1999 DODGE RAM Spark plugs


F - B ASIC T E STIN G - R W D - G ASO LIN E

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ENGINE PERFORMANCE
CHRY - Basic Diagnostic Procedures Trucks & RWD Vans
Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van, Ram Wagon
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist
until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
INTRODUCTION
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking
a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start
condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is
verifying the customer's complaint with a test drive under the
conditions the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and
complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from
mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or
damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized
system, perform each test listed in this article.
NOTE: Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM)\
with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated
otherwise in test procedure.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION & ADJUSTMENTS
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed,
stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit
tightly and are not corroded. Ensure vacuum hoses are properly routed
and are not pinched or cut. Inspect air induction system for possible
vacuum leaks.
MECHANICAL INSPECTION
Compression
Ensure battery is fully charged. Warm engine to normal
operating temperature. Disconnect wire at ignition coil to prevent
engine from starting. Check engine compression with all spark plugs
removed and throttle wide open.
Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge,
vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for
specific instructions.
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS









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Application Specification
Compression Ratio
Ram Pickup (8.0L) .......................................... 8.4:1\
All Others ................................................. 9.1:1
Normal Compression Pressure .................................... ( 1)

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

CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCHES
COLD START INJECTORS
CONNECTORS
COOLANT
COOLANT RECOVERY TANKS
COOLING FAN MOTOR MODULES
COOLING FAN MOTOR RELAYS AND MODULES
COOLING FAN MOTOR RESISTORS
COOLING FAN MOTOR SENSORS AND SWITCHES
COOLING FAN MOTOR SWITCHES
COOLING FAN MOTORS
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS
DECEL VALVES
DEFLECTORS
DIP STICKS AND TUBES
DIP STICK TUBES
DISTRIBUTOR ADVANCES AND RETARDERS (MECHANICAL AND VACUUM)
DISTRIBUTOR BOOTS AND SHIELDS
DISTRIBUTOR CAPS
DISTRIBUTOR RETARDERS (MECHANICAL AND VACUUM)
DISTRIBUTOR ROTORS
DISTRIBUTOR SHIELDS
DISTRIBUTORS
EARLY FUEL EVAPORATION VALVES (HEAT RISER ASSEMBLIES)
EGR COOLERS
EGR EXHAUST MANIFOLD PASSAGES
EGR INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD PASSAGES
EGR PLATES AND COOLERS
ELECTRONIC SPARK CONTROL MODULES
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL DEVICES
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FEEDBACK DEVICES
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORS
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMS
ENGINE COVERS (OIL PAN, VALVE COVER, TIMING COVER)
ENGINE OIL
ENGINE OIL CANISTERS
ENGINE OIL COOLERS (EXTERNAL)
ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUGS AND GASKETS
ENGINE OIL FILTERS AND CANISTERS
ENGINE OIL GASKETS
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGES (MECHANICAL)
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) CANISTER FILTERS
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) CANISTER PURGE DEVICES
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) CANISTERS
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) FEEDBACK DEVICES
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION DEVICES
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION FEEDBACK DEVICES
EXPANSION PLUGS
FAN CONTROL SENSORS
FUEL
FUEL ACCUMULATORS AND DAMPERS
FUEL AND COLD START INJECTORS
FUEL DAMPERS
FUEL DELIVERY CHECK VALVES
FUEL DISTRIBUTORS (BOSCH CIS)
FUEL FILLER NECKS AND RESTRICTORS
FUEL FILTERS
FUEL INJECTORS
FUEL LEVEL SENDERS7
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS
FUEL PUMPS (IN-TANK AND EXTERNAL, ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL)
FUEL RAILS
FUEL RESTRICTORS

FUEL TANKS
GAS CAPS
GASKETS
GROMMETS (VALVE COVER)
HARMONIC DAMPERS
HEATER CONTROL VALVES
HEATER CORES
HOSE AND TUBE COUPLERS, CONNECTORS AND CLAMPS
HOSE CLAMPS
HOSE CONNECTORS
HOSE COUPLERS
HOSES AND TUBES (FUEL LINES, RADIATOR, VACUUM, BY PASS,
HEATER, RECOVERY TANK AND OIL COOLERS)
HOUSINGS
IDLE AIR CONTROLS
IDLE SPEED CONTROL ACTUATORS
IGNITION BOOTS
IGNITION COIL TOWERS
IGNITION COILS
IGNITION CONTROL MODULES (ICM)
IGNITION SWITCHES
IGNITION TERMINALS
IGNITION WIRES, BOOTS, COIL TOWERS AND TERMINALS (SECONDARY)
IN-TANK FUEL STRAINERS
INERTIA FUEL SHUT-OFF SWITCHES
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSORS
INTAKE MANIFOLDS
INTERCOOLERS
KNOCK SENSORS
LIQUID VAPOR SEPARATORS
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSORS
MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) SENSORS
METAL AIR MANIFOLDS AND PIPES
METAL AIR PIPES
MIX CONTROL SOLENOIDS
MOTOR MOUNTS
O-RINGS, GASKETS, SEALS AND SPRING LOCKS
O2 SENSORS
OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNITS
OIL PUMP PICK-UP SCREENS
OIL PUMPS
PARK NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCHES
PCV BREATHER ELEMENTS
PCV ORIFICES
PCV VALVES
PICK-UP ASSEMBLIES (INCLUDES MAGNETIC, HALL EFFECT AND
OPTICAL)
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SENSORS
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCM) AND PROM
POWERTRAIN CONTROL PROM
PRESSURIZED EXPANSION TANK CAPS
RADIATOR CAPS AND PRESSURIZED EXPANSION TANK CAPS
RADIATOR FAN BLADES
RADIATOR FAN CLUTCHES
RADIATORS
ROLL OVER VALVES
SEALING COMPOUNDS
SEALS
SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT DEVICES
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS
SHROUDS, BAFFLES AND DEFLECTORS
SPARK PLUGS
SPRING LOCKS

Idle Speed Control Actuator ............................... ISC
Mix Control Solenoid .............................. MC Solenoid
Secondary Air Injection System Management Device .... AIR, PAIR
Vacuum Regulator Solenoid .................................. ..
Waste Gate Control Solenoid ................................ ..









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SHROUDS, BAFFLES AND DEFLECTORS
SHROUD, BAFFLE AND DEFLECTOR INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Application incorrect,
affecting cooling system
performance ............ A . Require repair or replacement.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A .. Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C ......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware not
functioning ............ A .. Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Bent, affecting cooling
system performance ..... A . Require repair or replacement.
Blocked, affecting cooling
system performance ..... A . Require repair or replacement.
Broken, affecting cooling
system performance ..... A . Require repair or replacement.
Cracked, affecting cooling
system performance ..... A . Require repair or replacement.
Loose, affecting cooling
system performance ..... A ................ Require repair.
Loose, not affecting
cooling system
performance ............ 2 ................ Suggest repair.
Missing, affecting cooling
system performance ..... C ........... Require replacement.









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SPARK PLUGS
NOTE: You are not required to replace spark plugs in sets.
However, you may suggest replacement of the other plugs
for preventive maintenance.
SPARK PLUG INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Application incorrect ... B ............ Require replacement.
Electrode eroded ........ 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
Fouled .................. A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Gap incorrect ........... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Insulation broken ....... A ............. Require replacement
Insulator cracked ....... A ............ Require replacement.
Leaking compression ..... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Maintenance interval .... 3 ............ Suggest replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads

 Item  Condition  Specification (1) 

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Engine Oil  Capacity, Upper Safe Mark  10 Qts. (9.5L) 


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 Capacity, Lower Safe Mark  8 Qts. (7.5L) 

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Engine  Drained  26 Qts. (24.5L) 

Coolant   

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1) - Capacities are recommended or calculated levels. Always use 

dipstick (if available) to measure level. 
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120,000 MILE (192,000 KM)/120 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
120,000 MILE (192,000 KM)/120 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
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VERIFY 

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Last Major Service Was Performed. 

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INSPECT 

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 Exhaust System 


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 Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 


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 Front Wheel Bearings (4x2) 

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SERVICE 

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 Rotate Tires 


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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 


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 Automatic Transmission Bands 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil 


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 Engine Oil Filter 


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 Automatic Transmission Fluid & Filter 


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 Air Cleaner Filter 


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 Spark Plugs 


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 Ignition Cables 

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LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS 

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Material  Condition  Specification 

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Engine Oil Ambient Temperature Above 10F SAE 15W-40 

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1)  (-12C) To Over 30F (-1C)  


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Ambient Temperature Less Than  SAE 10W-30 

0F (-18C) To Over 30F(-1C) 

  5.2L: Drained, W/New Filter  5 Qts. (4.7L) 


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 5.9L: Drained, W/New Filter  5 Qts. (4.7L) 


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 3.9L: Drained  3.5 Qts. (3.3L) 


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 5.2L: Drained  4.5 Qts. (4.2L) 


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 5.9L: Drained  4.5 Qts. (4.2L) 

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Engine  3.9L: Drained  20 Qts. (19L) 

Coolant 
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 5.2L: Drained  20 Qts. (19L) 


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 5.9L: Drained  20 Qts. (19L) 

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(
1) - Capacities are recommended or calculated levels. Always use 

dipstick (if available) to measure level. 
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30,000 MILE (48,000 KM)/24 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
30,000 MILE (48,000 KM)/24 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
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VERIFY 

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Last Major Service Was Performed. 

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INSPECT 

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 Exhaust System 


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 Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 

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SERVICE 

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 Rotate Tires 


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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil 


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 Engine Oil Filter 


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 Air Cleaner Filter 


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 Spark Plugs 

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LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS 

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Material  Condition  Specification 

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Engine Oil Ambient Temperature Above 0 F SAE 10W-30 

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1)  (-18C) To Over 100F (38C)  


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Ambient Temperature Less Than  SAE 5W-30 

-20F (-29C) Up To 32F (0C) 

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  Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 


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 PCV Valve 

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SERVICE 

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 Rotate Tires 


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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil 


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 Engine Oil Filter 


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 Air Cleaner Filter 


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 Spark Plugs 


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 Ignition Cables 

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LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS 

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Material  Condition  Specification 

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Engine Oil Ambient Temperature Above 0 F SAE 10W-30 

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1)  (-18C) To Over 100F (38C)  


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Ambient Temperature Less Than  SAE 5W-30 

-20F (-29C) Up To 32F (0C) 

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Engine  All  50/50 Mixture Of 

Coolant   Distilled Water & 

  Ethylene Glycol 

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Brake Fluid  All  DOT 3 

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Steering  All  Mopar Multi-Mileage 

Linkage   Lubricant 

Lubricant   

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(
1) - SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred. Use only API approved 

oil with Starburst Symbol. 

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FLUID CAPACITIES 

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Item  Condition  Specification (1) 

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Engine Oil  3.9L: Drained, W/New Filter  4 Qts. (3.8L) 


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 5.2L: Drained, W/New Filter  5 Qts. (4.7L) 


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 5.9L: Drained, W/New Filter  5 Qts. (4.7L) 


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 3.9L: Drained  3.5 Qts. (3.3L) 


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 5.2L: Drained  4.5 Qts. (4.2L) 


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 5.9L: Drained  4.5 Qts. (4.2L) 

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