2001 DODGE RAM check engine

the connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore and at
BDC.Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(7) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
CLEANING
Clean the piston and connecting rod assembly
using a suitable solvent.
INSPECTION
Check the connecting rod journal for excessive
wear, taper and scoring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the connecting rod for signs of twist or bend-
ing.
Check the piston for taper and elliptical shape
before it is fitted into the cylinder bore (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the piston for scoring, or scraping marks in
the piston skirts. Check the ring lands for cracks
and/or deterioration.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure that compression ring gaps are stag-
gered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap.
(2) Before installing the ring compressor, be sure
the oil ring expander ends are butted and the rail
gaps located properly (Fig. 38).
(3) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil. Slide Piston Ring Compressor Tool C-385
over the piston and tighten with the special wrench(part of Tool C-385).Be sure position of rings
does not change during this operation.
(4) Install connecting rod bolt protectors on rod
bolts. The long protector should be installed on the
numbered side of the connecting rod.
(5) Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod
journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Be sure
connecting rod and cylinder bore number are the
same. Insert rod and piston into cylinder bore and
guide rod over the crankshaft journal.
(6) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on crankshaft journal.
(7) The notch, or groove, on top of piston must be
pointing toward front of engine. The larger chamfer
of the connecting rod bore must be installed toward
crankshaft journal fillet.
(8) Install rod caps. Be sure connecting rod, con-
necting rod cap, and cylinder bore number are the
same. Install nuts on cleaned and oiled rod bolts and
tighten nuts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the cylinder head (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the engine into the vehicle (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION).
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐPISTON RING
FITTING
(1) Measurement of end gaps:
(a) Measure piston ring gap 2 in. from bottom of
cylinder bore. An inverted piston can be used to
push the rings down to ensure positioning rings
squarely in the cylinder bore before measuring.
(b) Insert feeler gauge in the gap. The top com-
pression ring gap should be between 0.254-0.508
mm (0.010-0.020 in.). The second compression ring
gap should be between 0.508-0.762 mm
(0.020-0.030 in.). The oil ring gap should be 0.254-
1.270 mm (0.010-0.050 in.).
(c) Rings with insufficient end gap may be prop-
erly filed to the correct dimension. Rings with
excess gaps should not be used.
(2) Install rings, and confirm ring side clearance:
(a) Install oil rings being careful not to nick or
scratch the piston. Install the oil control rings
according to instructions in the package. It is not
necessary to use a tool to install the upper and
lower rails. Insert oil rail spacer first, then side
rails.
Fig. 38 Proper Ring Installation
1 - OIL RING SPACER GAP
2 - SECOND COMPRESSION RING GAP OIL RING RAIL GAP
(TOP)
3 - OIL RING RAIL GAP (BOTTOM)
4 - TOP COMPRESSION RING GAP
9 - 98 ENGINE 5.2LBR/BE
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE OIL
LEAKS
Begin with a through visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
(2) Add an oil-soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
be sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light source.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair per service manual instructions.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24km (15 miles), and
repeat previous step.
(5) If the oil leak source is not positively identified
at this time, proceed with the air leak detection test
method as follows:
(6) Disconnect the breather cap to air cleaner hose
at the breather cap end. Cap or plug breather cap
nipple.
(7) Remove the PCV valve from the cylinder head
cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve grommet.
(8) Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and
regulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
(9) Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provide the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
(10) If the leakage occurs at the rear oil seal area,
refer to the section, Inspection for Rear Seal Area
Leak.
(11) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air sup-
ply and remove the air hose and all plugs and caps.
Install the PCV valve and breather cap hose. Proceed
to next step.
(12) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area
using a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
(1) Remove oil pressure sending unit.
(2) Install Oil Pressure Line and Gauge Tool
C-3292. Start engine and record pressure. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐENGINE OIL
OIL LEVEL INDICATOR (DIPSTICK)
The engine oil level indicator is located at the right
front of the engine, left of the generator on 3.9L
engines (Fig. 50).
CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
CAUTION: Do not overfill crankcase with engine oil,
oil foaming and oil pressure loss can result.
To ensure proper lubrication of an engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at an acceptable level.
The acceptable levels are indicated between the ADD
and SAFE marks on the engine oil dipstick.
(1) Position vehicle on level surface.
(2) With engine OFF, allow approximately ten min-
utes for oil to settle to bottom of crankcase, remove
engine oil dipstick.
(3) Wipe dipstick clean.
(4) Install dipstick and verify it is seated in the
tube.
Fig. 50 Oil Level Indicator Location
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
3 - DIPSTICK
4 - ENGINE OIL FILTER
5 - FILTER BOSS
9 - 104 ENGINE 5.2LBR/BE
LUBRICATION (Continued)

OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the oil pump from rear main bearing
cap.
DISASSEMBLE
(1) Remove the relief valve as follows:
(a) Remove cotter pin. Drill a 3.175 mm (1/8
inch) hole into the relief valve retainer cap and
insert a self-threading sheet metal screw.
(b) Clamp screw into a vise and while support-
ing oil pump, remove cap by tapping pump body
using a soft hammer. Discard retainer cap and
remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 55).
(2) Remove oil pump cover (Fig. 56).
(3) Remove pump outer rotor and inner rotor with
shaft (Fig. 56).
(4) Wash all parts in a suitable solvent and inspect
carefully for damage or wear.
INSPECTION
Mating surface of the oil pump cover should be
smooth. Replace pump assembly if cover is scratched
or grooved.
Lay a straightedge across the pump cover surface
(Fig. 57). If a 0.038 mm (0.0015 inch) feeler gauge
can be inserted between cover and straightedge,
pump assembly should be replaced.
Fig. 55 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - OIL PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - COTTER PIN
3 - RELIEF VALVE
4 - RETAINER CAP
5 - SPRING
Fig. 56 Oil Pump
1 - INNER ROTOR AND SHAFT
2 - BODY
3 - DISTRIBUTOR DRIVESHAFT (REFERENCE)
4 - COTTER PIN
5 - RETAINER CAP
6 - SPRING
7 - RELIEF VALVE
8 - LARGE CHAMFERED EDGE
9 - BOLT
10 - COVER
11 - OUTER ROTOR
Fig. 57 Checking Oil Pump Cover Flatness
1 - COVER
2 - STRAIGHT EDGE
3 - FEELER GAUGE
BR/BEENGINE 5.2L 9 - 107

INSTALLATION
(1) If removed, position new plenum gasket and
install plenum pan (Fig. 66).
(2) Tighten plenum pan mounting bolts as follows:
²Step 1. Tighten bolts to 5.4 N´m (48 in. lbs.)
²Step 2. Tighten bolts to 9.5 N´m (84 in. lbs.)
²Step 3. Check all bolts are at 9.5 N´m (84 in.
lbs.)
(3) Install the flange gaskets. Ensure that the ver-
tical port alignment tab is resting on the deck face of
the block. Also the horizontal alignment tabs must be
in position with the mating cylinder head gasket tabs
(Fig. 68). The words MANIFOLD SIDE should be vis-
ible on the center of each flange gasket.
(4) Apply MopartGEN II Silicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant, or equivalent, to the four corner joints.
An excessive amount of sealant is not required to
ensure a leak proof seal. However, an excessive
amount of sealant may reduce the effectiveness of
the flange gasket. The sealant should be approxi-
mately 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter.
(5) Install the front and rear cross-over gaskets
(Fig. 67).
(6) Using a new gasket, install the throttle body
onto the intake manifold. Tighten the bolts to 23 N´m
(200 in. lbs.) torque.
(7) Carefully lower intake manifold into position
on the cylinder block and cylinder heads. After intake
manifold is in place, inspect to make sure seals are
in place.
Fig. 66 Plenum Pan Bolt Tightening Sequence
Fig. 67 Cross-Over Gaskets
1 - FRONT CROSS-OVER GASKET
2 - REAR CROSS-OVER GASKET
Fig. 68 Intake Manifold Flange Gasket Alignment
1 - FLANGE GASKET
2 - ALIGNMENT TABS
3 - CYLINDER HEAD GASKET
BR/BEENGINE 5.2L 9 - 111
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

(8) Install the intake manifold bolts and tighten as
follows (Fig. 69):
²Step 1. Tighten bolts 1 through 4 to 8 N´m (72
in. lbs.) Tighten in alternating steps 1.4 N´m (12 in.
lbs.) at a time
²Step 2. Tighten bolts 5 through 12 to 8 N´m (72
in. lbs.)
²Step 3. Check all bolts are torqued to 8 N´m (72
in. lbs.)
²Step 4. Tighten all bolts in sequence to 16 N´m
(12 ft. lbs.)
²Step 5. Check all bolts are torqued to 16 N´m
(12 ft. lbs.)
(9) Install closed crankcase ventilation and evapo-
ration control systems.
(10) Connect the coil wires.
(11) Connect the heat indicator sending unit wire.
(12) Connect the heater hoses and bypass hose.
(13) Install distributor cap and wires.
(14) Hook up the return spring.
(15) Connect the accelerator linkage (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE
CONTROL CABLE - INSTALLATION) and if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(16) Install the fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(17) Install the accessory drive bracket and A/C
compressor (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR -
INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the generator and drive belt (Refer to 7
- COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION). Tighten generator mounting bolt
to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(19) Install the air cleaner.
(20) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(21) Connect the negative cable to the battery.EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The exhaust manifolds (Fig. 70) are constructed of
cast iron and are LOG type with balanced flow. One
exhaust manifold is attached to each cylinder head.
OPERATION
The exhaust manifolds collect the engine exhaust
exiting the combustion chambers, then channels the
exhaust gases to the exhaust pipes attached to the
manifolds.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the bolts and nuts attaching the
exhaust pipe to the engine exhaust manifold.
(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Remove the exhaust heat shields.
(6) Remove bolts, nuts and washers attaching
manifold to cylinder head.
(7) Remove manifold from the cylinder head.
CLEANING
Clean mating surfaces on cylinder head and mani-
fold. Wash with solvent and blow dry with com-
pressed air.
INSPECTION
Inspect manifold for cracks.
Fig. 69 Intake Manifold Bolt Tightening Sequence
Fig. 70 Exhaust ManifoldsÐV-8 Gas Engines Typical
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (LEFT)
2 - BOLTS & WASHERS
3 - NUTS & WASHERS
4 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (RIGHT)
5 - BOLTS & WASHERS
9 - 112 ENGINE 5.2LBR/BE
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

(13) Position the fan shroud and install the bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(14) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(16) Start engine check for leaks.
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove Timing Chain Cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(3) Re-install the vibration damper bolt finger
tight. Using a suitable socket and breaker bar, rotate
the crankshaft to align timing marks as shown in
(Fig. 73).
(4) Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt and
remove timing chain with crankshaft and camshaft
sprockets.
INSPECTIONÐMEASURING TIMING CHAIN
STRETCH
(1) Place a scale next to the timing chain so that
any movement of the chain may be measured.(2) Place a torque wrench and socket over cam-
shaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply torque in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack; 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head installed
or 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head
removed. With a torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block the crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Hold a scale with dimensional reading even
with the edge of a chain link. With cylinder heads
installed, apply 14 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque in the
reverse direction. With the cylinder heads removed,
apply 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.) torque in the reverse direc-
tion. Note the amount of chain movement (Fig. 74).
(4) Install a new timing chain, if its movement
exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 inch).
Fig. 72 Position Special Tool 6635 onto Crankshaft
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6635
2 - OIL SEAL
3 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
Fig. 73 Alignment of Timing Marks
1 - TIMING MARKS
Fig. 74 Measuring Timing Chain Stretch
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - 3.175 MM
(0.125 IN.)
9 - 114 ENGINE 5.2LBR/BE
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Place both camshaft sprocket and crankshaft
sprocket on the bench with timing marks on exact
imaginary center line through both camshaft and
crankshaft bores.
(2) Place timing chain around both sprockets.
(3) Turn crankshaft and camshaft to line up with
keyway location in crankshaft sprocket and in cam-
shaft sprocket.
(4) Lift sprockets and chain (keep sprockets tight
against the chain in position as described).
(5) Slide both sprockets evenly over their respec-
tive shafts and use a straightedge to check alignment
of timing marks (Fig. 75).
(6) Install the camshaft bolt. Tighten the bolt to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Check camshaft end play. The end play should
be 0.051-0.152 mm (0.002-0.006 inch) with a new
thrust plate and up to 0.254 mm (0.010 inch) with a
used thrust plate. If not within these limits install a
new thrust plate.(8) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 75 Alignment of Timing Marks
1 - TIMING MARKS
BR/BEENGINE 5.2L 9 - 115
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING - Preformance) or (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING - Mechanical). Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM for fuel system diagnosis.Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
²Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis
²Lash Adjuster (Tappet) Noise Diagnosis
²Engine Oil Leak Inspection
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐPERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSIS CHARTÐGASOLINE ENGINES
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK 1. Weak or dead battery 1. Charge/Replace Battery. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). Check charging
system. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHARGING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections2. Clean/tighten suspect battery/
starter connections
3. Faulty starter or related circuit(s) 3. Check starting system. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
4. Seized accessory drive
component4. Remove accessory drive belt and
attempt to start engine. If engine
starts, repair/replace seized
component.
5. Engine internal mechanical
failure or hydro-static lock5. Refer to (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
ENGINE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT
START1. No spark 1. Check for spark. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL
- DESCRIPTION)
2. No fuel 2. Perform fuel pressure test, and if
necessary, inspect fuel injector(s)
and driver circuits. (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL PUMP - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
3. Low or no engine compression 3. Perform cylinder compression
pressure test. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
9 - 118 ENGINE 5.9LBR/BE
ENGINE 5.9L (Continued)