1998 DODGE RAM 1500 fuel tank

FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT /
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel gauge sending unit (fuel level sensor) is
attached to the side of the fuel tank module. The
sending unit consists of a float, an arm, and a vari-
able resistor track (card).
OPERATION
The fuel tank module on diesel powered models
has 2 different circuits (wires). Two of these circuits
are used at the fuel gauge sending unit for fuel
gauge operation. The diesel engine does not have a
fuel tank module mounted electric fuel pump. The
electric fuel pump (fuel transfer pump) is mounted to
the engine.
For Fuel Gauge Operation:A constant input
voltage source of about 12 volts (battery voltage) is
supplied to the resistor track on the fuel gauge send-
ing unit. This is fed directly from the Engine Control
Module (ECM).NOTE: For diagnostic purposes,
this 12V power source can only be verified with
the circuit opened (fuel tank module electrical
connector unplugged). With the connectors
plugged, output voltages will vary from about .6
volts at FULL, to about 7.0 volts at EMPTY.The
resistor track is used to vary the voltage (resistance)
depending on fuel tank float level. As fuel level
increases, the float and arm move up, which
decreases voltage. As fuel level decreases, the float
and arm move down, which increases voltage. The
varied voltage signal is returned back to the ECM
through the sensor return circuit.
Both of the electrical circuits between the fuel
gauge sending unit and the ECM are hard-wired (not
multi-plexed). After the voltage signal is sent from
the resistor track, and back to the ECM, the ECM
will interpret the resistance (voltage) data and send
a message across the multi-plex bus circuits to the
instrument panel cluster. Here it is translated into
the appropriate fuel gauge level reading. Refer to
Instrument Panel for additional information.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
For diesel removal and installation procedures,
refer to the gas section of Fuel System/Fuel Delivery.
See Fuel Level Sending Unit/Sensor Removal/Instal-
lation.
FUEL LINES
DESCRIPTION
Low-Pressure Lines Are:
²the fuel supply line from fuel tank to fuel trans-
fer (lift) pump.
²the fuel return line back to fuel tank.
²the fuel drain (manifold) line at rear of cylinder
head.
²the fuel supply line from fuel filter to fuel injec-
tion pump.
²the fuel injection pump return line.
High-Pressure Lines Are:
²the fuel line from fuel injection pump to fuel
rail.
²the 6 fuel lines from fuel rail up to injector con-
nector tubes
WARNING: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES DELIVER
DIESEL FUEL UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE FROM
THE INJECTION PUMP TO THE FUEL INJECTORS.
THIS MAY BE AS HIGH AS 160,000 KPA (23,206
PSI). USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS. INSPECT FOR
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH A SHEET OF
CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION PRESSURE
CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF CONTACT IS
MADE WITH THE SKIN.
OPERATION
High-Pressure Lines
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines must be
held securely in place in their holders. The lines
cannot contact each other or other components. Do
not attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to
repair lines that are damaged. If lines are ever
kinked or bent, they must be replaced. Use only the
recommended lines when replacement of high-pres-
sure fuel line is necessary.
High-pressure fuel lines deliver fuel (under pres-
sure) of up to approximately 160,000 kPa (23,206
PSI) from the injection pump to the fuel injectors.
The lines expand and contract from the high-pres-
sure fuel pulses generated during the injection pro-
cess. All high-pressure fuel lines are of the same
length and inside diameter. Correct high-pressure
fuel line usage and installation is critical to smooth
engine operation.
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 57

Fig. 16 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES
1 - FUEL INJECTOR
2 - HIGH-PRESSURE LINE
3 - INJECTOR MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - FUEL INJECTOR RAIL5 - SEPARATE FITTING (TYPICAL)
6 - CONNECTOR TUBE RETAINER (FITTING)
7 - CONNECTOR TUBE
Fig. 14 BRACKET - #6 INJECTOR
1 - BRACKET
2 - REAR OF CYLINDER HEAD
3 - FUEL DRAIN MANIFOLD LINE (TO FUEL TANK)
4 - BANJO BOLT/CHECK VALVE
5 - SLOTTED HOLE
6 - BRACKET BOLTS (2)Fig. 15 FUEL INJECTOR RAIL
1 - FUEL RAIL MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
2 - INSULATED CLAMPS
3 - FUEL INJECTOR RAIL
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 59
FUEL LINES (Continued)

FUEL TANK
DESCRIPTION - DIESEL
The fuel tank is similar to the tank used with gas-
oline powered models. The tank is equipped with a
separate fuel return line and a different fuel tank
module for diesel powered models. A fuel tank
mounted, electric fuel pump is not used with diesel
powered models. Refer to Fuel Tank Module for addi-
tional information.
REMOVAL - DIESEL
Fuel Tank Draining
Due to a one-way check valve installed into the
fuel fill opening fitting at the tank, the tank cannot
be drained conventionally at the fill cap.
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) If vehicle is equipped with 4 doors and a 6 foot
(short) box, remove left-rear tire/wheel.
(3) Thoroughly clean area at top of fuel tank
around fuel tank module.
(4) Remove rubber cap from auxiliary fitting on
top of tank module (Fig. 19).
(5) Drain fuel tank by attaching drain hose from
an approved draining station to auxiliary fitting on
top of tank module (Fig. 19).
Tank Removal
(1) Loosen clamp and disconnect rubber fuel fill
hose at tank.
(2) Support tank with a hydraulic jack.
(3) Remove 2 fuel tank strap nuts (Fig. 20) and
remove both tank support straps.
(4) Carefully lower tank a few inches and discon-
nect fuel pump module electrical connector (Fig. 19)
at top of tank. To disconnect electrical connector:
Push upward on red colored tab to unlock. Push on
black colored tab while removing connector.
(5) Disconnect fuel supply and return lines at fuel
tank module (Fig. 19). Refer to Quick-Connect Fit-
tings for procedures.
(6) Continue to lower tank for removal.
(7) If fuel tank is to be replaced, remove fuel tank
module from tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Module
Removal/Installation procedures.INSTALLATION - DIESEL
(1) If fuel tank is to be replaced, install fuel tank
module into tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Module Remov-
al/Installation procedures.
(2) Position fuel tank to hydraulic jack.
(3) Raise tank until positioned near body.
(4) Connect fuel tank module electrical connector
at top of tank.
(5) Connect fuel supply and return lines to tank
module.
(6) Continue raising tank until positioned snug to
body.
(7) Install and position both tank support straps.
Install 2 fuel tank strap nuts and tighten.Tighten
rear strap nut first.Refer to Torque Specifications.
(8) Remove hydraulic jack.
(9) Connect rubber fill hose to fuel fill tube and
tighten clamp.
(10) Install tire / wheel (if necessary).
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Fill fuel tank with fuel.
(13) Start engine and check for fuel leaks near top
of module.
Fig. 19 FUEL TANK MODULE - DIESEL
1 - TOP OF FUEL TANK
2 - AUX. FITTING
3 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
4 - FUEL TANK MODULE (TOP)
5 - LOCKNUT
6 - FUEL SUPPLY LINE
7 - FUEL RETURN LINE
14 - 62 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR

FUEL TANK MODULE
DESCRIPTION
An electric fuel pump isnot usedin the fuel tank
module for diesel powered engines. Fuel is supplied
by the engine mounted fuel transfer (lift) pump.
The fuel tank module is installed in the top of the
fuel tank (Fig. 21). The fuel tank module contains
the following components:
²Fuel reservoir
²A separate in-tank fuel filter
²Fuel gauge sending unit (fuel level sensor)
²Fuel supply line connection
²Fuel return line connection
²Auxiliary non-pressurized fitting
OPERATION
Refer to Fuel Gauge Sending Unit.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain and remove fuel tank. Refer to Fuel
Tank Removal/Installation.
(2) Thoroughly clean area around tank module at
top of tank.
(3) The plastic fuel tank module locknut is
threaded onto fuel tank. Install Special Tool 6856 to
locknut and remove locknut (Fig. 22). The fuel tank
module will spring up when locknut is removed.
(4) Remove module from fuel tank.
Fig. 20 FUEL TANK MOUNTING
1 - FUEL TANK
2 - STRAP MOUNTING STUDS
3 - VEHICLE FRAME4 - MOUNTING STRAPS
5 - STRAP NUTS
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 63
FUEL TANK (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Whenever the fuel tank module is ser-
viced, the rubber gasket must be replaced.
(1) Thoroughly clean locknut and locknut threads
at top of tank.(2) Using new gasket, carefully position fuel tank
module into opening in fuel tank.
(3) Position locknut over top of fuel tank module.
Install locknut finger tight.
(4) When looking down at tank from drivers side of
tank, the fuel line connectors and fuel gauge electri-
cal connector should all be pointed to drivers side of
vehicle. Rotate and align if necessary before tighten-
ing locknut.This step must be performed to pre-
vent the module's float from contacting side of
fuel tank.
(5) Tighten locknut to 24 - 44 N´m (18 - 32 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(6) Install fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Removal/
Installation.
FUEL TRANSFER PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The fuel transfer pump (fuel lift pump) is attached
to the rear of the fuel filter/water separator housing.
The 12±volt electric pump is operated and controlled
by the Engine Control Module (ECM).
OPERATION
The purpose of the fuel transfer pump is to supply
(transfer) a low-pressure fuel source:fromthe fuel
tank,throughthe fuel filter/water separator andto
the fuel injection pump. Here, the low-pressure is
raised to a high-pressure by the fuel injection pump
for operation of the high-pressure fuel injectors.
Check valves within the pump, control direction of
fuel flow and prevent fuel bleed-back during engine
shut down.
Maximum current flow to the pump is 5 amperes.
With the engine running, the pump has a 100 per-
cent duty-cycle.
The transfer pump is self-priming: When the key is
first turned on (without cranking engine), the pump
will operate for approximately 2 seconds and then
shut off. The pump will also operate for up to 25 sec-
onds after the starter is engaged, and then disen-
gaged and the engine is not running. The pump
shuts off immediately if the key is on and the engine
stops running.
The fuel volume of the transfer pump will always
provide more fuel than the fuel injection pump
requires. Excess fuel is returned from the injection
pump through an overflow valve, and then back to
the fuel tank.
REMOVAL
The fuel transfer pump (fuel lift pump) is attached
to the rear of the fuel filter/water separator housing
(Fig. 23).
Fig. 21 FUEL TANK MODULE - DIESEL
1 - TOP OF FUEL TANK
2 - AUX. FITTING
3 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
4 - FUEL TANK MODULE (TOP)
5 - LOCKNUT
6 - FUEL SUPPLY LINE
7 - FUEL RETURN LINE
Fig. 22 LOCKNUT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION -
TYPICAL MODULE
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6856
2 - LOCKNUT
14 - 64 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL TANK MODULE (Continued)

(1) Drain fuel from fuel filter housing. Refer to
Fuel Filter/Water Separator - Removal. See Draining.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 23) from
fuel transfer pump.
(3) Disconnect fuel tank supply line from fuel
transfer pump extension line. This is done at discon-
nection point at inside of left inner frame rail (Fig.
24). Refer to quick-connect fittings for procedures.
(4) Remove 4 pump mounting bolts (hex-allen),
and remove pump from fuel filter housing.
(5) Confirm that transfer pump o-ring is also
removed from fuel filter housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new o-ring to fuel transfer pump.
(2) Lubricate o-ring and OD of transfer pump inlet
connector.
(3) Position fuel transfer pump onto fuel filter
housing.Do not use mounting bolts to draw
transfer pump to filter housing.
(4) Be sure pump is positioned flat to fuel filter
housing. Install mounting bolts and evenly tighten to
7 N´m (61 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect fuel line extension at fuel supply line.
(6) Connect electrical connector to pump.
(7)Prime System:Cycle key to actuate transfer
pump, or use DRB Scan Tool to actuate transfer
pump. Check for leaks.
(8) Operate engine and check for fuel leaks.
Fig. 23 FUEL TRANSFER (LIFT) PUMP
1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
3 - FUEL TRANSFER (LIFT) PUMP
4 - FUEL LINE EXTENTION
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
Fig. 24 TRANSFER PUMP FUEL LINE CONNECT
1 - LEFT INNER FRAME RAIL
2 - FUEL RETURN LINE
3 - FUEL SUPPLY LINE
4 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 65
FUEL TRANSFER PUMP (Continued)

CASCADE OVERFLOW VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The cascade overflow valve is located on the top/
rear side of the fuel injection pump (Fig. 25).
OPERATION
When the fuel control actuator (FCA) is opened,
the maximum amount of fuel is being delivered to
the fuel injection pump. The cascade valve regulates
how much excess fuel is used for lubrication of the
injection pump, and is also used to route excess fuel
through the drain circuit and back into the fuel tank.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
The cascade overflow valve is not serviced sepa-
rately.
WATER IN FUEL SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is located on the
side of the fuel filter/water separator canister (Fig.
26).
OPERATION
The sensor sends an input to the Engine Control
Module (ECM) when it senses water in the fuel filter/
water separator. As the water level in the filter/sep-
arator increases, the resistance across the WIF
sensor decreases. This decrease in resistance is sent
as a signal to the ECM and compared to a high
water standard value. Once the value reaches 30 to
40 kilohms, the ECM will activate the water-in-fuel
warning lamp through CCD bus circuits. This all
takes place when the ignition key is initially put in
the ON position. The ECM continues to monitor the
input while the engine is running.
REMOVAL
The Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is located at the
side of fuel filter/water separator canister. Refer to
Fuel Filter/Water Separator Removal/Installation for
WIF sensor removal/installation procedures.
Fig. 25 OVERFLOW VALVE
1 - BANJO BOLTS
2 - PUMP MOUNTING NUTS (3)
3 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP
4 - CASCADE OVERFLOW VALVE
Fig. 26 FILTER HOUSING
1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - FUEL HEATER AND THERMOSTAT
3 - FUEL HEATER MOUNTING SCREWS
4 - FUEL HEATER ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - WIF SENSOR
6 - WIF SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR
7 - DRAIN HOSE
8 - DRAIN VALVE MOUNTING SCREWS
9 - DRAIN VALVE
14 - 66 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR

FUEL DRAIN CIRCUIT
OPERATION
The Fuel Drain Circuit incorporates several
sources of fuel return. Fuel travels from the fuel tank
to the fuel transfer pump and is forced through the
fuel filter. This fuel then travels into the fuel injec-
tion pump. It then goes to a fuel drain line and
returns back to the fuel tank.
The fuel that flows to the fuel pump is pressurized
by a gear pump and internally transferred to the fuel
injection pump. At this point the fuel is channeled
into two passages. One passage sends fuel to the
FCA (Fuel Control Actuator). The other passage
sends fuel to the cascade overflow valve. The over-
flow valve sends some fuel to a lubrication passage.
The rest of the fuel is sent to a drain passage which
connects to an external fuel line.Fuel that travels through the FCA is pressurized
by the fuel injection pump and sent through an
external high pressure fuel line to the fuel rail. At
the fuel rail, fuel is sent to the fuel injectors. If fuel
pressure in the fuel rail becomes excessive, the pres-
sure limiting valve opens and sends fuel through an
external fuel line.
At the fuel injector, fuel that is not injected is used
for lubrication of the fuel injectors. This fuel then
travels through an internal passage that is connected
to the rear of the cylinder head, an then into an
external fuel line. This line is connected to the vehi-
cles fuel return line, and returns excess fuel to the
fuel tank.
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 67