1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Head gasket

INSPECTIONÐPUSHRODS
Inspect the push rod ball and socket for signs of
scoring. Check for cracks where the ball and the
socket are pressed into the tube (Fig. 16).
Roll the push rod on a flat work surface with the
socket end hanging off the edge (Fig. 17). Replace
any push rod that appears to be bent.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE HEAD
GASKET IS VERY SHARP. WHEN HANDLING THE
NEW HEAD GASKET, USE CARE NOT TO INJURE
YOURSELF.
(1) Install a new gasket with the part number side
up, and locate the gasket over the dowel sleeves.
(2) Using an engine lifting crane, lower the cylin-
der head onto the engine.
(3) Lightly lubricate head bolts with engine oil and
install. Using the sequence shown in (Fig. 18),
tighten bolts in the following steps:
(a) Torque bolts to 70 N´m (52 ft. lbs.)(b) Back off 360 degrees in sequence
(c) Torque bolts to 105 N´m (77 ft. lbs.)
(d) Re-check all bolts to 105 N´m (77 ft. lbs.)
(e) Tighten all bolts an additional
1¤4turn (90É)
(4) Install push rods into their original locations
(Fig. 19).Verify that they are seated in the tap-
pets.
(5) Lubricate valve stem tips and install the cross-
heads in their original locations.
(6) Lubricate the rocker arms and pedestals and
install them in their original locations (Fig. 20).
Install the bolts and torque them to 36 N´m (27 ft.
lbs.).
(7) Verify that the valve lash settings are main-
tained (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/IN-
TAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(8) Inspect rocker housing gasket for cuts and
proper installation into groove. Replace if damaged.
Fig. 16 Inspecting Push Rod for Cracks
Fig. 17 Inspecting Push Rod for Flatness
Fig. 18 Cylinder Head Bolt Torque Sequence
Fig. 19 Push Rod Installation
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 253
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(9) Install rocker housing and bolts. Tighten to 24
Nm (18 lb. ft.).
(10) Install fuel injector(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL INJECTION/FUEL INJECTOR -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Install injector harness nuts. Tighten to 1.25
Nm (11 lb. in.).
(12) Install cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(13) Install wire harness P-clip to cylinder head
behind filter housing 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(14) Connect the IAT/MAP sensor connector.
(15) Install the fuel filter canister assembly and
torque mounting bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(16) Connect fuel lift pump, WIF sensor, and fuel
heater.
(17) Remove the engine lift bracket at rear of cyl-
inder head.
CAUTION: Failure to follow procedure will result in
fuel leaks and/or fuel system failure.
(18)Install the fuel rail and high pressure
fuel lines as follows:
(a) Hand tighten fuel rail bolts.
(b) Hand tighten fuel drain line to pressure lim-
iting valve. Hand tighten banjo bolt at fuel filter
housing.
(c) Hand tighten fuel rail-to-cylinder head high
pressure fuel lines.(d) Install fuel line brace bolts-to-intake mani-
fold finger tight.
(e) Hand tighten fuel pump to fuel rail line.
(f) Torque fuel line nuts at cylinder head to 30
Nm ( 22 ft. lbs.).
(g) Torque fuel line nuts at fuel rail to 30 Nm
(22 ft. lbs.)
(h) Using a back up wrench, torque fuel pump to
fuel rail line to 37 Nm (27 ft. lbs.). At injection
pump.
(i) Torque fuel pump to fuel rail line to 37 Nm
(27 ft. lbs.) at fuel rail.
(j) Torque fuel drain banjo bolt at pressure lim-
iting valve and front of fuel filter housing to 24 Nm
(18 ft. lbs.).
(k) Torque fuel line brace bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft.
lbs.).
(l) Torque rail bolts to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
(m) Connect fuel pressure sensor.
(19) Install the engine lift bracket at the rear of
cylinder head. Torque to 77 N´m (57 ft. lbs.).
(20) Reposition number 6 fuel line shield and
torque to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install the fuel filter to injection pump low
pressure line. Inspect and replace sealing washers if
necessary. Torque banjo bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(22) Connect fuel return line at back of cylinder
head hand tight.
(23) Connect fuel return line at filter housing hand
tight.
(24) Torque banjo connections at cylinder head and
fuel filter housing to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.)
(25) Install bracket to rear of filter housing.
Torque to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
(26) Using new gaskets, install the intake grid
heater and air inlet housing. Torque bolts to 24 N´m
(18 ft. lbs.).
(27) Install wire harness P-clip and push on clip to
air inlet housing.
(28) Connect engine oil level indicator tube at fuel
filter housing and at air inlet housing.
(29) Connect the APPS connector.
(30) Install the APPS assembly to the cylinder
head bracket and torque bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(31) Install the throttle linkage cover.
(32) Install the charge air cooler-to-air inlet hous-
ing duct assembly. Torque all clamps to 11 N´m (100
in. lbs.).
(33) Connect intake grid heater wires.
(34) Secure engine harness to front of cylinder
head with bolt at four locations.
(35) Connect engine coolant temperature sensor
connector.
(36) Connect radiator upper hose to thermostat
housing.
Fig. 20 Rocker Arm and Pedestal Removal
1 - ROCKER ARM
2 - PEDESTAL
9 - 254 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(37) Rotate generator into position. Install upper
bolt and torque upper and lower bolts.
(38)
Install wire harness push-on clip below bracket.
(39) Install wire harness P-clip to top of bracket.
(40) Install fan support and torque to 32 N´m (24
ft. lbs.).
(41) Install cooling fan/drive refer to (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(42) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(43) Install exhaust manifold/turbocharger assem-
bly, using new gaskets. Start all bolts/spacers by
hand. Torque bolts to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(44) Install exhaust manifold heat shield to
exhaust manifold studs. Install retaining nuts.Torque
to 15 N´m (11 ft. lbs.).
(45) Install exhaust bolt retention straps across
cylinders5&6.
(46) Connect turbocharger oil drain tube. Torque
clamp to 8 N´m (71 in. lbs.).
(47) Perform the turbocharger pre-lube procedure.
Refer to Group 11, Exhaust System and Turbo-
charger for the correct procedure.
(48) Connect the turbocharger oil supply line.
Torque to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(49) Install air cleaner housing and duct.
(50) Connect air inlet temperature/pressure sensor.
(51) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(52) Install exhaust pipe to turbocharger elbow.
Torque bolts to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(53) Lower vehicle.
(54) Fill engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(55) Start engine and check for leaks.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐCYLINDER HEAD COVER
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove oil fill cap.
(3) Remove the breather cover.
(4) Disconnect the breather hose and breather
drain tube from the breather housing.
(5) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(6) Remove the cylinder head cover.
REMOVALÐROCKER HOUSING
(1) Remove cylinder head cover as outlined in this
section.
(2) Disconnect rocker housing injector harness con-
nectors.(3) Remove injector harness nuts from injectors.
(4) Remove rocker housing bolts.
(5) Remove rocker housing and gasket.
CLEANING
Using a suitable solvent, Clean and dry gasket
mating surfaces on cylinder head and rocker housing.
Wipe gasket dry and inspect for re-use.
INSPECTION
The cylinder head cover gasket and rocker hous-
ing gasket, are reusable.However, should cracks,
nicks, or tears be present in the rubber/silicone construc-
tion, the defective components should be replaced. Also
replace gasket if it is no longer flexible. Inspect o-rings
on cylinder head cover bolts.Do not reuse gasket if it
has been removed from the groove in the rocker
housing or cylinder head cover.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐCYLINDER HEAD COVER
(1) Inspect cylinder head cover gasket for cuts and
proper installation in groove. Replace if damaged.
(2)
Position cylinder cover on top of rocker housing.
(3) Install bolts.
(4) Starting with the center bolt, torque to 24 N´m
(18 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install breather hose to breather.
(6) Install breather drain hose to breather.
(7) Install breather cover and wire harness clip.
Torque to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
INSTALLATION - ROCKER HOUSING
(1) Inspect rocker housing gasket for cuts, nicks,
or tears. Replace if damaged or if gasket has come
out of groove.
(2) Inspect rocker housing gasket for proper instal-
lation in groove. Gasket bead must be centered in
groove. A gasket bead that is tilted to the side will
cause an oil leak.
CAUTION: When installing rocker housing onto cyl-
inder head, do not slide housing from side to side,
The gasket could fall out or be damaged.
(3) Install the rocker housing. Carefully guide the
rocker housing evenly down onto the cylinder head.
(4) Install rocker housing bolts and tighten finger
tight.
(5) Torque bolts, working from center out, to 24
Nm (18ft. lbs.).
(6) Install injector harness nuts to injector sole-
noid. Torque to 1.25 Nm (11 in. lbs.).
(7) Connect rocker housing injector harness con-
nections.
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 255
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(g) Release the spring tension and remove the
compressor. Verify that the collets are seated by
tapping on the valve stem with a plastic hammer.
(12) Using the crankshaft barring tool, rotate the
engine until the next crankshaft damper paint mark
aligns with the mark you placed on the cover.In this
position, cylinders #2 and #5 can be serviced.
(13) Repeat the valve spring compressing proce-
dure previously performed and service the retainers,
springs, and seals as necessary.
(14) Using the crankshaft barring tool, rotate the
engine until the next crankshaft damper paint mark
aligns with the mark you placed on the cover.In this
position, cylinders #3 and #4 can be serviced.
(15) Repeat the spring compressing procedure pre-
viously performed and service the retainers, springs,
and seals as necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install rocker housing.
(2) Install fuel injectors and high pressure fuel
lines.
(3) Lubricate the valve tips and install the cross-
heads in their original locations.
(4) Lubricate the crossheads and push rod sockets
and install the rocker arms and pedestals in their
original locations. Tighten bolts to 36 N´m (27 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(5)Verify valve lash adjustment (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST
VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Install cylinder head cover and reusable gasket
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect battery negative cables.
ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER
ASSY
DESCRIPTION
The unique intake and exhaust rocker arms have
their own rocker shafts and are lubricated by pas-
sages intersecting the cylinder block main oil rifle.
Crossheads are used, which allow each rocker arm to
operate two valves.
The solid push rods are hardened at the rocker
arm and tappet contact areas for superior strength
and durability.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the rocker arm/pedestal fasteners (Fig.
36) and remove rocker arm and pedestal from cylin-
der head. Mark the arms and pedestals so they can
be installed in their original position.
CAUTION: When removing the rocker arms, the
sockets (Fig. 37) may come loose and fall into the
engine. Make sure they stay with the arm upon
removal/installation.
(4) Lift the push rod(s) up and out of the engine
(Fig. 38). Mark them so they can be installed in their
original position.
Fig. 34 Spring Compressor Mounting BaseÐPart of
Tool 8319±A
1 - COMPRESSOR MOUNTING BASE
Fig. 35 Compressing Valve Springs with Tool
8319±A
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8319
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 261
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)

Push Rods
Inspect the push rod ball and socket for signs of
scoring. Check for cracks where the ball and the
socket are pressed into the tube (Fig. 41).
Roll the push rod on a flat work surface with the
socket end hanging off the edge (Fig. 42). Replace
any push rod that appears to be bent.
Crossheads
Inspect the crossheads for cracks and/or excessive
wear on rocker lever and valve tip mating surfaces
(Fig. 43).
INSTALLATION
(1) If previously removed, install the push rods in
their original location.Verify that they are seated
in the tappets.(2) Lubricate the valve tips and install the cross-
heads in their original locations.
(3) Lubricate the crossheads and push rod sockets
and install the rocker arms and pedestals in their
original locations. Tighten bolts to 36 N´m (27 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(4)Verify valve lash adjustment (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST
VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Install cylinder head cover and reusable gasket
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(6) Connect battery negative cables.
Fig. 40 Measuring Rocker Arm Shaft
ROCKER ARM SHAFT (MIN.)
21.965 mm (.865 in.)
Fig. 41 Inspecting Push Rod for Cracks
Fig. 42 Inspecting Push Rod for Flatness
Fig. 43 Inspecting Crosshead for Cracks
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 263
ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER ASSY (Continued)

ENGINE BLOCK
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BLOCK
REFACING
(1) The combustion deck can be refaced twice. The
first reface should be 0.25 mm (0.0098 inch). If addi-
tional refacing is required, an additional 0.25 mm
(0.0098 inch) can be removed. Total allowed refacing
is 0.50 mm (0.0197 inch) - (Fig. 44).
(2) The upper right corner of the rear face of the
block must be stamped with a X when the block is
refaced to 0.25 mm (0.0098 inch). A second X must be
stamped beside the first when the block is refaced to
0.50 mm (0.0197 inch) - (Fig. 45).
(3) Consult the parts catalog for the proper head
gaskets which must be used with refaced blocks to
ensure proper piston-to-valve clearance.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE -
DE-GLAZE
(1) New piston rings may not seat in glazed cylin-
der bores.
(2) De-glazing gives the bore the correct surface
finish required to seat the rings. The size of the bore
is not changed by proper de-glazing.
(3) Cover the lube and tappet holes in the top of
the block with waterproof tape.
(4) It crankshaft is installed, wrap connecting rod
journals with clean cloth. Cover cloth with water-
proof tape.
(5) A correctly honed surface will have a cross-
hatch appearance with the lines at 15É to 25É angles
(Fig. 46). For the rough hone, use 80 grit honing
stones. To finish hone, use 280 grit honing stones.
Fig. 44 Refacing Dimensions of the Cylinder Block
CYLINDER BLOCK REFACING DIMENSIONS
DIMENSION(A(
1st Reface 0.25mm (0.0098 in.)
2nd Reface 0.25mm (0.0098 in.)
Dim (A) Total 0.50 mm (0.0197 in.)
DIMENSION(B(
Dim.9B9(STD.)323.00 mm   0.10
mm(12.7165 in.  
0.0039 in.)
1st Reface322.75 mm   0.10
mm(12.7067 in.  
0.0039 in.)
2nd Reface322.50 mm   0.10
mm(12.6968 in.  
0.0039 in.)
Fig. 45 Stamp Block after Reface
Fig. 46 Cylinder Bore Crosshatch Pattern
9 - 264 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR

(6) Remove the wooden dowel rods and rubber
bands from the tappets.
(7) Lubricate the push rods with engine oil and
install in their original location.Verify that they
are seated in the tappets.
(8) Lubricate the valve tips with engine oil and
install the crossheads in their original locations.
(9) Lubricate the crossheads and push rod sockets
with engine oil and install the rocker arms and ped-
estals in their original locations. Tighten bolts to 36
N´m (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10)Verify valve lash adjustment (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST
VALVES & SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Install the cylinder head cover and reusable
gasket (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(12) Install gear housing cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/GEAR HOUSING COVER
- INSTALLATION). Install front crankshaft dust
seal.
(13) Install the crankshaft damper with the speed
indicator ring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - INSTALLATION).
(14) Install the fan support/hub assembly Refer to
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the power steering pump.
(16) Install accessory drive belt tensioner. Torque
bolt to 43 Nm (32 ft. lbs.).
(17) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the charge air cooler (with a/c con-
denser and auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if
equipped) and tighten the mounting bolts to 2 N´m
(17 in. lbs.) torque.
(19) Connect charge air cooler inlet and outlet
pipes. Tighten clamps to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(20) Install the radiator upper support panel.
(21) Close radiator petcock and lower the radiator
into the engine compartment. Tighten the mounting
bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(22) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(23) Connect radiator lower hose and install
clamp.
(24) Connect transmission auxiliary oil cooler lines
(if equipped).
(25) Lower vehicle.
(26) Install the fan shroud and tighten the mount-
ing screws to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(27) Install the electronically controlled viscous
fan/drive assembly. Connect harness connector.(Refer
to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION).(28) Install the coolant recovery and windshield
washer fluid reservoirs to the fan shroud.
(29) Connect the coolant recovery hose to the radi-
ator filler neck.
(30) Add engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(31) Charge A/C system with refrigerant (if A/C
equipped) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(32) Connect the battery negative cables.
(33) Start engine and check for engine oil and cool-
ant leaks.
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONNECTING ROD
BEARING AND CRANKSHAFT JOURNAL
CLEARANCE
(1) Measure the connecting rod bore with bearings
removedand the bolts tightened to 100 N´m (73 ft.
lbs.) torque..
(2) Measure the connecting rod bore with the bear-
ingsinstalledand the bolts tightened to 100 N´m
(73 ft. lbs.) torque.
Measure within 20É arc from each side of the part-
ing line. Also measure 90É from parting line.
Record the smallest and largest diameter.
Measure the diameter of the rod journal at the
location shown (Fig. 63). Calculate the average diam-
eter for each side of the journal.
Determine minimum bearing clearance by calculat-
ing the differance between the smallest connecting
rod bore diameter with the bearing installed and the
average diameter for each side of the crankshaft jour-
nal.
Determine the maximum bearing clearance by cal-
culating the difference between the largest connect-
ing rod bore diameter and the average diameter with
the bearing installed for each side of the crankshaft
journal.
DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT
CONNECTING ROD
BORE, BEARINGS
REMOVEDMIN. 72.99 mm (2.874
in.)
MAX. 73.01 mm (2.875
in.)
CONNECTING ROD
BORE, BEARINGS
INSTALLEDMIN. 69.05 mm (2.719
in.)
MAX. 69.10 mm (2.720
in.)
9 - 272 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)

PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
PISTONS
The piston (Fig. 85) is constructed of aluminum
and is gravity cast, free floating design. The piston
incorporates a centrally located high swirl combus-
tion bowl, and utilizes a ªkeystoneº style top com-
pression ring (Fig. 86), and a ªTapered Faceº
intermediate ring (Fig. 86), for superior cylinder wall
scraping. Piston cooling nozzles cool the piston and
pin with engine oil supplied by the crankshaft main
journals. High horsepower pistons are gallery cooled
and utilize J-jet piston cooling nozzles. Pistons are
directional in order to provide clearance to piston
cooling nozzles.
CONNECTING RODS
The connecting rods are a split angle design. They
have a pressed-in-place wrist pin bushing that is
lubricated by piston cooling nozzle oil spray.
Machined connecting rods are no longer used
in the diesel engine. Do not install machined
connecting rods into an engine that has frac-
tured split connecting rods.
Fractured split connecting rods are first manufac-
tured as a single piece and then fractured into two
pieces. Fractured split connecting rods can be identi-
fied by a rough and irregular surface at the connect-
ing rod split face. To properly assemble the rod cap to
the connecting rod, the bearing tangs on the connect-
ing rod and cap must be located on the same side of
the rod. The long end of the connecting rod must be
assembled on the intake or camshaft side of the
engine.
Each matched fractured split connecting rod and
cap is an assembly and are not interchangeable. If a
connecting rod or cap is damaged, the entire assem-
bly must be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAD GASKET
SELECTION
(1) Measure piston protrusion for all six pistons.
(2) Calculate the average piston protrusion. Maxi-
mum allowable protrusion is 0.516 mm (0.020 inch).
NOTE: There are two different head gaskets avail-
able. One gasket is for Average piston protrusion
less than 0.30 mm (0.011 inch). The other gasket is
for Average piston protrusion greater than 0.30 mm
(0.011 inch)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery cables.
(2) Remove the cylinder head (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the oil pan and suction tube (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove bolts and the block stiffener.
(5) Using Miller Tool 7471-B crankshaft barring
tool, rotate the crankshaft so all of the pistons are
below TDC.
(6) Before removing the piston(s) from the bore(s):
(a) Remove any carbon ridge formations or
deposits at the top of the bore with a dull scraper
or soft wire brush.
(b) If cylinder bore wear ridges are found, use a
ridge reamer to cut the ridge from the bore. DO
NOT remove more metal than necessary to remove
the ridge.
(7) Remove the J-jet cooling nozzles, if equipped.
Fig. 85 Piston - Typical
Fig. 86 Piston Ring Identification
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 281