1998 DODGE RAM 1500 engine

SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - 5.9L DIESEL
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Engine Type In-Line 6 Cyl. Turbo
Diesel
Displacement 5.9 Liters
359 ( Cubic Inches)
Bore 102.0 mm (4.02 in.)
Stroke 120.0 mm (4.72 in.)
Compression Ratio 17.2:1
305/250/235 H.P Version
Cylinder Pressure
(Minimum)350 psi.
Horsepower High Output
48 RE A/T and NV 5600
M/T305 HP @ 2900 RPM
Horsepower Standard
Output 48 RE A/T and
NV 4500 M/T235 HP @ 2700 RPM
(CARB)
250 HP @ 2900 RPM
(49 State)
Torque Rating High
Output ( 48RE A/T and
NV 5600 M/T)555 LB-FT @ 1400 RPM
Torque Rating Standard
Output ( 48RE A/T and
NV 4500 M/T)460 LB-FT @ 1400 RPM
Lubrication System Pressure Feed-Full Flow
With Bypass Valve
Firing Order 1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Block Cast Iron
Crankshaft Induction Hardened
Forged Steel
Cylinder Head Cast Iron With Valve Seat
Inserts
Combustion Chambers High Swirl Bowl
Camshaft Chilled Ductile Iron
Pistons Cast Aluminum
Connnecting Rods Cross Rolled Micro Alloy
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
Skirt Diameter 101.775 -
101.793 mm4.007 - 4.008 in.
Ring Groove
Clearance
Intermediate
(Min)0.045 mm .0018 in
(Max) 0.095 mm 0.0037 in.
Oil Control (Min) 0.040 mm .0016 in.
(Max) 0.085 mm .0033 in.
PISTON PINS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
Pin Diameter
(Min)39.990 mm 1.5744 in.
(Max) 40.003 mm 1.5749 in.
Bore Diameter
(Min)40.006 mm 1.5750 in.
(Max) 40.012 1.5753 in.
PISTON RINGS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
Ring Gap
Top Ring 0.26 - 0.36mm 0.010 - 0.014 in.
Intermediate 0.85 - 1.15 mm 0.033 - 0.045in.
Oil Control 0.25 - 0.55 mm 0.010 - 0.21 in.
9 - 244 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

CONNECTING RODS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
Pin Bore
Diameter (Min.
w/ bushing
installed)40.019 mm 1.5764 in.
Pin Bore
Diameter (Max.
w/ bushing
installed)40.042 mm 1.5765 in.
Side Clearance
(Min)0.100 mm 0.004 in.
Side Clearance
(Max)0.330 mm 0.013 in.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Overall Flatness End To
End (max)0.305 mm (0.012 in.)
Overall Flatness Side To
Side (Max)0.076 mm (0.003 in.)
Intake Valve Seat Angle 30É
Exhaust Valve Seat Angle 45É
Valve Stem Diameter
(Min) 6.96 mm (0.2740 in.)
(Max) 7.01 mm (0.2760 in.)
Valve Rim Thickness
(Min.)0.79 mm (0.031 in.)
OIL PRESSURE
SPECIFICATION SPECIFICATION
At Idle 69 kPa (10 psi)
@ 2500 rpm 207 kPa (30 psi)
Regulating Valve
Opening Pressure517 kPa (75 psi)
Oil Filter Bypass
Pressure Setting344.75 kPa (50 psi)
TORQUE
TORQUE CHART 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
DESCRIPTION N´mIn.
Lbs.Ft.
Lbs.
Connecting RodÐBolts
Step 1 30 Ð 22
Step 2 60 Ð 44
Step 3 Rotate 60 degrees
Crankshaft Main CapÐBolts
Step 1 50 37
Step 2 80 59
Step 3 Rotate 90É
Cylinder HeadÐBolts
Step 1 70 Ð 52
Step 2 Back off 360 degrees
Step 3 105 Ð 77
Step 4 Verify 105 Ð 77
Step 5 Rotate All Bolts 1/4
Turn
Cylinder Head Cover Bolts 24 Ð 18
Breather Cover Bolts 24 Ð 18
HPC Nut 50 37
Fuel Delivery LinesÐBanjo 24 Ð 18
Fuel Drain LineÐBanjo 24 Ð 18
Fuel lineÐrail to cylinder
head30 Ð 22
Fuel lineÐpump to fuel rail 36 Ð 27
Injector fuel line brace 24 Ð 18
Fuel rail holddown bolt 24 18
Oil PanÐBolts 28 Ð 21
Oil PanÐDrain Plug 50 Ð 37
Oil Pressure RegulatorÐPlug 80 Ð 59
Oil Pressure Switch 18 Ð 13
Oil PumpÐBolts
Step1 8 Ð 6
Step2 24 Ð 18
Oil Suction Tube (Flange)Ð
Bolts24 Ð 18
Oil Suction Tube (Brace)Ð
Bolt43 Ð 32
Rocker Arm/PedestalÐBolts 36 Ð 27
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 245
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
Universal Driver Handle - C4171
Crankshaft Barring Tool - 7471 - B
Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Installer - 8281
Valve Spring Compressor - 8319A
Test Plug - 8442
Adapter - 8462
Engine Support Fixture - 8534
TAPPET INSTALLATION TOOL - 8502
STEEL BRACKET - 8534-A
9 - 246 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

Compression Test Adapter - 9007
Engine Lift Bracket - 9009
Fuel Injector Remover - 9010
FUEL BLOCKOFF PLUG - 9011
FUEL TEST FITTING - 9013
Fuel Injector Tube (Connector) Remover - 9015
TURBO TEST ADAPTER - 9022
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 247
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

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)

(24) Remove the engine wire harness attaching
bolt and wire harness push-in fastener from air inlet
housing.
(25) Remove the air inlet housing and intake grid
heater from the intake manifold cover.
(26) Remove the two grid heater harness-to-cylin-
der head attaching bolts at front of cylinder head.(27) Remove the engine lift bracket from the rear
of the cylinder head.
(28)Remove the high pressure pump to fuel
rail fuel line as follows:
(a) Loosen fuel line nuts at fuel pump and at
fuel rail.
(b) Use a back-up wrench on the fitting at the
fuel pump to keep it from loosening.
(29) Remove the fuel rail to cylinder head fuel
lines as follows:
(a) Loosen No. 6 high pressure fuel line shield
and position out of way.
(b) Loosen the fuel line nuts at the fuel rail and
at the cylinder head.
(c) Remove the fuel line bracket bolts at the
intake manifold cover.
(30) Remove the fuel rail as follows:
(a) Remove fuel rail pressure sensor connector.
(b) Remove banjo fitting at pressure limiting
valve.
(c) Remove fuel rail bolts and fuel rail.
(31) Remove the low pressure lines as follows:
(a) Remove the fuel drain banjo fitting on the
front side of fuel filter housing.
(b) Remove the fuel drain banjo fitting on rear
side of fuel filter housing.
(c) Remove the fuel drain line support bracket
on rear side of filter housing.
(d) Disconnect fuel drain hose.
(e) Remove banjo fitting at bottom of fuel filter
housing.
(f) Disconnect fuel supply hose at lift pump.
Fig. 8 Throttle Linkage Cover Auto Trans Only
1 - CABLE/LEVER/LINKAGE COVER
2 - PUSH UP LOWER TAB
3 - SCREWS/CLIPS (2)
4 - TAB PUSH HERE
Fig. 9 APPS Assembly Auto Trans Only
1 - LEVER
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (6)
3 - WIRE HARNESS CLIP
4 - CALIBRATION SCREWS (NO ADJUSTMENT)
5 - APPS ASSEMBLY
Fig. 10 APPS Connector Auto Trans Only
1 - APPS
2-TAB
3 - PUSH FOR REMOVAL
4 - APPS CONNECTOR
9 - 250 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(32) Disconnect fuel heater, water in fuel sensor,
and fuel lift pump connectors.
(33) Remove the fuel filter assembly-to-cylinder
head bolts and remove filter assembly from vehicle.
(34) Remove wire harness P-clip from cylinder
head (located behind filter housing).
(35) Remove the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(36) Disconnect rocker housing injector harness
connectors.
(37) Remove injector harness nuts from injectors.
(38) Remove the rocker levers (Fig. 11), cross
heads and push rods (Fig. 12). Mark each component
so they can be installed in their original positions.
NOTE: The #5 cylinder exhaust and the #6 cylinder
intake and exhaust push rods are removed by lift-
ing them up and through the provided cowl panel
access holes. Remove the rubber plugs to expose
these relief holes.
(39) Remove the fuel return line and banjo bolt at
the rear of the cylinder head. Be careful not to drop
the two (2) sealing washers.
(40) Remove the fuel injectors (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/FUEL INJECTOR -
REMOVAL).
(41) Remove rocker housing bolts and rocker hous-
ing and gasket.(42) Reinstall the engine lift bracket at the rear of
cylinder head. Torque to 77 N´m (57 ft. lbs.).
(43) Remove twenty six (26) cylinder head-to-block
bolts.
(44) Attach an engine lift crane to engine lift
brackets and lift cylinder head off engine and out of
vehicle.
(45) Remove the head gasket and inspect for fail-
ure.
CLEANING
CLEANINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
CAUTION: Do not wire brush head surface while
fuel injectors are still installed. Fuel injector dam-
age can result.
Remove fuel injector before cleaning (if not already
removed during cylinder head removal).
Clean the carbon from the injector nozzle seat with
a nylon or brass brush.
Scrape the gasket residue from all gasket surfaces.
Wash the cylinder head in hot soapy water solution
(88ÉC or 140ÉF).
After rinsing, use compressed air to dry the cylin-
der head.
Polish the gasket surface with 400 grit paper. Use
an orbital sander or sanding block to maintain a flat
surface.
CLEANINGÐCROSSHEADS
Clean all crossheads in a suitable solvent. If neces-
sary, use a wire brush or wheel to remove stubborn
deposits. Rinse in hot water and blow dry with com-
pressed air.
Fig. 11 Rocker Arm and Pedestal Removal
1 - ROCKER ARM
2 - PEDESTAL
Fig. 12 Push Rod Removal
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 251
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)