2003 DODGE RAM width

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.
Inspect valve springs. Replace as
necessary.
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH
TAILPIPEExhaust valve bent, burnt, or not
seated properlyInspect valve and valve seat.
Reface or replace, as necessary.
Inspect valve springs. 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
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIR 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 PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS AND 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 MopartGasket 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
material is for use between two machined surfaces.
Do not use on flexible metal flanges.
MOPARtGASKET SEALANT
MopartGasket Sealant is a slow drying, perma-
nently soft sealer. This material is recommended for
sealing threaded fittings and gaskets against leakage
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 9
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Second Compression
Ring0.37 - 0.63 mm
(0.0146 - 0.0249 in.)
Oil Control (Steel Rails) 0.25 - 0.76 mm
(0.0099 - 0.30 in.)
Side Clearance
Top Compression Ring .051 - .094 mm
(0.0020 - 0.0037 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.040 - 0.080 mm
(0.0016 - 0.0031 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Ring) .019 - .229 mm
(.0007 - .0091 in.)
Ring Width
Top Compression Ring 1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Second Compression
Ring1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Rails) 0.445 - 0.470 mm
(0.017 - 0.018 in.)
CONNECTING RODS
Bearing Clearance 0.015 - 0.055 mm
(0.0006 - 0.0022 in.)
Side Clearance 0.10 - 0.35 mm
(0.004 - 0.0138 in.)
Piston Pin Clearance .015 - .028 mm
(0.0006 - 0.0011 in.)
Bearing Bore Out of
Round0.004 mm
(MAX) (0.0002 in.)
Total Weight (Less
Bearing)612 grams (21.588
ounces)
CRANKSHAFT
Main Bearing Journal
Diameter 63.488 - 63.512 mm
(2.4996 - 2.5005 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.002 - 0.034 mm
Out of Round (MAX) 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.006 mm (0.0004 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
End Play 0.052 - 0.282 mm
(0.0021 - 0.0112 in.)
End Play (MAX) 0.282 mm (0.0112 in)
Connecting Rod
Journal
Diameter 57.908 - 57.892 mm
Bearing Clearance 0.015 - 0.055 mm
Out of Round (MAX) 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.006 mm (0.0002 in.)
CAMSHAFT
Bore Diameter 26.02 - 26.04 mm
(1.0245 - 1.0252 in.)
Bearing Journal Diameter 25.975 - 25.995 mm
(1.0227 - 1.0235 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.025 - 0.065 mm
(0.001 - 0.0026 in.)
Bearing Clearance (MAX) 0.065 mm (0.0026 in.)
End Play .075 - .200 mm
(0.003 - 0.0079 in.)
End Play (MAX) .200 mm (0.0079 in.)
VALVE TIMING
Intake
Opens (ATDC) 0.0É
Closes (ATDC) 236É
Duration 236É
Exhaust
Opens (BTDC) 233É
Closes (ATDC) 17É
Duration 250É
Valve Overlap 17É
VA LV E S
Face Angle 45É - 45.5É
Head Diameter
Intake 48.52 - 48.78 mm
(1.9103 - 1.9205 in.)
Exhaust 36.87 - 37.13 mm
1.4516 - 1.4618 in.)
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 13
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Length (Overall)
Intake 113.45 - 114.21 mm
(4.4666 - 4.4965)
Exhaust 114.92 - 115.68 mm
(4.5244 - 4.5543 in.)
Stem Diameter
Intake 6.931 - 6.957 mm
(0.2729 - 0.2739 in.)
Exhaust 6.902 - 6.928 mm
(0.2717 - 0.2728 in.)
Stem - to - Guide
Clearance
Intake 0.018 - 0.069 mm
(0.0008 - 0.0028 in.)
Exhaust 0.047 - 0.098 mm
(0.0019 - 0.0039 in.)
Max. Allowable Stem -
to -
Guide Clearance
(Rocking
Method)
Intake 0.069 mm (0.0028 in.)
Exhaust 0.098 mm (0.0039 in.)
Valve Lift (Zero Lash)
Intake 12.00 mm (0.472 in.)
Exhaust 10.90 mm (0.4292 in.)
VALVE SPRING
Free Length (Approx)
Intake 48.92 mm (1.9260 in.)
Exhaust 49.81 mm (1.9610 in.)
Spring Force (Valve
Closed)
Intake 361.0 - 390.0 N @ 40.12
mm
(81.15 - 87.67 lbs. @
1.5795 in.)
Exhaust 390.0 - 430.0 N @ 40.12
mm
(87.67 - 96.66 lbs. @
1.5795 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Spring Force (Valve
Open)
Intake 984.0 - 1040.0 N @
28.12 mm
221.2 - 233.8 lbs. @
1.107 in.)
Exhaust 965.0 - 1055.0 N @
28.12 mm
216.9 - 237.1 lbs. @
1.107 in.)
Number of Coils
Intake 7.30
Exhaust 7.45
Wire Diameter
Intake and Exhaust 4.77 ý 3.80mm
(0.1878 - 0.1496 in.)
Installed Height (Spring
Seat to Bottom of
Retainer)
Nominal
Intake 40.12 mm (1.579 in.)
Exhaust 40.12 mm (1.579 in.)
CYLINDER HEAD
Gasket Thickness
(Compressed) 0.7 mm (0.0276 in.)
Valve Seat Angle 44.5É - 45.0É
Valve Seat Runout (MAX) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
Valve Seat Width
Intake 1.75 - 2.36 mm
(0.0698 - 0.0928 in.)
Exhaust 1.71 - 2.32 mm
(0.0673 - 0.0911 in.)
Guide Bore Diameter
(Std.)6.975 - 7.00 mm
(0.2747 - 0.2756 in.)
Cylinder Head Warpage
(Flatness) 0.0508 mm (0.002 in.)
OIL PUMP
Clearance Over
Rotors/End Face (MAX)0.095 mm
(0.0038 in.)
9 - 14 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

(6) Remove the cylinder head cover mounting bolts
(Fig. 16).
(7) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket.
NOTE: The gasket may be used again, providing no
cuts, tears, or deformation has occurred.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not use harsh cleaners to clean the
cylinder head covers. Severe damage to covers
may occur.
NOTE: The gasket may be used again, provided no
cuts, tears, or deformation has occurred.
(1) Clean cylinder head cover and both sealing sur-
faces. Inspect and replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts and double
ended studs to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Install left side breather and connect breather
tube.
(4) Connect injector electrical connectors and injec-
tor harness retaining clips.(5) Install the resonator and air inlet hose.
(6) Connect negative cable to battery.
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES &
SEATS
DESCRIPTION
The valves are made of heat resistant steel and
have chrome plated stems to prevent scuffing. Each
valve is actuated by a roller rocker arm which pivots
on a stationary lash adjuster. All valves use three
bead lock keepers to retain the springs and promote
valve rotation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFACING
NOTE: Valve seats that are worn or burned can be
reworked, provided that correct angle and seat
width are maintained. Otherwise the cylinder head
must be replaced.
NOTE: When refacing valves and valve seats, it is
important that the correct size valve guide pilot be
used for reseating stones. A true and complete sur-
face must be obtained.
(1) Using a suitable dial indicator measure the
center of the valve seat Total run out must not
exceed 0.051 mm (0.002 in).
(2) Apply a small amount of Prussian blue to the
valve seat, insert the valve into the cylinder head,
while applying light pressure on the valve rotate the
valve. Remove the valve and examine the valve face.
If the blue is transferred below the top edge of the
valve face, lower the valve seat using a 15 degree
stone. If the blue is transferred to the bottom edge of
the valve face, raise the valve seat using a 65 degree
stone.
(3) When the seat is properly positioned the width
of the intake seat must be 1.75 ± 2.36 mm (0.0689 ±
0.0928 in.) and the exhaust seat must be 1.71 ± 2.32
mm (0.0673 ± 0.0911 in.).
(4) Check the valve spring installed height after
refacing the valve and seat. The installed height for
both intake and exhaust valve springs must not
exceed 40.74 mm (1.6039 in.).
Fig. 16 CYLINDER HEAD COVER -TYPICAL
1 - SCREWS
2 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 27
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING
Inspect the connecting rod bearings for scoring.
Check the bearings for normal wear patterns, scor-
ing, grooving, fatigue and pitting (Fig. 45). Replace
any bearing that shows abnormal wear.
Inspect the connecting rod journals for signs of
scoring, nicks and burrs (Fig. 46).
Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause
abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder
walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft con-
necting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to
any of these components indicate the probability of a
misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod
alignment. Replace misaligned, bent or twisted con-
necting rods.
(1) Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.
(2) Lubricate the upper bearing insert and position
in connecting rod. Center bearing insert in connect-
ing rod (Fig. 47)
(3) Use piston ring compressor and Guide Pins
Special Tool 8507 (Fig. 48) to install the rod and pis-
ton assemblies. The oil slinger slots in the rods must
face front of the engine. The ªFº's near the piston
wrist pin bore should point to the front of the engine.
(4) Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing
cap. Center bearing insert in connecting rod (Fig. 47).The lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plasti-
gage across full width of the lower insert at the cen-
ter of bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in
use. If brittle, obtain fresh stock.
Fig. 45 Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection
1 - UPPER BEARING HALF
2 - MATING EDGES
3 - GROOVES CAUSED BY ROD BOLTS SCRATCHING JOURNAL
DURING INSTALLATION
4 - WEAR PATTERN - ALWAYS GREATER ON UPPER BEARING
Fig. 46 Scoring Caused by Insufficient Lubrication
or Damaged Crankshaft Journal
Fig. 47 Bearing Insert Location
1 - Connecting Rod
2 - Bearing Insert
- A, B less then .50 mm (.0196 in.)
9 - 48 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

(5) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a
90É turn. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.
(6) Remove the bearing cap and determine amount
of bearing-to-journal clearance by measuring the
width of compressed Plastigage (Fig. 49). Refer to
Engine Specifications for the proper clearance.Plas-
tigage should indicate the same clearance
across the entire width of the insert. If the
clearance varies, it may be caused by either a
tapered journal, bent connecting rod or foreign
material trapped between the insert and cap or
rod.
(7) If the correct clearance is indicated, replace-
ment of the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove
the Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing
insert. Proceed with installation.
(8) If bearing-to-journal clearance exceeds the
specification, determin which services bearing set to
use the bearing sizes are as follows:
Bearing
MarkSIZE USED WITH
JOURNAL SIZE
.025 US.025 mm 57.883-57.867 mm
(.001 in.) (2.2788-2.2783 in.)
Std.STANDARD 57.908-57.892 mm
(2.2798-2.2792 in.)
.250 US.250 mm 57.658-57.646 mm
(.010 in.) (2.2700-2.2695 in.)
CAUTION: Connecting Rod Bolts are Torque to
Yield Bolts and Must Not Be Reused. Always
replace the Rod Bolts whenever they are loosened
or removed.
(9) Repeat the Plastigage measurement to verify
your bearing selection prior to final assembly.
(10) Once you have selected the proper insert,
install the insert and cap. Tighten the connecting rod
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90É turn.Fig. 48 Piston and Connecting Rod -Installation -
Typical
1 - ªFº TOWARD FRONT OF ENGINE
2 - OIL SLINGER SLOT
3 - RING COMPRESSOR
4 - SPECIAL TOOL 8507
Fig. 49 Measuring Bearing Clearance with
Plastigage
1 - PLASTIGAGE SCALE
2 - COMPRESSED PLASTIGAGE
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 49
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL
2WD
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
CAUTION: Remove the viscous fan before raising
engine. Failure to do so may cause damage to the
fan blade, fan clutch and fan shroud.
(2) Remove the viscous fan (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
REMOVAL).
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove the engine oil filter.
(5) Remove the oil drain trough.
(6) Support the engine with a suitable jack and a
block of wood across the full width of the engine oil
pan.
(7) Support the front axle with a suitable jack.
(8) Remove the (4) bolts that attach the engine
mounts to the front axle.
(9) Remove the (3) bolts that attach the front axle
to the left engine bracket.
(10) Lower the front axle.
(11) Remove the through bolts(12) Raise the engine far enough to be able to
remove the left and right engine mounts.
(13) Remove the (8) mount to engine attaching
bolts
(14) Remove the engine mounts.4WD
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
CAUTION: Remove the viscous fan before raising
engine. Failure to do so may cause damage to the
fan blade, fan clutch and fan shroud.
(2) Remove the viscous fan (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
REMOVAL).
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove the skid plate.
(5) Remove the front crossmember.
(6) Remove the engine oil filter.
(7) Remove the oil drain trough.
(8) Support the engine with a suitable jack and a
block of wood across the full width of the engine oil
pan.
(9) Support the front axle with a suitable jack.
(10) Remove the (4) bolts that attach the engine
mounts to the front axle (Fig. 66).
Fig. 66 ENGINE INSULATOR MOUNTS 4X4
1 - RH INSULATOR TO AXLE BOLT
2 - NUT
3 - PINION SUPPORT MOUNT
4 - LH INSULATOR MOUNT5 - LH INSULATOR TO AXLE BOLT
6 - FRONT AXLE
7 - NUT
8 - RH INSULATOR MOUNT
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 57

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
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 per-
formance (e.g., engine idles rough and stalls) or
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)ÐPERFORMANCE and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)ÐMECHANICAL for
possible causes and corrections of malfunctions.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) and (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for the 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 diagnosis:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIR 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 PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS AND 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
material is for use between two machined surfaces.
Do not use on flexible metal flanges.
MOPARtGASKET SEALANT
MopartGasket Sealant is a slow drying, perma-
nently soft sealer. This material is recommended for
sealing threaded fittings and gaskets against leakage
of oil and coolant. Can be used on threaded and
machined parts under all temperatures. This mate-
rial is used on engines with multi-layer steel (MLS)
cylinder head gaskets. This material also will pre-
vent corrosion. MopartGasket Sealant is available in
a 13 oz. aerosol can or 4oz./16 oz. can w/applicator.
FORM-IN-PLACE GASKET AND SEALER
APPLICATION
Assembling parts using a form-in-place gasket
requires care but it's easier than using precut gas-
kets.
MopartGasket Maker material should be applied
sparingly 1 mm (0.040 in.) diameter or less of sealant
DRENGINE - 4.7L 9 - 93
ENGINE - 4.7L (Continued)