2002 DODGE RAM spark plugs replace

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
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 TESTING - CYLINDER
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 CYLINDER COMBUSTION
PRESSURE LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS CHART .
BR/BEENGINE 5.9L 9 - 9
ENGINE 5.9L (Continued)

(15) Remove exhaust manifolds (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(16) Remove rocker arm assemblies and push rods.
Identify to ensure installation in original locations.
(17) Remove the head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads. Discard the cylin-
der head gasket.
(18) 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/mm (0.0001in/in.) 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
(1) Clean all surfaces of cylinder block and cylin-
der heads.
(2) Clean cylinder block front and rear gasket sur-
faces using a suitable solvent.
(3) Position new cylinder head gaskets onto the
cylinder block.
(4) Position cylinder heads onto head gaskets and
cylinder block.
(5) Starting at top center, tighten all cylinder head
bolts, in sequence (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: When tightening the rocker arm bolts,
make sure the piston in that cylinder is NOT at
TDC. Contact between the valves and piston could
occur.
(6) Install push rods and rocker arm assemblies in
their original position. Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION) and throttle body assembly.
(8) Install exhaust manifolds (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).(9) If required, adjust spark plugs to specifications.
Install the plugs and tighten to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(10) Install coil wire.
(11) Connect heat indicator sending unit wire.
(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 (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CON-
NECT FITTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) 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. Tighten the adjusting
strap bolt to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(17) Install the intake manifold-to-generator
bracket support rod. Tighten the bolts.
(18) Place the cylinder head cover gaskets in posi-
tion and 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 air cleaner.
(22) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(23) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(24) Start engine check for leaks.
Fig. 6 Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence
9 - 22 ENGINE 5.9LBR/BE
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL
NOTE: A steel backed silicon gasket is used with
the cylinder head cover (Fig. 7). This gasket can be
used again.
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Disconnect the spark plug wires form the spark
plugs and set aside.
(3) Disconnect closed ventilation system and evap-
oration control system from cylinder head cover.
(4) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket.
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
(1) The cylinder head cover gasket can be used
again. Install the gasket onto the head rail.
(2) Position the cylinder head cover onto the gas-
ket. Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install closed crankcase ventilation system and
evaporation control system.
(4) Connect the spark plug wires to the spark
plugs.
(5) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES &
SEATS
DESCRIPTION
Both the intake and exhaust valves are made of
steel. The intake valve is 48.768 mm (1.92 inches) in
diameter and the exhaust valve is 41.148 mm (1.62
inches) in diameter and has a 2.032 mm (0.080 inch)
wafer interia welded to the tip for durability. These
valves are not splayed.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐVALVES, GUIDES
AND SPRINGS
VALVE CLEANING
Clean valves thoroughly. Discard burned, warped,
or cracked valves.
Remove carbon and varnish deposits from inside of
valve guides with a reliable guide cleaner.
VALVE GUIDES
Measure valve stems for wear. If wear exceeds
0.051 mm (0.002 in.), replace the valve.
Measure valve stem guide clearance as follows:
(1) Install Valve Guide Sleeve Tool C-3973 over
valve stem and install valve (Fig. 8). The special
sleeve places the valve at the correct height for
checking with a dial indicator.
(2) Attach dial indicator Tool C-3339 to cylinder
head and set it at right angles to valve stem being
measured (Fig. 9).
(3) Move valve to and from the indicator. The total
dial indicator reading should not exceed 0.432 mm
(0.017 in.). Ream the guides for valves with oversize
stems if dial indicator reading is excessive or if the
stems are scuffed or scored.
Fig. 7 Cylinder Head Cover Gasket
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
Fig. 8 Positioning Valve with Tool C-3973
1 - VALVE
2 - SPACER TOOL
BR/BEENGINE 5.9L 9 - 23

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
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).
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. 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
BR/BEENGINE 8.0L 9 - 59
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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 IDLE 1. 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).
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)
9 - 60 ENGINE 8.0LBR/BE
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - LUBRICATION
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.
BR/BEENGINE 8.0L 9 - 63
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
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 TESTING - CYLINDER
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 CYLINDER COMBUSTION
PRESSURE LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS CHART.
9 - 64 ENGINE 8.0LBR/BE
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

ERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Disconnect the
fuel line (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIV-
ERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(9) Disconnect accelerator linkage and if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(10) Remove coil pack and bracket (Fig. 9).
(11) Disconnect the coil wires.(12) Disconnect heat indicator sending unit wire.
(13) Disconnect heater hoses and bypass hose.
(14) Remove upper intake manifold and throttle
body as an assembly (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANI-
FOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - REMOVAL).
(15) Remove cylinder head covers and gaskets
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(16) Remove the EGR tube. Discard the gasket, for
right side only.
(17) Remove lower intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL). Discard the flange side gaskets and the
front and rear cross-over gaskets.
(18) Disconnect exhaust pipe from exhaust mani-
fold.
(19) Remove exhaust manifolds and gaskets (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD
- REMOVAL).
(20) Remove rocker arm assemblies and push rods
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER
ARM / ADJUSTER ASSY - REMOVAL). Identify to
ensure installation in original locations.
(21) Remove the head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads. Discard the cylin-
der head gasket.
(22) Remove spark plugs.
CLEANING
Clean all surfaces of cylinder block and cylinder
heads. Be sure material does not fall into the lifters
and surrounding valley.
Clean cylinder block front and rear gasket surfaces
using a suitable solvent.
Clean the exhaust manifold to cylinder head mat-
ing areas.
INSPECTION
Inspect all surfaces with a straightedge if there is
any reason to suspect leakage. The out-of-flatness
specifications are 0.0007 mm/mm (0.0004 inch/inch),
0.127 mm/152 mm (0.005 inch/6 inches) any direction
or 0.254 mm (0.010 inch) overall across head. If
exceeded, either replace head or lightly machine the
head surface.
The cylinder head surface finish should be
1.78-4.57 microns (15-80 microinches).
Inspect push rods. Replace worn or bent rods.
Inspect rocker arms. Replace if worn or scored.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the new cylinder head gaskets onto
the cylinder block.
(2) Position the cylinder heads onto head gaskets
and cylinder block.
Fig. 8 Spark Plug Wire Heat Shields (Left Side
Shown)
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD
2 - HEAT SHIELD
Fig. 9 Coil Pack and Bracket
1 - COIL PACKS AND BRACKET
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
BR/BEENGINE 8.0L 9 - 77
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)