearing clearance. 7. Replace as necessary.
8. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 8. Replace oil pump (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP
- REMOVAL).
9. Oil pick up tube loose, damaged
or clogged.9. Replace as necessary.
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 7
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL PUMPING AT RINGS; SPARK
PLUGS FOULING1. Worn or damaged rings. 1. Hone cylinder bores and replace
rings.
2. Carbon in oil ring slots. 2. Replace rings (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON
RINGS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
3. Incorrect ring size installed. 3. Replace rings (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON
RINGS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
4. Worn valve guides. 4. Ream guides and replace valves
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
5. Leaking valve guide seals. 5. Replace valve guide seals.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMPRESSION PRESSURE
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test
can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunc-
tions.
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the
engine starter motor is in good operating condition.
Otherwise the indicated compression pressures may
not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
(1) Clean the spark plug recesses with compressed
air.
(2) Remove the spark plugs.
(3) Disable the fuel system (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - DESCRIPTION).
(4) Remove the ASD relay (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/IGNITION CONTROL/AUTO SHUT DOWN
RELAY - REMOVAL).
(5) Insert a compression pressure gauge and rotate
the engine with the engine starter motor for three
revolutions.
(6) Record the compression pressure on the 3rd
revolution. Continue the test for the remaining cylin-
ders.
(7) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS) for
the correct engine compression pressures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE
The combustion pressure leakage test provides an
accurate means for determining engine condition.
Combustion pressure leakage testing will detect:
²Exhaust and intake valve leaks (improper seat-
ing).²Leaks between adjacent cylinders or into water
jacket.
²Any causes for combustion/compression pressure
loss.
(1) Check the coolant level and fill as required. DO
NOT install the radiator cap.
(2) Start and operate the engine until it attains
normal operating temperature, then turn the engine
OFF.
(3) Remove the spark plugs.
(4) Remove the oil filler cap.
(5) Remove the air cleaner hose.
(6) Calibrate the tester according to the manufac-
turer's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379
kPa (200 psi) maximum and 552 kPa (80 psi) recom-
mended.
(7) Perform the test procedures on each cylinder
according to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
Set piston of cylinder to be tested at TDC compres-
sion,While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the radiator coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
Refer to CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE
LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS CHART.
9 - 8 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

of oil and coolant. Can be used on threaded and
machined parts under all temperatures. This mate-
rial is used on engines with multi-layer steel (MLS)
cylinder head gaskets. This material also will pre-
vent corrosion. MopartGasket Sealant is available in
a 13 oz. aerosol can or 4oz./16 oz. can w/applicator.
FORM-IN-PLACE GASKET AND SEALER
APPLICATION
Assembling parts using a form-in-place gasket
requires care but it's easier than using precut gas-
kets.
MopartGasket Maker material should be applied
sparingly 1 mm (0.040 in.) diameter or less of sealant
to one gasket surface. Be certain the material sur-
rounds each mounting hole. Excess material can eas-
ily be wiped off. Components should be torqued in
place within 15 minutes. The use of a locating dowel
is recommended during assembly to prevent smear-
ing material off the location.
MopartEngine RTV GEN II or ATF RTV gasket
material should be applied in a continuous bead
approximately 3 mm (0.120 in.) in diameter. All
mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a
3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 in.) drop is placed in the
center of the gasket contact area. Uncured sealant
may be removed with a shop towel. Components
should be torqued in place while the sealant is still
wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). The usage of a
locating dowel is recommended during assembly to
prevent smearing material off the location.
MopartGasket Sealant in an aerosol can should be
applied using a thin, even coat sprayed completely
over both surfaces to be joined, and both sides of a
gasket. Then proceed with assembly. Material in a
can w/applicator can be brushed on evenly over the
sealing surfaces. Material in an aerosol can should be
used on engines with multi-layer steel gaskets.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE GASKET
SURFACE PREPARATION
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.
Neveruse the following to clean gasket surfaces:
²Metal scraper
²Abrasive pad or paper to clean cylinder block
and head
²High speed power tool with an abrasive pad or a
wire brush (Fig. 2)
NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:²Solvent or a commercially available gasket
remover
²Plastic or wood scraper (Fig. 2)
²Drill motor with 3M RolocŸ Bristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or high RPM (beyond
the recommended speed), can damage the sealing
surfaces. The mild (white, 120 grit) bristle disc is
recommended. If necessary, the medium (yellow, 80
grit) bristle disc may be used on cast iron surfaces
with care.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Remove hood. Mark hood hinge location for
reinstallation.
(3) Remove air cleaner assembly.
(4) Remove radiator core support bracket.
(5) Remove fan shroud with viscous fan assembly.
(6) Remove drive belt.
(7) Remove A/C compressor and secure away from
engine.
(8) Remove generator and secure away from
engine.
NOTE: Do NOT remove the phenolic pulley from the
P/S pump. It is not required for P/S pump removal.
(9) Remove power steering pump with lines
attached and secure away from engine.
(10) Drain cooling system.
(11) Disconnect the heater hoses from the engine.
Fig. 2 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - ABRASIVE PAD
2 - 3M ROLOCŸ BRISTLE DISC
3 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
9 - 10 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)