2001 DODGE RAM engine overheat

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
PRESSURE CAP IS
BLOWING OFF STEAM
AND/OR COOLANT TO
COOLANT TANK.
TEMPERATURE
GAUGE READING MAY
BE ABOVE NORMAL
BUT NOT HIGH.
COOLANT LEVEL MAY
BE HIGH IN COOLANT
RESERVE/OVERFLOW
TANK1. Pressure relief valve in radiator cap is
defective.1. Check condition of radiator cap and
cap seals. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Replace
cap as necessary.
COOLANT LOSS TO
THE GROUND
WITHOUT PRESSURE
CAP BLOWOFF.
GAUGE READING
HIGH OR HOT1. Coolant leaks in radiator, cooling
system hoses, water pump or engine.1. Pressure test and repair as necessary.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
DETONATION OR
PRE-IGNITION (NOT
CAUSED BY IGNITION
SYSTEM). GAUGE MAY
OR MAY NOT BE
READING HIGH1. Engine overheating. 1. Check reason for overheating and
repair as necessary.
2. Freeze point of coolant not correct.
Mixture is too rich or too lean.2. Check coolant concentration. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID
TYPES - DESCRIPTION).
HOSE OR HOSES
COLLAPSE WHILE
ENGINE IS RUNNING1. Vacuum created in cooling system on
engine cool-down is not being relieved
through coolant reserve/overflow system.1. (a) Radiator cap relief valve stuck.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Replace if
necessary
(b) Hose between coolant reserve/
overflow tank and radiator is kinked.
Repair as necessary.
(c) Vent at coolant reserve/overflow tank
is plugged. Clean vent and repair as
necessary.
(d) Reserve/overflow tank is internally
blocked or plugged. Check for blockage
and repair as necessary.
7 - 10 COOLINGBR/BE
COOLING (Continued)

ACCESSORY DRIVE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BELT TENSIONERS - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION...........................19
OPERATION.............................19
REMOVAL..............................20
INSTALLATION...........................20
BELT TENSIONERS - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION...........................20
OPERATION.............................20
REMOVAL..............................21
INSTALLATION...........................22
BELT TENSIONERS - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................23
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................23
DRIVE BELTS - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................24
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT................24
REMOVAL..............................26INSTALLATION...........................27
DRIVE BELTS - 8.0L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................27
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT................27
REMOVAL..............................30
INSTALLATION...........................30
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L DIESEL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................31
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT................31
REMOVAL..............................33
INSTALLATION...........................34
VACUUM PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION...........................34
OPERATION.............................35
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................35
VACUUM PUMP OUTPUT.................35
REMOVAL..............................35
INSTALLATION...........................37
BELT TENSIONERS - 3.9L/5.2L/
5.9L
DESCRIPTION
Correct drive belt tension is required to ensure
optimum performance of the belt driven engine acces-
sories. If specified tension is not maintained, belt
slippage may cause; engine overheating, lack of
power steering assist, loss of air conditioning capac-
ity, reduced generator output rate, and greatly
reduced belt life.
It is not necessary to adjust belt tension on the
3.9L/5.2L or 5.9L engines. These engines are
equipped with an automatic belt tensioner (Fig. 1).
The tensioner maintains correct belt tension at all
times. Due to use of this belt tensioner, do not
attempt to use a belt tension gauge on 3.9L/5.2L or
5.9L engines.
OPERATION
The automatic belt tensioner maintains belt ten-
sion by using internal spring pressure, a pivoting
arm and pulley to press against the drive belt.
Fig. 1 Automatic Belt TensionerÐ5.2L and 5.9L
Engines
1 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
2 - COIL AND BRACKET
3 - SCREW AND WASHER
BR/BEACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 19

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing the accessory drive belt,
the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may
overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong
direction. Refer to (Fig. 13) (Fig. 14) for correct
engine belt routing. The correct belt with correct
length must be used.
(1) Position drive belt over all pulleysexceptidler
pulley. This pulley is located between generator and
A/C compressor.
(2) Attach a socket/wrench to pulley mounting bolt
of automatic tensioner (Fig. 12).
(3) Rotate socket/wrench clockwise. Place belt over
idler pulley. Let tensioner rotate back into place.
Remove wrench. Be sure belt is properly seated on
all pulleys.
(4) Check belt indexing marks. .
DRIVE BELTS - 8.0L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts,
small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib (Fig. 15), are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace the belt. However,
cracks running along a rib (not across) arenotnor-
mal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must
be replaced (Fig. 15). Also replace the belt if it has
excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS
CHART for further belt diagnosis.
Fig. 13 Belt RoutingÐ5.2L/5.9L Engines with A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - A/C PULLEY
3 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
4 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
6 - TENSIONER PULLEY
7 - IDLER PULLEY
Fig. 14 Belt RoutingÐ5.2L/5.9L Engines Without A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - IDLER PULLEY
3 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
4 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
6 - TENSIONER PULLEY
BR/BEACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 27
DRIVE BELTS - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L (Continued)

REMOVAL
Drive belts are equipped with a spring loaded auto-
matic belt tensioner (Fig. 16). This belt tensioner will
be used on all belt configurations, such as with or
without power steering or air conditioning. For more
information, refer to Automatic Belt Tensioner, pro-
ceeding in this group.
(1) Attach a socket/wrench to pulley mounting bolt
of automatic tensioner (Fig. 16). The threads on the
pulley mounting bolt are left- hand.
(2) Relax the tension from the belt by rotating the
tensioner counterclockwise (as viewed from front)
(Fig. 16). When all belt tension has been relaxed,
remove belt from tensioner pulley first and other pul-
leys last.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing the accessory drive belt,
the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may
overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong
direction. Refer to (Fig. 17) (Fig. 18) for correct
engine belt routing. The correct belt with correct
length must be used.
CAUTION: If the pulley is to be removed from the
tensioner, its mounting bolt has left-hand threads.
(1) Position drive belt over all pulleysexceptten-
sioner pulley.
(2) Attach a socket/wrench to pulley mounting bolt
of automatic tensioner (Fig. 16).
(3) Rotate socket/wrench counterclockwise. Install
belt over tensioner pulley. Let tensioner rotate back
into place. Remove wrench. Be sure belt is properly
seated on all pulleys.
Fig. 16 Belt Tensioner
1 - PULLEY BOLT
2 - IDLER PULLEY
3 - TENSIONER PULLEY
4 - TENSIONER
5 - TENSIONER MOUNTING BOLT
Fig. 17 Belt RoutingÐWith A/C
1 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
2 - GENERATOR PULLEY
3 - IDLER PULLEY
4 - A/C COMPRESSOR PUMP PULLEY
5 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
6 - WATER PUMP AND FAN PULLEY
7 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
8 - AIR PUMP (A.I.R.) PULLEY
7 - 30 ACCESSORY DRIVEBR/BE
DRIVE BELTS - 8.0L (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing the accessory drive belt,
the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may
overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong
direction. Refer to (Fig. 21) (Fig. 22) for correct
engine belt routing. The correct belt with correct
length must be used.
(1) Position drive belt over all pulleysexcept
water pump pulley.
(2) Attach a 3/8 inch ratchet to tensioner.
(3) Rotate ratchet and belt tensioner counterclock-
wise. Place belt over water pump pulley. Let ten-
sioner rotate back into place. Remove ratchet. Be
sure belt is properly seated on all pulleys.
VACUUM PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The vacuum pump and the power steering pump
are combined into a single assembly on diesel engine
models (Fig. 23). Both pumps are operated by a drive
gear attached to the vacuum pump shaft. The shaft
gear is driven by the camshaft gear.
The vacuum pump is a constant displacement,
vane-type pump. Vacuum is generated by four vanes
mounted in the pump rotor. The rotor is located in
the pump housing and is pressed onto the pump
shaft.
The vacuum and steering pumps are operated by a
single drive gear pressed onto the vacuum pump
shaft. The drive gear is operated by the engine cam-
shaft gear.
The vacuum and power steering pump shafts are
connected by a coupling. Each pump shaft has an
adapter with drive lugs that engage in the coupling.
The vacuum pump rotating components are lubri-
cated by engine oil. Lubricating oil is supplied to the
pump through an oil line at the underside of the
pump housing.
Fig. 21 Belt RoutingÐ5.9L Diesel EngineÐWith A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
3 - FAN PULLEY
4 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
5 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR PUMP PULLEY
Fig. 22 Belt RoutingÐ5.9L Diesel EngineÐWithout
A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - FAN PULLEY
3 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
4 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
7 - 34 ACCESSORY DRIVEBR/BE
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................63
RADIATOR COOLANT FLOW..............63
REMOVAL..............................63
CLEANING..............................65
INSPECTION............................65
INSTALLATION...........................65
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION...........................65
OPERATION.............................65
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................66
RADIATOR CAP-TO-FILLER NECK SEAL.....66
RADIATOR CAP........................66
CLEANING..............................66
INSPECTION............................66
WATER PUMP - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION...........................67
OPERATION.............................67
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................67
WATER PUMP.........................67
REMOVAL..............................67
CLEANING..............................69INSPECTION............................69
INSTALLATION...........................70
WATER PUMP - 8.0L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................70
WATER PUMP.........................70
REMOVAL..............................70
CLEANING..............................72
INSPECTION............................72
INSTALLATION...........................72
WATER PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION...........................73
OPERATION.............................73
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................73
WATER PUMP.........................73
REMOVAL..............................73
CLEANING..............................73
INSPECTION............................73
INSTALLATION...........................74
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
REMOVAL..............................74
INSTALLATION...........................77
COOLANT
DESCRIPTION
ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon the climate and vehicle oper-
ating conditions. The recommended mixture of 50/50
ethylene-glycol and water will provide protection
against freezing to -37 deg. C (-35 deg. F). The anti-
freeze concentrationmust alwaysbe a minimum of
44 percent, year-round in all climates.If percentage
is lower than 44 percent, engine parts may be
eroded by cavitation, and cooling system com-
ponents may be severely damaged by corrosion.
Maximum protection against freezing is provided
with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which
prevents freezing down to -67.7 deg. C (-90 deg. F). A
higher percentage will freeze at a warmer tempera-
ture. Also, a higher percentage of antifreeze can
cause the engine to overheat because the specific
heat of antifreeze is lower than that of water.
Use of 100 percent ethylene-glycol will cause for-
mation of additive deposits in the system, as the cor-
rosion inhibitive additives in ethylene-glycol require
the presence of water to dissolve. The deposits act as
insulation, causing temperatures to rise to as high as
149 deg. C (300) deg. F). This temperature is hot
enough to melt plastic and soften solder. Theincreased temperature can result in engine detona-
tion. In addition, 100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes
at 22 deg. C (-8 deg. F ).
PROPYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
It's overall effective temperature range is smaller
than that of ethylene-glycol. The freeze point of 50/50
propylene-glycol and water is -32 deg. C (-26 deg. F).
5 deg. C higher than ethylene-glycol's freeze point.
The boiling point (protection against summer boil-
over) of propylene-glycol is 125 deg. C (257 deg. F )
at 96.5 kPa (14 psi), compared to 128 deg. C (263
deg. F) for ethylene-glycol. Use of propylene-glycol
can result in boil-over or freeze-up on a cooling sys-
tem designed for ethylene-glycol. Propylene glycol
also has poorer heat transfer characteristics than
ethylene glycol. This can increase cylinder head tem-
peratures under certain conditions.
Propylene-glycol/ethylene-glycol Mixtures can cause
the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors,
causing damage to the various cooling system compo-
nents. Also, once ethylene-glycol and propylene-glycol
based coolants are mixed in the vehicle, conventional
methods of determining freeze point will not be accu-
rate. Both the refractive index and specific gravity dif-
fer between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.
OPERATION
Coolant flows through the engine block absorbing the
heat from the engine, then flows to the radiator where
the cooling fins in the radiator transfers the heat from
the coolant to the atmosphere. During cold weather the
ethylene-glycol coolant prevents water present in the
cooling system from freezing within temperatures indi-
cated by mixture ratio of coolant to water.
7 - 40 ENGINEBR/BE

(6) Do not unbolt fan blade assembly (Fig. 6) from
viscous fan drive at this time.
(7) Remove four fan shroud-to-radiator mounting
bolts.
(8) Remove fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan
drive assembly as a complete unit from vehicle.(9) After removing fan blade/viscous fan drive
assembly,do notplace viscous fan drive in horizon-
tal position. If stored horizontally, silicone fluid in
the viscous fan drive could drain into its bearing
assembly and contaminate lubricant.
CAUTION: Do not remove water pump pulley-to-wa-
ter pump bolts. This pulley is under spring tension.
(10) Remove four bolts securing fan blade assem-
bly to viscous fan drive (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine
drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous
fan drives. They are marked with the word
REVERSE to designate their usage. Installation of
the wrong fan or viscous fan drive can result in
engine overheating.
CLEANING
Clean the fan blades using a mild soap and water.
Do not use an abrasive to clean the blades.
INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR
STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF FAN IS NOT WITHIN
SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: If fan blade assembly is replaced
because of mechanical damage, water pump and
viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These
components could have been damaged due to
excessive vibration.
(1) Remove fan blade assembly from viscous fan
drive unit (four bolts).
(2) Lay fan on a flat surface with leading edge fac-
ing down. With tip of blade touching flat surface,
replace fan if clearance between opposite blade and
surface is greater than 2.0 mm (.090 inch). Rocking
motion of opposite blades should not exceed 2.0 mm
(.090 inch). Test all blades in this manner.
(3) Inspect fan assembly for cracks, bends, loose
rivets or broken welds. Replace fan if any damage is
found.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to viscous fan drive.
Tighten bolts (Fig. 6) to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan
drive assembly to vehicle as a complete unit.
(3) Install fan shroud.
Fig. 5 Using Special Tool 6958 Spanner Wrench
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
Fig. 6 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan DriveÐGas EnginesÐ
Typical
1 - WATER PUMP BYPASS HOSE
2 - FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY
3 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
4 - WATER PUMP AND PULLEY
BR/BEENGINE 7 - 43
RADIATOR FAN - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L/8.0L (Continued)

(4) Install fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly to
water pump shaft (Fig. 6).
(5) Except 8.0L V-10 Engine: Install coolant
reserve/overflow tank to fan shroud. Snaps into posi-
tion.
(6) Install throttle cable to fan shroud.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
NOTE: Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Require-
ment: After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring
the engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found. Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft
assembly for any related damage due to a viscous
fan drive malfunction.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove the fan shroud mounting bolts. Posi-
tion fan shroud towards engine.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fan pulley bolts. This
pulley is under spring tension.
(3) The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assem-
bly is attached (threaded) to the fan hub shaft (Fig.
7). Remove the fan blade/fan drive assembly from fan
pulley by turning the mounting nut clockwise (as
viewed from front). Threads on the viscous fan drive
areLEFT-HAND.A Snap-On 36 MM Fan Wrench
(number SP346 from Snap-On Cummins Diesel Tool
Set number 2017DSP) can be used. Place a bar or
screwdriver between the fan pulley bolts to prevent
pulley from rotating.
(4) Remove the fan shroud and the fan blade/vis-
cous drive as an assembly from vehicle.
(5) Remove fan blade-to-viscous fan drive mount-
ing bolts.
(6) Inspect the fan for cracks, loose rivets, loose or
bent fan blades.
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine
drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous
fan drives. They are marked with the wordREVERSE to designate their usage. Installation of
the wrong fan or viscous fan drive can result in
engine overheating.
CLEANING
Clean the fan blades using a mild soap and water.
Do not use an abrasive to clean the blades.
INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR
STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF FAN IS NOT WITHIN
SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: If fan blade assembly is replaced
because of mechanical damage, water pump and
viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These
components could have been damaged due to
excessive vibration.
(1) Remove fan blade assembly from viscous fan
drive unit (four bolts).
(2) Lay fan on a flat surface with leading edge fac-
ing down. With tip of blade touching flat surface,
replace fan if clearance between opposite blade and
surface is greater than 2.0 mm (.090 inch). Rocking
motion of opposite blades should not exceed 2.0 mm
(.090 inch). Test all blades in this manner.
Fig. 7 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive
1 - THREADED SHAFT
2 - BOLT (4)
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - THREADED NUT
5 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
7 - 44 ENGINEBR/BE
RADIATOR FAN - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L/8.0L (Continued)