2001 DODGE RAM spark plugs

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)

CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTIONÐCYLINDER HEAD
The cast iron cylinder heads (Fig. 5) are mounted
to the cylinder block using eight bolts. The spark
plugs are located in the peak of the wedge between
the valves.
DESCRIPTIONÐCYLINDER HEAD COVER
GASKET
The cylinder head cover gasket (Fig. 6) is a steel-
backed silicone gasket, designed for long life usage.
OPERATIONÐCYLINDER HEAD
The cylinder head closes the combustion chamber
allowing the pistons to compress the air fuel mixture to
the correct ratio for ignition. The valves located in the
cylinder head open and close to either allow clean air
into the combustion chamber or to allow the exhaust
gases out, depending on the stroke of the engine.
OPERATIONÐCYLINDER HEAD COVER
GASKET
The steel-backed silicone gasket is designed to seal
the cylinder head cover for long periods of time
through extensive heat and cold, without failure. The
gasket is designed to be reusable.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET FAILURE
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
²Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
²Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test in this
section. An engine cylinder head gasket leaking
between adjacent cylinders will result in approxi-
mately a 50±70% reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
Fig. 5 Cylinder Head AssemblyÐ3.9L Engine
1 - SPARK PLUGS
2 - SPARK PLUG
3 - INTAKE VALVE
4 - EXHAUST VALVES
5 - INTAKE VALVES
6 - EXHAUST VALVE
Fig. 6 Cylinder Head Cover Gasket
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
9 - 22 ENGINE 3.9LBR/BE

COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
CHEMICAL TEST METHOD
Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also
be checked by using Bloc-Chek Kit C-3685-A or
equivalent. Perform test following the procedures
supplied with the tool kit.
REMOVAL
The alloy cast iron cylinder heads (Fig. 7) are held
in place by eight bolts. The spark plugs are located
at the peak of the wedge between the valves.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable from the
battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the intake manifold-to-generator
bracket support rod. Remove the generator.
(4) Remove closed crankcase ventilation system.
(5) Disconnect the evaporation control system.
(6) Remove the air cleaner, air in-let hose and res-
onator.
(7) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel
rail (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Disconnect accelerator linkage and if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(10) Remove distributor cap and wires.
(11) Disconnect the coil wires.
(12) Disconnect coolant temperature sending unit
wire.
(13) Disconnect heater hoses and bypass hose.
(14) Disconnect the vacuum supply hoses from the
intake manifold.
(15) Disconnect the fuel injector harness and
secure out of the way.
(16) Remove cylinder head covers and gaskets
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).(17) Remove intake manifold and throttle body as
an assembly. Discard the flange side gaskets and the
front and rear cross-over gaskets.
(18) Remove exhaust manifolds (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(19) Remove rocker arm assemblies and push rods.
Identify to ensure installation in original locations.
(20) Remove the head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads. Discard the cylin-
der head gasket.
(21) Remove spark plugs.
CLEANING
Clean all surfaces of cylinder block and cylinder
heads.
Clean cylinder block front and rear gasket surfaces
using a suitable solvent.
INSPECTION
Inspect all surfaces with a straightedge if there is
any reason to suspect leakage. If out-of-flatness
exceeds 0.00075mm (0.0001in.) times the span length
in any direction, either replace head or lightly
machine the head surface.
FOR EXAMPLE:ÐA 305 mm (12 in.) span is
0.102 mm (0.004 in.) out-of-flat. The allowable out-of-
flat is 305 x 0.00075 (12 x 0.00075) equals 0.23 mm
(0.009 in.). This amount of out-of-flat is acceptable.
The cylinder head surface finish should be
1.78-3.00 microns (70-125 microinches).
Inspect push rods. Replace worn or bent rods.
INSTALLATION
The alloy cast iron cylinder heads (Fig. 7) are held
in place by eight bolts. The spark plugs are located
at the peak of the wedge between the valves.
(1) Position the new cylinder head gaskets onto
the cylinder block.
(2) Position the cylinder heads onto head gaskets
and cylinder block.
(3) Starting at top center, tighten all cylinder head
bolts, in sequence, to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig.
7). Repeat procedure, tighten all cylinder head bolts
to 143 N´m (105 ft. lbs.) torque. Repeat procedure to
confirm that all bolts are at 143 N´m (105 ft. lbs.)
torque.
CAUTION: When tightening the rocker arm bolts, be
sure the piston in that cylinder is NOT at TDC. Con-
tact between the valves and piston could occur.
(4) Install push rods and rocker arm assemblies in
their original positions. Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.) torque.
BR/BEENGINE 3.9L 9 - 23
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(5) Install the intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION) and throttle body assembly.
(6) Install exhaust manifolds (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Adjust spark plugs to specifications. Install the
plugs and tighten to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install coil wires.
(9) Connect coolant temperature sending unit wire.
(10) Connect the fuel injector harness.
(11) Connect the vacuum supply hoses to the
intake manifold.
(12) Connect the heater hoses and bypass hose.
(13) Install distributor cap and wires.
(14) Connect the accelerator linkage and, if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(15) Install the fuel supply line.
(16) Install the generator and accessory drive belt
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE
BELTS - INSTALLATION). Tighten generator
mounting bolt to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) Install the intake manifold-to-generator
bracket support rod. Tighten the bolts.
(18) Install cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(19) Install closed crankcase ventilation system.
(20) Connect the evaporation control system.
(21) Install the resonator assembly, air in-let hose
and air cleaner.
(22) Install the heat shields. Tighten the bolts to
41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(23) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(24) Connect the battery negative cable.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL
A steel-backed silicone gasket is used with the cyl-
inder head cover (Fig. 8). This gasket can be used
again.
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Disconnect closed ventilation system and evap-
oration control system from cylinder head cover.
(3) Remove cylinder head cover bolts, cover and
gasket. The gasket may be used again.
CLEANING
Clean cylinder head cover gasket surface.
Clean head rail, if necessary.
INSPECTION
Inspect cover for distortion and straighten, if nec-
essary.
Check the gasket for use in head cover installation.
If damaged, use a new gasket.
INSTALLATION
A steel-backed silicone gasket is used with the cyl-
inder head cover (Fig. 8). This gasket can be used
again.
(1) Position the cylinder head cover gasket onto
the head rail.
(2) Position the cylinder head cover onto the gas-
ket and install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m
(95 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install closed crankcase ventilation system and
evaporation control system.
(4) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(5) Start engine and check for leaks.
Fig. 7 Cylinder Head Bolt -Tightening Sequence
Fig. 8 Cylinder Head Cover Gasket
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
9 - 24 ENGINE 3.9LBR/BE
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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
11. Faulty ignition cables 11. Replace any cracked or shorted
cables
12. Faulty ignition coil 12. Test and replace, as necessary
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION
CONTROL/IGNITION COIL -
REMOVAL).
ENGINE STALLS OR
ROUGH IDLE1. Carbon build-up on throttle plate 1. Remove throttle body and de-
carbon. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/
FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE BODY -
REMOVAL).
2. Engine idle speed too low 2. Check Idle Air Control circuit. (Refer
to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
INJECTION/IDLE AIR CONTROL
MOTOR - DESCRIPTION)
3. Worn or incorrectly gapped spark
plugs3. Replace or clean and re-gap spark
plugs (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG -
CLEANING)
4. Worn or burned distributor rotor 4. Install new distributor rotor
5. Spark plug cables defective or
crossed5. Check for correct firing order or
replace spark plug cables. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/
SPARK PLUG CABLE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
6. Faulty coil 6. Test and replace, if necessary (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION
CONTROL/IGNITION COIL -
REMOVAL)
7. Intake manifold vacuum leak 7. Inspect intake manifold gasket and
vacuum hoses (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
9 - 62 ENGINE 5.2LBR/BE
ENGINE 5.2L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE MISSES ON
ACCELERATION1. Worn or incorrectly gapped spark
plugs1. Replace spark plugs or clean and
set gap. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG -
CLEANING)
2. Spark plug cables defective or
crossed2. Replace or rewire secondary ignition
cables. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
CABLE - REMOVAL)
3. Dirt in fuel system 3. Clean fuel system
4. Burned, warped or pitted valves 4. Install new valves
5. Faulty coil 5. Test and replace as necessary
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION
CONTROL/IGNITION COIL -
REMOVAL)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐ MECHANICAL
ENGINE MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY VALVES/LIFTERS 1. High or low oil level in crankcase 1. Check for correct oil level. Adjust
oil level by draining or adding as
needed
2. Thin or diluted oil 2. Change oil. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
3. Low oil pressure 3. Check engine oil level. If ok,
Perform oil pressure test. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) for
engine oil pressure test/
specifications
4. Dirt in tappets/lash adjusters 4. Clean/replace hydraulic
tappets/lash adjusters
5. Bent push rod(s) 5. Install new push rods
6. Worn rocker arms 6. Inspect oil supply to rocker arms
and replace worn arms as needed
7. Worn tappets/lash adjusters 7. Install new hydraulic tappets/lash
adjusters
8. Worn valve guides 8. Inspect all valve guides and
replace as necessary
9. Excessive runout of valve seats
or valve faces9. Grind valves and seats
BR/BEENGINE 5.2L 9 - 63
ENGINE 5.2L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated
gaskets1. Replace gasket
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous
metal part2. Tighten, repair or replace the part
3. Front or rear crankshaft oil seal
leaking3. Replace seal
4. Leaking oil gallery plug or cup
plug4. Remove and reseal threaded
plug. Replace cup style plug
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION
OR SPARK PLUGS OIL FOULED1. CCV System malfunction 1. (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS
CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS - DESCRIPTION) for
correct operation
2. Defective valve stem seal(s) 2. Repair or replace seal(s)
3. Worn or broken piston rings 3. Hone cylinder bores. Install new
rings
4. Scuffed pistons/cylinder walls 4. Hone cylinder bores and replace
pistons as required
5. Carbon in oil control ring groove 5. Remove rings and de-carbon
piston
6. Worn valve guides 6. Inspect/replace valve guides as
necessary
7. Piston rings fitted too tightly in
grooves7. Remove rings and check ring end
gap and side clearance. Replace if
necessary
BR/BEENGINE 5.2L 9 - 65
ENGINE 5.2L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐLUBRICATION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS 1. Gaskets and O-Rings. 1.
(a) Misaligned or damaged. (a) Replace as necessary.
(b) Loose fasteners, broken or
porous metal parts.(b) Tighten fasteners, Repair or
replace metal parts.
2. Crankshaft rear seal 2. Replace as necessary.
3. Crankshaft seal flange.
Scratched, nicked or grooved.3. Polish or replace crankshaft.
4. Oil pan flange cracked. 4. Replace oil pan.
5. Timing chain cover seal,
damaged or misaligned.5. Replace seal.
6. Scratched or damaged vibration
damper hub.6. Polish or replace damper.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check and correct oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Replace sending unit.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check pump and bearing
clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Replace oil filter.
5. Worn oil pump. 5. Replace as necessary.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil and filter.
7. Excessive bearing clearance. 7. Replace as necessary.
8. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 8. Clean or replace relief valve.
9. Oil pump suction tube loose or
damaged.9. Replace as necessary.
OIL PUMPING AT RINGS; SPARK
PLUGS FOULING1. Worn or damaged rings. 1. Hone cylinder bores and replace
rings.
2. Carbon in oil ring slots. 2. Replace rings.
3. Incorrect ring size installed. 3. Replace rings.
4. Worn valve guides. 4. Ream guides and replace valves.
5. Leaking intake gasket. 5. Replace intake gaskets.
6. Leaking valve guide seals. 6. Replace valve guide seals.
9 - 66 ENGINE 5.2LBR/BE
ENGINE 5.2L (Continued)