1999 DODGE RAM engine

NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
REMOVAL
Remove intake and exhaust manifolds and valve cover. Cylinder
head and camshaft carrier bolts (if equipped), should be removed only
when the engine is cold. On many aluminum cylinder heads, removal
while hot will cause cylinder head warpage. Mark rocker arm or
overhead cam components for location.
Remove rocker arm components or overhead cam components.
Components must be installed in original location. Individual design
rocker arms may utilize shafts, ball-type pedestal mounts or no rocker
arms. For all design types, wire components together and identify
according to the corresponding valve. Remove cylinder head bolts.
Note length and location. Some applications require cylinder head
bolts be removed in proper sequence to prevent cylinder head damage.
See Fig. 1 . Remove cylinder head.
Fig. 1: Typical Cylinder Head Tightening or Loosening Sequence
This Graphic For General Information Only
INSTALLATION
Ensure all surfaces and head bolts are clean. Check that head
bolt holes of cylinder block are clean and dry to prevent block damage
when bolts are tightened. Clean threads with tap to ensure accurate
bolt torque.
Install head gasket on cylinder block. Some manufacturer's
may recommend sealant be applied to head gasket prior to installation.
Note that all holes are aligned. Some gasket applications may be
marked so certain area faces upward. Install cylinder head using care
not to damage head gasket. Ensure cylinder head is fully seated on
cylinder block.
Some applications require head bolts be coated with sealant
prior to installation. This is done if head bolts are exposed to water
passages. Some applications require head bolts be coated with light
coat of engine oil.

Install head bolts. Head bolts should be tightened in proper
steps and sequence to specification. See Fig. 1. Install remaining
components. Tighten all bolts to specification. Adjust valves if
required. See VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
NOTE: Some manufacturers require that head bolts be retightened
after specified amount of operation. This must be done to
prevent head gasket failure.
VALVE ADJUSTMENT
Engine specifications will indicate valve train clearance and
temperature at which adjustment is to be made on most models. In most
cases, adjustment will be made with a cold engine. In some cases, both
a cold and a hot clearance will be given for maintenance convenience.
On some models, adjustment is not required. Rocker arms are
tightened to specification and valve lash is automatically set. On
some models with push rod actuated valve train, adjustment is made at
push rod end of rocker arm while other models do not require
adjustment.
Clearance will be checked between tip of rocker arm and tip
of valve stem in proper sequence using a feeler gauge. Adjustment is
made by rotating adjusting screw until proper clearance is obtained.
Lock nut is then tightened. Engine will be rotated to obtain all valve
adjustments to manufacturer's specifications.
Some models require hydraulic lifter to be bled down and
clearance measured. Different length push rods can be used to obtain
proper clearance. Clearance will be checked between tip of rocker arm
and tip of valve stem in proper sequence using a feeler gauge.
On overhead cam engines designed without rocker arms actuate
valves directly on a cam follower. A hardened, removable disc is
installed between the cam lobe and lifter. Clearance will be checked
between cam heel and adjusting disc in proper sequence using a feeler
gauge. Engine will be rotated to obtain all valve adjustments.
On overhead cam engines designed with rocker arms, adjustment
is made at push rod end of rocker arm. Ensure that the valve to be
adjusted is riding on the heel of the cam on all engines. Clearance
will be checked between tip of rocker arm and tip of valve stem in
proper sequence using a feeler gauge. Adjustment is made by rotating
adjusting screw until proper clearance is obtained. Lock nut is then
tightened. Engine will be rotated to obtain all valve adjustments to
manufacturer's specifications.
CYLINDER HEAD OVERHAUL
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
DISASSEMBLY
Mark valves for location. Using valve spring compressor,
compress valve springs. Remove valve locks. Carefully release spring
compressor. Remove retainer or rotator, valve spring, spring seat and
valve. See Fig. 2.

On cast cylinder heads, if warpage exceeds .003" (.08 mm)
in a 6" span, or .006" (.15 mm) over total length, cylinder head must
be resurfaced. On most aluminum cylinder heads, if warpage exceeds .
002" (.05 mm) in any area, cylinder head must be resurfaced. Warpage
specification may vary with manufacturer.
Cylinder head thickness should be measured to determine
amount of material which can be removed before replacement is
required. Cylinder head thickness must not be less than manufacturer's
specifications.
If cylinder head required resurfacing, it may not align
properly with intake manifold. On "V" type engines, misalignment is
corrected by machining intake manifold surface that contacts cylinder
head. Cylinder head may be machined on surface that contacts intake
manifold.
Using oil stone, remove burrs or scratches from all sealing
surfaces.
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect valve springs for corroded or pitted valve spring
surfaces which may lead to breakage. Polished spring ends caused by
a rotating spring, indicates that spring surge has occurred. Replace
springs showing evidence of these conditions.
Inspect valve springs for squareness using a 90 degree
straightedge. See Fig. 4. Replace valve spring if out-of-square
exceeds manufacturer's specification.
Fig. 4: Checking Valve Spring Squareness - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Using vernier caliper, measure free length of all valve
springs. Replace springs if not within specification. Using valve

during manufacture, some new type valves cannot be reground.
Resurface valve on proper angle specification using valve
grinding machine. Follow manufacturer's instructions for valve
grinding machine. Specifications may indicate a different valve face
angle than seat angle.
Measure valve margin after grinding. Replace valve if not
within specification. Valve stem tip can be refinished using valve
grinding machine.
Valve Lapping
During valve lapping of recent designed valves, be sure to
follow manufacturers recommendations. Surface hardening and materials
used with some valves do not permit lapping. Lapping process will
remove excessive amounts of the hardened surface.
Valve lapping is done to ensure adequate sealing between
valve face and seat. Use either a hand drill or lapping stick with
suction cup attached.
Moisten and attach suction cup to valve. Lubricate valve stem
and guide. Apply a thin coat of fine valve grinding compound between
valve and seat. Rotate lapping tool between the palms or with hand
drill.
Lift valve upward off the seat and change position often.
This is done to prevent grooving of valve seat. Lap valve until a
smooth polished seat is obtained. Thoroughly clean grinding compound
from components. Valve to valve seat concentricity should be checked.
See VALVE SEAT CONCENTRICITY.
CAUTION: Valve guides must be in good condition and free of carbon
deposits prior to valve seat grinding. Some engines contain
an induction hardened valve seat. Excessive material removal
will damage valve seats.
Valve Seat Grinding
Select coarse stone of correct size and angle for seat to be
ground. Ensure stone is true and has a smooth surface. Select correct
size pilot for valve guide dimension. Install pilot in valve guide.
Lightly lubricate pilot shaft. Install stone on pilot. Move stone off
and on the seat approximately 2 times per second during grinding
operation.
Select a fine stone to finish grinding operation. Grinding
stones with 30 and 60 degree angles are used to center and narrow the
valve seat as required. See Fig. 10.
Fig. 10: Adjusting Valve Seat Width - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Valve Seat Replacement
Replacement of valve seat inserts is done by cutting out

than .010" (.25 mm) from tip. Chamfer sharp edge of reground valve
tip. Recheck valve stem installed height.
VALVE STEM OIL SEALS
Valve stem oil seals must be installed on valve stem. See
Fig. 2 . Seals are needed due to pressure differential at the ends of
valve guides. Atmospheric pressure above intake guide, combined with
manifold vacuum below guide, causes oil to be drawn into the cylinder.
Exhaust guides also have pressure differential created by
exhaust gas flowing past the guide, creating a low pressure area. This
low pressure area draws oil into the exhaust system.
Replacement (On Vehicle)
Mark rocker arm or overhead cam components for location.
Remove rocker arm components or overhead cam components. Components
must be installed in original location. Remove spark plugs. Valve stem
oil seals may be replaced by holding valves against seats using air
pressure.
Air pressure must be installed in cylinder using an adapter
for spark plug hole. An adapter can be constructed by welding air hose
connection to spark plug body with porcelain removed.
Install adapter in spark plug hole. Apply a minimum of 140
psi (9.8 kg/cm
) to adapter. Air pressure should hold valve closed. If
air pressure does not hold valve closed, check for damaged or bent
valve. Cylinder head must be removed for service.
Using valve spring compressor, compress valve springs. Remove
valve locks. Carefully release spring compressor. Remove retainer or
rotator and valve spring. Remove valve stem oil seal.
If oversized valves have been installed, oversized oil seals
must be used. Coat valve stem with engine oil. Install protective
sleeve over end of valve stem. Install new oil seal over valve stem
and seat on valve guide. Remove protective sleeve. Install spring
seat, valve spring and retainer or rotator. Compress spring and
install valve locks. Remove spring compressor. Ensure valve locks
are fully seated.
Install rocker arms or overhead cam components. Tighten all
bolts to specification. Adjust valves if required. Remove adapter.
Install spark plugs, valve cover and gasket.
VALVE SPRING INSTALLED HEIGHT
Valve spring installed height should be checked during
reassembly. Measure height from lower edge of valve spring to the
upper edge. DO NOT include valve spring seat or retainer. Distance
must be within specifications. If valves and/or seats have been
ground, a valve spring shim may be required to correct spring height.
See Fig. 12 .
Fig. 12: Measuring Valve Spring Installed Height - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only

interchangeable. Inspect all components for wear. Note amount of wear
in lifter body-to-camshaft contact area. Surface must have smooth and
convex contact face. If wear is apparent, carefully inspect cam lobe.
Inspect push rod contact area and lifter body for scoring
or signs of wear. If body is scored, inspect lifter bore for damage
and lack of lubrication. On roller type lifters, inspect roller for
flaking, pitting, loss of needle bearings and roughness during
rotation.
Measure lifter body O.D. in several areas. Measure lifter
bore I.D. of cylinder block. Some models offer oversized lifters.
Replace lifter if damaged.
If lifter check valve is not operating, obstructions may be
preventing it from closing or valve spring may be broken. Clean or
replace components as necessary.
Check plunger operation. Plunger should drop to bottom of the
body by its own weight when assembled dry. If plunger is not free,
soak lifter in solvent to dissolve deposits.
Lifter leak-down test can be performed on lifter. Lifter
must be filled with special test oil. New lifters contain special test
oil. Using lifter leak-down tester, perform leak-down test following
manufacturer's instructions. If leak-down time is not within
specifications, replace lifter assembly.
Lifters should be soaked in clean engine oil several hours
prior to installation. Coat lifter base, roller (if equipped) and
lifter body with ample amount of Molykote or camshaft lubricant. See
Fig. 13. Install lifter in original location. Install remaining
components. Valve lash adjustment is not required on most hydraulic
lifters. Preload of hydraulic lifter is automatic. Some models may
require adjustment.
Mechanical Lifters
Lifter assemblies must be installed in original locations.
Remove rocker arm assembly and push rod. Mark components for location.
Some applications require intake manifold or lifter cover removal.
Remove lifter retainer plate (if used). To remove lifters, use lifter
remover or magnet.
Inspect push rod contact area and lifter body for scoring or
signs of wear. If body is scored, inspect lifter bore for damage and
lack of lubrication. Note amount of wear in lifter body-to-camshaft
contact area. Surface must have smooth and convex contact face. If
wear is apparent, carefully inspect cam lobe.
Coat lifter base, roller (if equipped) and lifter body with
ample amount of Molykote or camshaft lubricant. Install lifter in
original location. Install remaining components. Tighten bolts to
specification. Adjust valves. See VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
PISTONS, CONNECTING RODS & BEARINGS
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
RIDGE REMOVAL
Ridge in cylinder wall must be removed prior to piston
removal. Failure to remove ridge prior to removing pistons will cause
piston damage in piston ring locations.
With the piston at bottom dead center, place a rag in the
bore to trap metal chips. Install ridge reamer in cylinder bore.
Adjust ridge reamer using manufacturer's instructions. Remove ridge

PISTON & CONNECTING ROD INSTALLATION
Cylinders must be honed prior to piston installation. See
CYLINDER HONING under CYLINDER BLOCK in this article.
Install upper connecting rod bearings. Lubricate upper
bearings with engine oil. Install lower bearings in rod caps. Ensure
bearing tabs are properly seated. Position piston ring gaps according
to manufacturers recommendations. See Fig. 16. Lubricate pistons,
rings and cylinder walls.
Fig. 16: Typical Piston Ring End Gap Positioning - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Install ring compressor. Use care not to rotate piston rings.
Compress rings with ring compressor. Install plastic tubing protectors

over connecting rod bolts. Install piston and connecting rod assembly.
Ensure piston notch, arrow or "FRONT" mark is toward front of engine.
See Fig. 17 .
Fig. 17: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod Assembly - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Carefully tap piston into cylinder until rod bearing is
seated on crankshaft journal. Remove protectors. Install rod cap and
bearing. Lightly tighten connecting rod bolts. Repeat procedure for
remaining cylinders. Check bearing clearance. See
MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE in this article.
Once clearance is checked, lubricate journals and bearings.
Install bearing caps. Ensure marks are aligned on connecting rod and
cap. Tighten rod nuts or bolts to specification. Ensure rod moves
freely on crankshaft. Check connecting rod side clearance. See
CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE in this article.
CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE
Position connecting rod toward one side of crankshaft as far
as possible. Using feeler gauge, measure clearance between side of
connecting rod and crankshaft. See Fig. 18. Clearance must be within
specifications.