1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Engine

FUEL FILTER / WATER
SEPARATOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel filter/water separator assembly is located
on left side of engine above the starter motor. The
assembly also includes the fuel heater, Water-In-Fuel
(WIF) sensor, and fuel transfer pump.
OPERATION
The fuel filter/water separator protects the fuel
injection pump by removing water and contaminants
from the fuel. The construction of the filter/separator
allows fuel to pass through it, but helps prevent
moisture (water) from doing so. Moisture collects at
the bottom of the canister.
Refer to the maintenance schedules in the owners
manual for the recommended fuel filter replacement
intervals.
For draining of water from canister, refer to Fuel
Filter/Water Separator Removal/Installation section.
A Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is attached to the
side of fuel filter housing. Refer to Water-In-Fuel
Sensor Description/Operation.
The fuel heater is installed into the top of the fil-
ter/separator housing. Refer to Fuel Heater Descrip-
tion/Operation.
REMOVAL
Refer to maintenance schedules in this manual, or
the owners manual for recommended fuel filter
replacement intervals.
Draining water from fuel filter/water separa-
tor housing:
The housing drain valve (Fig. 3) serves two pur-
poses. One is topartiallythe drain filter housing of
excess water. The other is tocompletelythe drain
housing for fuel filter, drain valve, heater element, ,
water-in-fuel sensor replacement or transfer pump
replacement.
The filter housing should be partially drained
whenever the water-in-fuel warning lamp remains
illuminated. (Note that lamp will be illuminated for
approximately two seconds when ignition key is ini-
tially placed in ON position for a bulb check).(1) A drain hose (Fig. 3) is located at the bottom of
drain valve. Place drain pan under drain hose.
(2)With engine not running,rotate drain valve
handle counter-clockwise (rearward) to OPEN
(DRAIN) position. Hold drain valve open until all
water and contaminants have been removed and
clean fuel exits.
(3) If drain valve, fuel heater element or Water-In-
Fuel (WIF) sensor is being replaced, drain housing
completely. Dispose of mixture in drain pan according
to applicable regulations.
(4) After draining operation, rotate valve handle
clockwise (forward) to the CLOSE position.
(5)Fuel Filter Replacement:The fuel filter is
located inside of the fuel filter housing.
(a) Clean all debris from around canister.
(b) Remove filter lid (Fig. 4) using a socket.
Attach socket to large hex on top of lid (Fig. 4).
Rotate counter-clockwise for removal. Remove
o-ring. Discard o-ring.
(c) Remove filter element by twisting element
sideways from filter lid.
(6)Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor Replacement:
The WIF sensor is located on the side of the fuel fil-
ter housing (Fig. 3).
(a) Disconnect electrical connector at sensor.
(b) Clean area around sensor.
(c) Remove sensor by rotating counter-clockwise.
(d) Check condition of sensor o-ring. Replace if
damaged.
(7)Fuel Heater Element Replacement:The
heater element is located in the fuel filter housing
(Fig. 3).
(a) Remove fuel filter. See previous steps.
(b) Disconnect electrical connector.
(c) Remove two T-15 Torx head mounting screws
from fuel heater element.
(d) Remove fuel heater.
(8)Drain Valve Replacement:The drain valve
assembly is located on the side of the fuel filter hous-
ing (Fig. 3).
(a) Disconnect drain hose from the fuel drain
valve.
(b) Remove 4 drain valve mounting screws (T-15
Torx head).
(c) Remove drain valve from filter housing.
INSTALLATION
Refer to maintenance schedules for recommended
fuel filter replacement intervals.
(1) Thoroughly clean inside of filter housing, filter
cap and all related components.
(2)Fuel Filter:
(a)The engine has a self-priming low-pres-
sure fuel system. Refer to Standard Proce-
dures-Fuel System Priming.
ENGINE ROTATING (BARRING) TOOL - #7471B
(ALSO PART OF KIT #6860)
14 - 50 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL (Continued)

(b) Install new o-ring to canister lid and lubri-
cate o-ring with clean engine oil.
(c) Position new element to canister lid. Place
this assembly into canister by rotating clockwise.
(d) Tighten cap to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque. Do
not overtighten cap.
(3)Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor:
(a) Install new o-ring seal to WIF sensor.
(b) Apply a light film of clean oil to o-ring seal.
(c) Install sensor into housing.
(d) Tighten sensor to 2.5 N´m (25 in. lbs.) torque.
(e) Connect electrical connector to WIF sensor.
(4)Fuel Heater Element:
(a) Install fuel heater into fuel filter housing.
(b) Install fuel heater thermostat into fuel filter
housing.
(c) Install fuel heater mounting screws and
tighten to 1-1.5 N´m (13 in. lbs.) torque.
(d) Connect electrical connector to fuel heater
thermostat.
(e) Install new filter cover O-ring onto fuel filter
housing cover and lubricate with clean engine oil.
(f) Tighten fuel filter housing cover (lid) to 34
N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(5)Drain Valve:
(a) Install 2 new o-rings to valve and filter hous-
ing.
(b) Lubricate with silicon grease.
(c) Install fuel drain valve.
(d) Install 4 mounting screws and tighten to
1±1.5 N´m (8±13 in. lbs.) torque.
(e) Connect drain hose to drain valve.
(6) Start engine and check for leaks.
FUEL HEATER
DESCRIPTION
The fuel heater assembly is located on the side of
the fuel filter housing (Fig. 3).
The heater/element assembly is equipped with a
temperature sensor (thermostat) that senses fuel
temperature. This sensor is attached to the fuel heat-
er/element assembly.
OPERATION
The fuel heater is used to prevent diesel fuel from
waxing during cold weather operation.
When the temperature is below 45  8 degrees F,
the temperature sensor allows current to flow to the
heater element warming the fuel. When the temper-
ature is above 75  8 degrees F, the sensor stops cur-
rent flow to the heater element.
Battery voltage to operate the fuel heater element
is supplied from the ignition switch and through the
fuel heater relay. Also refer to Fuel Heater Relay.
Fig. 3 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
Fig. 4 FILTER COVER (LID)
1 - FILTER COVER
2 - ATTACH SOCKET HERE
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 51
FUEL FILTER / WATER SEPARATOR (Continued)

The fuel heater element and fuel heater relay
are not computer controlled.
The heater element operates on 12 volts, 300 watts
at 0 degrees F.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL HEATER
The fuel heater is used to prevent diesel fuel from
waxing during cold weather operation.
NOTE: The fuel heater element, fuel heater relay
and fuel heater temperature sensor are not con-
trolled by the Engine Control Module (ECM).
A malfunctioning fuel heater can cause a wax
build-up in the fuel filter/water separator. Wax
build-up in the filter/separator can cause engine
starting problems and prevent the engine from rev-
ving up. It can also cause blue or white fog-like
exhaust. If the heater is not operating in cold tem-
peratures, the engine may not operate due to fuel
waxing.
The fuel heater assembly is located on the side of
fuel filter housing.
The heater assembly is equipped with a built-in
fuel temperature sensor (thermostat) that senses fuel
temperature. When fuel temperature drops below 45
degrees   8 degrees F, the sensor allows current to
flow to built-in heater element to warm fuel. When
fuel temperature rises above 75 degrees   8 degrees
F, the sensor stops current flow to heater element
(circuit is open).
Voltage to operate fuel heater element is supplied
from ignition switch, through fuel heater relay (also
refer to Fuel Heater Relay), to fuel temperature sen-
sor and on to fuel heater element.
The heater element operates on 12 volts, 300 watts
at 0 degrees F. As temperature increases, power
requirements decrease.
A minimum of 7 volts is required to operate the
fuel heater. The resistance value of the heater ele-
ment is less than 1 ohm (cold) and up to 1000 ohms
warm.
TESTING
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from thermostat
(Fig. 3).
Ambient temperature must be below the circuit
close temperature. If necessary, induce this ambient
temperature by placing ice packs on thermostat to
produce an effective ambient temperature below cir-
cuit close temperature.
Measure resistance across two pins. Operating
range is 0.3 Ð 0.45 Ohms.
(2) If resistance is out of range, remove thermostat
and check resistance across terminal connections of
heater. The heater can be checked at room tempera-
ture. Operating range is 0.3 - 0.45 Ohms.(3) Replace heater if resistance is not within oper-
ating range.
(4) If heater is within operating range, replace
heater thermostat.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
The fuel heater/element/sensor assembly is located
inside of the fuel filter housing. Refer to Fuel Filter/
Water Separator Removal/Installation for procedures.
FUEL HEATER RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The fuel heater relay is located in Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) (Fig. 5). Refer to label on inside of
PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
Battery voltage to operate the fuel heater element
is supplied from the ignition switch through the fuel
heater relay.The fuel heater element and fuel
heater relay are not computer controlled.
REMOVAL
The fuel heater relay is located in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) (Fig. 6). Refer to label under
PDC cover for relay location.
(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
Fig. 5 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER LOCATION
1 - CLIP
2 - BATTERY
3 - TRAY
4 - NEGATIVE CABLE
5 - POSITIVE CABLE
6 - CLIP
7 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
8 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
14 - 52 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL HEATER (Continued)

(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
The fuel heater relay is located in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) (Fig. 6). Refer to label under
PDC cover for relay location.
(1) Install relay to PDC.
(2) Install cover to PDC.
FUEL INJECTION PUMP
DESCRIPTION
A Robert Bosch high-pressure fuel injection pump
is used. The pump is attached to the back of the tim-
ing gear cover at the left / rear side of the engine.
OPERATION
The fuel injection pump supplies high pressure to
the fuel rail independent of engine speed. This high
pressure is then accumulated in the fuel rail. High
pressure fuel is constantly supplied to the injectors
by the fuel rail. The Engine Control Module (ECM)
controls the fueling and timing of the engine by actu-
ating the injectors.
Fuel enters the system from the electric fuel trans-
fer (lift) pump, which is attached to the fuel filter
assembly. Fuel is forced through the fuel filter ele-
ment and then enters the Fuel Pump/Gear Pump,
which is attached to the rear of the fuel injection
pump. The Fuel Pump/Gear Pump is a low-pressure
pump and produce pressures ranging from 551.5 kpa
(80 psi) to 1241 kpa (180) psi. Fuel then enters the
fuel injection pump. Low pressure fuel is then sup-
plied to the FCA (Fuel Control Actuator).
The FCA is an electronically controlled solenoid
valve. The ECM controls the amount of fuel that
enters the high-pressure pumping chambers by open-
ing and closing the FCA based on a demanded fuel
pressure. The FPS (Fuel Pressure Sensor) on the fuel
rail provides the actual fuel pressure. When the
actuator is opened, the maximum amount of fuel is
being supplied to the fuel injection pump. Any fuel
that does not enter the injection pump is directed to
the cascade overflow valve. The cascade overflow
valve regulates how much excess fuel is used for
lubrication of the pump and how much is returned to
the tank through the drain manifold.
Fuel entering the injection pump is pressurized to
between 300-1600 bar (4351-23206 psi) by three
radial pumping chambers. The pressurized fuel is
then supplied to the fuel rail.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL INJECTION
PUMP TIMING
With the Bosch injection pump, there are no
mechanical adjustments needed or necessary to
accomplish fuel injection timing. All timing and fuel
adjustments are electrically made by the engine
mounted Engine Control Module (ECM).
Fig. 6 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER LOCATION
1 - CLIP
2 - BATTERY
3 - TRAY
4 - NEGATIVE CABLE
5 - POSITIVE CABLE
6 - CLIP
7 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
8 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 53
FUEL HEATER RELAY (Continued)

REMOVAL
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
(1) Disconnect both negative battery cables at both
batteries. Cover and isolate ends of both cables.
(2) Remove intake manifold air intake tube (above
injection pump) and its rubber connector hose (Fig.
7).
(3) Remove accessory drive belt.
(4) Thoroughly clean the rear of injection pump,
and attachment points for its 3 fuel lines (Fig. 8).
Also clean the opposite ends of these same 3 lines at
their attachment points.
(5) Disconnect Fuel Control Actuator (FCA) electri-
cal connector at rear of injection pump (Fig. 9).
CAUTION: Whenever a fuel line fitting is connected
to a secondary fitting, always use a back-up wrench
on the secondary fitting. Do not allow the second-
ary fitting to rotate.
(6) Remove fuel line (injection pump-to-fuel pres-
sure limiting valve).
(7) Remove fuel line (injection pump-to-fuel rail).
Use back-up wrench on fitting at fuel pump.
(8) Remove fuel line (injection pump-to-fuel filter
housing).
(9) Remove fuel pump drive gear access cover
(plate) with a 3/8º drive ratchet. Plate is threaded to
timing gear cover (Fig. 10).
(10) Remove fuel pump drive gear mounting nut
and washer.
(11) Attach C3428B, or L4407A (or equivalent)
gear puller (Fig. 11) to pump drive gear with 2 bolts,
and separate gear from pump (a keyway is not used
on this particular injection pump). Leave drive gear
hanging loose within timing gear cover.
(12) Remove 3 injection pump mounting nuts (Fig.
12), and remove pump from engine.
Fig. 7 INTAKE TUBE AND CONNECTING HOSE
1 - MANIFOLD ABOVE HEATERS
2 - RUBBER CONNECTING HOSE
3 - METAL INTAKE TUBE
4 - CLAMPS (2)
Fig. 8 OVERFLOW VALVE
1 - BANJO BOLTS
2 - PUMP MOUNTING NUTS (3)
3 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP
4 - CASCADE OVERFLOW VALVE
14 - 54 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL INJECTION PUMP (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
(1) Inspect pump mounting surfaces at pump and
mounting flange for nicks, cuts or damage. Inspect
o-ring surfaces for nicks, cuts or damage.
(2) Clean injection pump mounting flange at gear
housing. Also clean front of injection pump.
(3) Install new rubber o-ring into machined groove
(Fig. 12) at pump mounting area.
(4) Apply clean engine oilto injection pump
o-ring only.
The machined tapers on both injection pump
shaft and injection pump gear must be abso-
lutely dry, clean and free of any dirt or oil film.
Fig. 9 FUEL CONTROL ACTUATOR
1 - ACTUATOR MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - FCA (FUEL CONTROL ACTUATOR)
3 - ACTUATOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 10 PUMP DRIVE GEAR ACCESS COVER
1 - FRONT TIMING GEAR COVER
2 - GEAR ACCESS PLATE (COVER)
3 - SQUARE DRIVE (FOR COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION)
Fig. 11 DRIVE GEAR REMOVAL
1 - FRONT TIMING GEAR COVER
2 - GEAR PULLER TOOL
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 55
FUEL INJECTION PUMP (Continued)

This will ensure proper gear-to-shaft tighten-
ing.
(5) Clean pump gear and pump shaft at machined
tapers with an evaporative type cleaner such as
brake cleaner.
(6) Position injection pump to mounting flange on
gear housing while aligning injection pump shaft
through back of injection pump gear.
(7) After pump is positioned flat to mounting
flange, install 3 pump mounting nuts and tighten
finger tight only.Do not attempt a final tightening
at this time.Do not attempt to tighten (pull)
pump to gear housing using mounting nuts.
Damage to pump or gear cover may occur. The
pump must be positioned flat to its mounting
flange before attempting to tighten 3 mounting
nuts.
(8) To prevent damage or cracking of components,
install and tighten nuts in the following sequence:
(a) Install injection pump shaft washer and nut
to pump shaft. Tighten nutfinger tight only.
(b) Do preliminary (light) tightening of injection
pump shaft nut.
(c) Tighten 3 injection pump mounting nuts to
24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).(d) Do a final tightening of pump shaft nut to
105 N´m (77 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install drive gear access cover (plate) using a
3/8º drive ratchet. Plate is threaded to timing gear
cover. Tighten to 8 N´m (71 in. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install fuel line (injection pump-to-pressure
limiting valve). Tighten bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(11) Install fuel line (injection pump-to-fuel rail).
(a) Tighten fitting at fuel pump to 37 N´m (27 ft.
lbs.) torque. Use a back-up wrench.
(b) Tighten fitting at fuel rail to 37 N´m (27 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(12) Install fuel line (injection pump-to-fuel filter
housing). Tighten to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Connect Fuel Control Actuator (FCA) electri-
cal connector to rear of injection pump.
(14) Install intake manifold air intake tube (above
injection pump). Tighten clamps.
(15) Install accessory drive belt.
(16) Install cooling fan shroud.
(17) Install cooling fan assembly.
(18) Connect both negative battery cables to both
batteries.
(19) Check system for fuel or engine oil leaks.
Fig. 12 FUEL INJECTION PUMP REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - PUMP DRIVE GEAR NUT
2 - WASHER
3 - PUMP DRIVE GEAR
4 - RUBBER O-RING
5 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP6 - PUMP MOUNTING NUTS (3)
7 - PUMP MOUNTING STUDS (3)
8 - O-RING MACHINED GROOVE
9 - FRONT TIMING GEAR HOUSING
14 - 56 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL INJECTION PUMP (Continued)

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