2001 DODGE RAM lock

ENGINE 3.9L
DESCRIPTION
The 3.9 Liter (238 CID) six-cylinder engine is a
V-Type, lightweight, single cam, overhead valve
engine with hydraulic roller tappets. This engine is
designed to use unleaded fuel.
The engine lubrication system consists of a rotor
type oil pump and a full-flow oil filter.
The cylinders are numbered from front to rear; 1,
3, 5 on the left bank and 2, 4, 6 on the right bank.
The firing order is 1-6-5-4-3-2 (Fig. 1).
The engine serial number is stamped into a
machined pad located on the left front corner of the
cylinder block. When component part replacement is
necessary, use the engine type and serial number for
reference (Fig. 2).
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
Fig. 1 Firing Order
Fig. 2 Engine Identification (Serial) Number
BR/BEENGINE 3.9L 9 - 3
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐPERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSIS CHARTÐGASOLINE ENGINES
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT
CRANK1. 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 component 4. 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).
ENGINE LOSS OF
POWER1. Worn or burned distributor rotor 1. Install new distributor rotor
2. Worn distributor shaft 2. Remove and repair distributor (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/
DISTRIBUTOR - REMOVAL).
3. Worn or incorrect gapped spark
plugs3. Clean plugs and set gap. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/
SPARK PLUG - CLEANING).
4. Dirt or water in fuel system 4. Clean system and replace fuel filter
5. Faulty fuel pump 5. Install new fuel pump
6. Incorrect valve timing 6. Correct valve timing
7. Blown cylinder head gasket 7. Install new cylinder head gasket
8. Low compression 8. Test cylinder compression (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
9. Burned, warped, or pitted valves 9. Install/Reface valves as necessary
10. Plugged or restricted exhaust
system10. Install new parts as necessary
9 - 4 ENGINE 3.9LBR/BE
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER
COMPRESSION PRESSURE
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test
can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunc-
tions.
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the
engine starter motor is in good operating condition.
Otherwise, the indicated compression pressures may
not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
(1) Clean the spark plug recesses with compressed
air.
(2) Remove the spark plugs (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG -
REMOVAL).
(3) Secure the throttle in the wide-open position.
(4) Disconnect the ignition coil.
(5) Insert a compression pressure gauge and rotate
the engine with the engine starter motor for three
revolutions.
(6) Record the compression pressure on the third
revolution. Continue the test for the remaining cylin-
ders.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS) for the
correct engine compression pressures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER
COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE
The combustion pressure leakage test provides an
accurate means for determining engine condition.
Combustion pressure leakage testing will detect:
²Exhaust and intake valve leaks (improper seat-
ing)
²Leaks between adjacent cylinders or into water
jacket²Any causes for combustion/compression pressure
loss
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP
WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM HOT COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
Check the coolant level and fill as required. DO
NOT install the radiator cap.
Start and operate the engine until it attains nor-
mal operating temperature, then turn OFF the
engine.
Remove the spark plugs.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Remove the air cleaner.
Calibrate the tester according to the manufactur-
er's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379
kPa (200 psi) maximum and 552 kPa (80 psi) recom-
mended.
Perform the test procedure on each cylinder accord-
ing to the tester manufacturer's instructions. While
testing, listen for pressurized air escaping through
the throttle body, tailpipe or oil filler cap opening.
Check for bubbles in the radiator coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
Refer to CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE
LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS CHART below
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH
THROTTLE BODYIntake valve bent, burnt, or not
seated properlyInspect valve and valve seat.
Reface or replace, as necessary
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH
TAILPIPEExhaust valve bent, burnt, or not
seated properlyInspect valve and valve seat.
Reface or replace, as necessary
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH
RADIATORHead gasket leaking or cracked
cylinder head or blockRemove cylinder head and inspect.
Replace defective part
MORE THAN 50% LEAKAGE
FROM ADJACENT CYLINDERSHead gasket leaking or crack in
cylinder head or block between
adjacent cylindersRemove cylinder head and inspect.
Replace gasket, head, or block as
necessary
MORE THAN 25% LEAKAGE AND
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH OIL
FILLER CAP OPENING ONLYStuck or broken piston rings;
cracked piston; worn rings and/or
cylinder wallInspect for broken rings or piston.
Measure ring gap and cylinder
diameter, taper and out-of-round.
Replace defective part as necessary
BR/BEENGINE 3.9L 9 - 9
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐREAR SEAL AREA
LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing
cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak:
(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates
seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,
possible causes are a porous block, distributor seal,
camshaft bore cup plugs, oil galley pipe plugs, oil
filter runoff, and main bearing cap to cylinder
block mating surfaces.
(4) If no leaks are detected, pressurized the crank-
case as outlined in (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICA-
TION - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).
(5) If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the
crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is
detected between the crankshaft and seal while
slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the
crankshaft seal surface is damaged. The seal area on
the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches
that can be polished out with emery cloth.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft
polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks or
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is specially
machined to complement the function of the rear oil
seal.
(6) For bubbles that remain steady with shaft
rotation, no further inspection can be done until dis-
assembled. Refer to the service DiagnosisÐMechani-
cal, under the Oil Leak row, for components
inspections on possible causes and corrections.
(7) After the oil leak root cause and appropriate
corrective action have been identified, (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - REMOVAL), for proper replacement
procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐCYLINDER BORE
HONING
Before honing, stuff plenty of clean shop towels
under the bores and over the crankshaft to keep
abrasive materials from entering the crankshaft
area.
(1) Used carefully, the Cylinder Bore Sizing Hone
C-823, equipped with 220 grit stones, is the best tool
for this job. In addition to deglazing, it will reduce
taper and out-of-round, as well as removing light
scuffing, scoring and scratches. Usually, a few strokes
will clean up a bore and maintain the required lim-
its.
CAUTION: DO NOT use rigid type hones to remove
cylinder wall glaze.
(2) Deglazing of the cylinder walls may be done if
the cylinder bore is straight and round. Use a cylin-
der surfacing hone, Honing Tool C-3501, equipped
with 280 grit stones (C-3501-3810). about 20-60
strokes, depending on the bore condition, will be suf-
ficient to provide a satisfactory surface. Using honing
oil C-3501-3880, or a light honing oil, available from
major oil distributors.
CAUTION: DO NOT use engine or transmission oil,
mineral spirits, or kerosene.
(3) Honing should be done by moving the hone up
and down fast enough to get a crosshatch pattern.
The hone marks should INTERSECT at 50É to 60É
for proper seating of rings (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 Cylinder Bore Crosshatch Pattern
1 - CROSSHATCH PATTERN
2 - INTERSECT ANGLE
9 - 10 ENGINE 3.9LBR/BE
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)

(4) A controlled hone motor speed between 200 and
300 RPM is necessary to obtain the proper cross-
hatch angle. The number of up and down strokes per
minute can be regulated to get the desired 50É to 60É
angle. Faster up and down strokes increase the cross-
hatch angle.
(5) After honing, it is necessary that the block be
cleaned to remove all traces of abrasive. Use a brush
to wash parts with a solution of hot water and deter-
gent. Dry parts thoroughly. Use a clean, white, lint-
free cloth to check that the bore is clean. Oil the
bores after cleaning to prevent rusting.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐHYDROSTATIC
LOCK
CAUTION: DO NOT use the starter motor to rotate
the crankshaft. Severe damage could occur.
When an engine is suspected of hydrostatic lock
(regardless of what caused the problem), follow the
steps below.
(1) Perform the Fuel Pressure Release Procedure
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Disconnect the negative cable(s) from the bat-
tery.
(3) Inspect air cleaner, induction system, and
intake manifold to ensure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(4) Place a shop towel around the spark plugs to
catch any fluid that may possibly be under pressure
in the cylinder head. Remove the spark plugs.
(5) With all spark plugs removed, rotate the crank-
shaft using a breaker bar and socket.
(6) Identify the fluid in the cylinders (coolant, fuel,
oil, etc.).
(7) Be sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders.
(8) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from occurring again.
(9) Squirt a small amount of engine oil into the
cylinders to lubricate the walls. This will prevent
damage on restart.
(10) Install new spark plugs. Tighten the spark
plugs to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Drain engine oil. Remove and discard the oil
filter.
(12) Install the drain plug. Tighten the plug to 34
N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Install a new oil filter.
(14) Fill engine crankcase with the specified
amount and grade of oil. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE - SPECIFICATIONS).
(15) Connect the negative cable(s) to the battery.
(16) Start the engine and check for any leaks.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐREPAIR DAMAGED
OR WORN THREADS
CAUTION: Be sure that the tapped holes maintain
the original center line.
Damaged or worn threads can be repaired. Essen-
tially, this repair consists of:
²Drilling out worn or damaged threads.
²Tapping the hole with a special Heli-Coil Tap, or
equivalent.
²Installing an insert into the tapped hole to bring
the hole back to its original thread size.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐFORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS & SEALERS
There are numerous places where form-in-place
gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure
obtaining the desired results.Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified.Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct
fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket
materials that are used in the engine area. Mopart
Engine RTV GEN II, MopartATF-RTV, and Mopart
Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.
MOPARtENGINE RTV GEN II
MopartEngine RTV GEN II is used to seal com-
ponents exposed to engine oil. This material is a spe-
cially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains adhesion and sealing properties when
exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Always
inspect the package for the expiration date before
use.
MOPARtATF RTV
MopartATF RTV is a specifically designed black
silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and seal-
ing properties to seal components exposed to auto-
matic transmission fluid, engine coolants, and
moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.
MOPARtGASKET MAKER
MopartGasket Maker is an anaerobic type gasket
material. The material cures in the absence of air
when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It will
not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The anaerobic
BR/BEENGINE 3.9L 9 - 11
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Main Journal Beraing
Clearance
No. 1 0.013 - 0.038 mm
(0.0005 - 0.0015 in.)
No.2-40.013 - 0.051 mm
(0.0005 - 0.0020 in.)
Service Limit 0.064 mm
(0.0025 in.)
End Play 0.051 - 0.178 mm
(0.002 - 0.007 in.)
End Play Service Limit 0.254 mm
(0.010 in.)
CYLINDER BLOCK
Cylinder Bore Diameter 99.308 - 99.371 mm
(3.9098 - 3.9122 in.)
Cylinder Bore Out of
Round and
taper
(Max) 0.025 mm
(0.001 in.)
Lifter Bore Diameter 22.99 - 23.01 mm
(0.9501 - 0.9059 in.)
Distributor Drive Bushing
to
Bore Interference (Press
Fit)0.0127 - 0.3556 mm
(0.0005 - 0.0140 in.)
Distributor Shaft to
Bushing
Clearance 0.0178 - 0.0686 mm
(0.0007 - 0.0027 in.)
CYLINDER HEAD and VALVES
Valve Seat Angle 44.25É - 44.75É
Valve Seat Runout
(Max) 0.0762 mm
(0.003 in.)
Valve Seat Width (Finish)
Intake 1.016 - 1.542 mmDESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
(0.040 - 0.060 in.)
Exhaust 1.524 - 2.032 mm
(0.040 - 0.060 in.)
Valve Face Angle 43.25É - 43.75É
Valve Head Diameter
Intake 48.666 mm
(1.916 in.)
Exhaust 41.250 mm
(1.624 in.)
Valve Length (Overall)
Intake 124.28 - 125.92 mm
(4.893 - 4.918 in.)
Exhaust 124.64 - 125.27 mm
(4.907 - 4.932 in.)
Valve Lift (@ Zero Lash) 10.973 mm
(0.432 in.)
Valve Stem Diameter 7.899 - 7.925 mm
(0.311 - 0.312 in.)
Valve Guide Bore
Diameter7.950 - 7.976 mm
(0.313 - 0.314 in.)
Valve Stem to Guide
Clearance0.0254 - 0.0762 mm
(0.001 - 0.003 in.)
Valve Stem to Guide
Clearance
Service Limit (Rocking
Method)0.4318 mm
(0.017 in.)
VALVE SPRINGS
Free Length 49.962 mm
(1.967 in.)
Spring Tension
Valve Closed 378 N @ 41.66 mm
(85 lbs. @ 1.64 in.)
Valve Open 890 N @ 30.89 mm
(200 lbs. @ 1.212 in.)
BR/BEENGINE 3.9L 9 - 15
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Number of Coils 6.8
Installed Height 41.66 mm
(1.64 in.)
Wire Diameter 4.50 mm
(0.177 in.)
HYDRAULIC TAPPETS
Body Diameter 22.949 - 22.962 mm
(0.9035 - 0.9040 in.)
Clearance in Block 0.0279 - 0.0610 mm
(0.0011 - 0.210 in.)
Dry Lash 1.524 - 5.334 mm
(0.060 - 0.210 in.)
Push Rod Length 175.64 - 176.15 mm
(6.915 - 6.935 in.)
OIL PRESSURE
@ Curb Idle (Min.)* 41.4 kPa
(6 psi)
@ 3000 rpm 207 - 552 kPa
(30 - 80 psi)
Bypass Valve Setting 62 - 103 kPa
(9 - 15 psi)
Switch Actuating
Pressure34.5 - 48.3 kPa
(5 - 7 psi)
* If oil pressure is zero at curb idle, DO NOT RUN
ENGINE.
OIL PUMP
Clearance Over Rotors
(Max) 0.1016 mm
(0.004 in.)
Cover Out of Flat
(Max) 0.0381 mm
(0.0015 in.)
Inner Rotor Thickness
(Min) 20.955 mm
(0.825 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Outer Rotor Clearance
(Max) 0.3556 mm
(0.014 in.)
Outer Rotor Diameter
(Min) 62.7126 mm
(2.469 in.)
Outer Rotor Thickness
(Min) 20.955 mm
(0.825 in.)
Tip Clearance Between
Rotors
(Max) 0.2032 mm
(0.008 in.)
PISTONS
Clearance at Top of Skirt 0.0127 - 0.0381 mm
(0.0005 - 0.0015 in.)
Land Clearance
(Diameter)0.635 - 1.016 mm
(0.025 - 0.040 in.)
Piston Length 86.360 mm
(3.40 in.)
Ring Groove Depth
#1 & 2 4.572 - 4.826 mm
(0.180 - 0.190 in.)
#3 3.810 - 4.064 mm
(0.150 - 0.160 in.)
Weight 592.6 - 596.6 grams
(20.90 - 21.04 oz.)
PISTON PINS
Clearance in Piston 0.0064 - 0.0191 mm
(0.00025 - 0.00075 in.)
Clearance in Rod
(Interference)0.0178 - 0.0356 mm
(0.0007 - 0.0014 in.)
Diameter 24.996 - 25.001 mm
(0.9841 - 0.9843 in.)
9 - 16 ENGINE 3.9LBR/BE
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)

TORQUE
TORQUE CHART 3.9L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION N´m In. Ft.
Lbs. Lbs.
Camshaft SprocketÐBolt 68 Ð 50
Camshaft Thrust
PlateÐBolts24 210 Ð
Timing Chain Case
CoverÐ41 Ð 30
Bolts
Connecting Rod
CapÐBolts61 Ð 45
Main Bearing CapÐBolts 115 Ð 85
Crankshaft PulleyÐBolts 24 210 Ð
Cylinder HeadÐBolts
Step 1 68 Ð 50
Step 2 143 Ð 105
Cylinder Head CoverÐ
Bolts11 95 Ð
Engine Support Bracket 41 Ð 30
to Block (4wd)ÐBolts
Exhaust Manifold to
Cylinder34 Ð 25
HeadÐbolts/nuts
FlywheelÐBolts 75 Ð 55
Front InsulatorÐthrough
Bolts95 Ð 70
Front Insulator to
Support
Bracket (4wd)
ÐStud Nut 41 Ð 30
ÐThrough Bolt/Nut 102 Ð 75
Front Insulator to BlockÐ 95 Ð 70
Bolts (2wd)
GeneratorÐMounting
Bolt41 Ð 30
Intake ManifoldÐBolts Refer to Procedure
Oil PanÐBolts 24 215 Ð
Oil PanÐDrain Plug 34 Ð 25
Oil PumpÐMounting
Bolts41 Ð 30
Oil Pump CoverÐBolts 11 95 Ð
Rear Insulator to
BracketÐ68 Ð 50
DESCRIPTION N´m In. Ft.
Lbs. Lbs.
Through-Bolt (2WD)
Rear Insulator to
Crossmember41 Ð 30
Support BracketÐNut
(2WD)
Rear Insulator to 68 Ð 50
CrossmemberÐNuts
(4WD)
Rear Insulator to
Transmission68 Ð 50
Ð Bolts (4WD)
Rear Insulator BracketÐ
Bolts68 Ð 50
(4WD Automatic)
Rear Support Bracket to 41 Ð 30
Crossmember FlangeÐ
Nuts
Rear Support Plate to
Transfer41 Ð 30
CaseÐBolts
Rocker ArmÐBolts 28 Ð 21
Spark Plugs 41 Ð 30
Starter MotorÐMounting
Bolts68 Ð 50
Thermostat HousingÐ
Bolts25 225 Ð
Throttle BodyÐBolts 23 200 Ð
Torque Converter Drive
PlateÐ31 270 Ð
Bolts
Transfer Case to
Insulator204 Ð 150
Mounting PlateÐNuts
Transmission Support
Bracket68 Ð 50
ÐBolts (2WD)
Vibration DamperÐBolt 183 Ð 135
Water Pump to Timing
Chain41 Ð 30
Case CoverÐ Bolts
9 - 18 ENGINE 3.9LBR/BE
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)