1999 DODGE RAM check oil

rust may be removed using bead blasting method. Components must be
free of oil and grease prior to bead blasting. Beads will stick to
grease or oil soaked areas causing area not to be cleaned.
Use air pressure to remove all trapped residual beads from
components after cleaning. After cleaning internal engine parts made
of aluminum, wash thoroughly with hot soapy water. Component must be
thoroughly cleaned as glass beads will enter engine oil resulting in
bearing damage.
CHEMICAL CLEANING
Solvent tank is used for cleaning oily residue from
components. Solvent blasting sprays solvent through a siphon gun using
compressed air.
The hot tank, using heated caustic solvents, is used for
cleaning ferrous materials only. DO NOT clean aluminum parts such as
cylinder heads, bearings or other soft metals using the hot tank.
After cleaning, flush parts with hot water.
A non-ferrous part will be ruined and caustic solution will
be diluted if placed in the hot tank. Always use eye protection and
gloves when using the hot tank.
Use of a cold tank is for cleaning of aluminum cylinder
heads, carburetors and other soft metals. A less caustic and unheated
solution is used. Parts may be lift in the tank for several hours
without damage. After cleaning, flush parts with hot water.
Steam cleaning, with boiling hot water sprayed at high
pressure, is recommended as the final cleaning process when using
either hot or cold tank cleaning.
COMPONENT CLEANING
* 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.
SHEET METAL PARTS
Examples of sheet metal parts are the rocker covers, front
and side covers, oil pan and bellhousing dust cover. Glass bead
blasting or hot tank may be used for cleaning.
Ensure all mating surfaces are flat. Deformed surfaces should
be straightened. Check all sheet metal parts for cracks and dents.
INTAKE & EXHAUST MANIFOLDS
Using solvent cleaning or bead blasting, clean manifolds for
inspection. If the intake manifold has an exhaust crossover, all
carbon deposits must be removed. Inspect manifolds for cracks, burned
or eroded areas, corrosion and damage to fasteners.
Exhaust heat and products of combustion cause threads of
fasteners to corrode. Replace studs and bolts as necessary. On "V"
type intake manifolds, the sheet metal oil shield must be removed for
proper cleaning and inspection. Ensure that all manifold parting
surfaces are flat and free of burrs.
CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT
* 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.
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.

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

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

ROCKER ARMS & ASSEMBLIES
Rocker Studs
Rocker studs are either threaded or pressed in place.
Threaded studs are removed by locking 2 nuts on the stud. Unscrew the
stud by turning the jam nut. Coat the stud threads with Loctite and
install. Tighten to specification.
Pressed in stud can be removed using a stud puller. Ream the
stud bore to proper specification and press in a new oversize stud.
Pressed in studs are often replaced by cutting threads in the stud
bore to accept a threaded stud.
Rocker Arms & Shafts
Mark rocker arms for location. Remove rocker arm retaining
bolts. Remove rocker arms. Inspect rocker arms, shafts, bushings and
pivot balls (if equipped) for excessive wear. Inspect rocker arms
for wear in valve stem contact area. Measure rocker arm bushing I.D.
Replace bushings if excessively worn.
The rocker arm valve stem contact point can be reground,
using special fixture for valve grinding machine. Remove minimum
amount of material as possible. Ensure all oil passages are clear.
Install rocker arms in original locations. Ensure rocker arm is
properly seated in push rod. Tighten bolts to specification. Adjust
valves if required. See VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
Pushrods
Remove rocker arms. Mark push rods for location. Remove push
rods. Push rods can be steel or aluminum, solid or hollow. Hollow
pushrods must be internally cleaned to ensure oil passage to the
rocker arms is cleaned. Check the pushrod for damage, such as loose
ends on steel tipped aluminum types.
Check push rod for straightness. Roll push rod on a flat
surface. Using feeler gauge, check clearance at center. Replace push
rod if bent. The push rod can also be supported at each end and
rotated. A dial indicator is used to detect bends in the push rod.
Lubricate ends of push rod and install push rod in original
location. Ensure push rod is properly seated in lifter. Install rocker
arm. Tighten bolts to specification. Adjust valves if required. See
VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
LIFTERS
Hydraulic Lifters
Before replacing a hydraulic lifter for noisy operation,
ensure noise is not caused by worn rocker arms or valve tips.
Hydraulic lifter assemblies must be installed in original locations.
Remove the 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 a hydraulic lifter remover or magnet. Different type lifters are
used. See Fig. 13.

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

Fig. 18: Measuring Connecting Rod Side Clearance - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Check for improper bearing installation, wrong bearing cap
or insufficient bearing clearance if side clearance is insufficient.
Connecting rod may require machining to obtain proper clearance.
Excessive clearance usually indicates excessive wear at crankshaft.
Crankshaft must be repaired or replaced.
MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE
Plastigage Method
Plastigage method may be used to determine bearing clearance.
Plastigage can be used with an engine in service or during reassembly.
Plastigage material is oil soluble.
Ensure journals and bearings are free of oil or solvent.
Oil or solvent will dissolve material and false reading will be
obtained. Install small piece of Plastigage along full length of
bearing journal. Install bearing cap in original location. Tighten
bolts to specification.
CAUTION: DO NOT rotate crankshaft while Plastigage is installed.
Bearing clearance will not be obtained if crankshaft is
rotated.
Remove bearing cap. Compare Plastigage width with scale on
Plastigage container to determine bearing clearance. See Fig. 19.
Rotate crankshaft 90 degrees. Repeat procedure. this is done to check
journal eccentricity. This procedure can be used to check oil
clearance on both connecting rod and main bearings.

CRANKSHAFT & MAIN 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.
REMOVAL
Ensure all main bearing caps are marked for location on
cylinder block. Some main bearing caps have an arrow stamped on it
which must face front of engine. Remove main bearing cap bolts. Remove
main bearing caps. Carefully remove crankshaft. Use care not to bind
crankshaft in cylinder block during removal.
CLEANING & INSPECTION
Thoroughly clean crankshaft using solvent. Dry with
compressed air. Ensure all oil passages are clear and free of sludge,
rust, dirt, and metal chips.
Inspect crankshaft for scoring and nicks. Inspect crankshaft
for cracks using Magnaflux procedure. Inspect rear seal area for
grooving or damage. Inspect bolt hole threads for damage. If pilot
bearing or bushing is used, check pilot bearing or bushing fit in
crankshaft. Inspect crankshaft gear for damaged or cracked teeth.
Replace gear if damaged. Check that oil passage plugs are tight (if
equipped).
Using micrometer, measure all journals in 4 areas to
determine journal taper, out-of-round and undersize. See Fig. 20.
Some crankshafts can be reground to the next largest undersize,
depending on the amount of wear or damage. Crankshafts with rolled
fillet cannot be reground and must be replaced.
Fig. 20: Measuring Crankshaft Journal - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Crankshaft journal runout should be checked. Install
crankshaft in "V" blocks or bench center. Position dial indicator