2003 DODGE RAM engine system

(1) Remove oil pressure sending unit from back of
block.
(2) Insert a 3.175 mm (1/8 in.) finish wire, or
equivalent, into passage.
(3) Plug should be 190.0 to 195.2 mm (7-1/2 to
7-11/16 in.) from machined surface of block (Fig. 19).
If plug is too high, use a suitable flat dowel to posi-
tion properly.
(4) If plug is too low, remove oil pan and No. 4
main bearing cap. Use suitable flat dowel to position
properly. Coat outside diameter of plug with Mopart
Stud and Bearing Mount Adhesive. Plug should be
54.0 to 57.7 mm (2-1/8 to 2-5/16 in.) from bottom of
the block.CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN
BLOCK)
REMOVALÐCAMSHAFT
NOTE: The camshaft has an integral oil pump and
distributor drive gear (Fig. 20).
(1) Remove the radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the A/C Condenser (if equipped)
(3) Remove the engine cover.
(4) Remove intake manifold (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove cylinder head covers (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove timing case cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL) and timing chain (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove rocker arms.
(8) Remove push rods and tappets. Identify each
part so it can be installed in its original location.
(9) Remove distributor and lift out the oil pump
and distributor drive shaft.
(10) Remove camshaft thrust plate, note location of
oil tab (Fig. 21).
(11) Install a long bolt into front of camshaft to aid
in removal of the camshaft. Remove camshaft, being
careful not to damage cam bearings with the cam
lobes.
INSTALLATIONÐCAMSHAFT
(1) Lubricate camshaft lobes and camshaft bearing
journals and insert the camshaft to within 51 mm (2
inches) of its final position in cylinder block.
(2) Install Camshaft Holder Tool C-3509 with
tongue back of distributor drive gear (Fig. 22).
Fig. 19 Oil Line Plug
1 - RIGHT OIL GALLERY
2 - CYLINDER BLOCK
3 - OIL FROM FILTER TO SYSTEM
4 - OIL TO FILTER
5 - FROM OIL PUMP
6 - CRANKSHAFT
7 - PLUG
Fig. 20 Camshaft and Sprocket Assembly
1 - THRUST PLATE
2 - OIL PUMP AND DISTRIBUTOR DRIVE GEAR INTEGRAL WITH
CAMSHAFT
3 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
9 - 250 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)

intake side of oil pump through which air can be
drawn will create the same tappet action. Check the
lubrication system from the intake strainer to the
pump cover, including the relief valve retainer cap.
When tappet noise is due to aeration, it may be
intermittent or constant, and usually more than one
tappet will be noisy. When oil level and leaks have
been corrected, operate the engine at fast idle. Run
engine for a sufficient time to allow all of the air
inside the tappets to be bled out.
TAPPET NOISE DIAGNOSIS
(1) To determine source of tappet noise, operate
engine at idle with cylinder head covers removed.
(2) Feel each valve spring or rocker arm to detect
noisy tappet. The noisy tappet will cause the affected
spring and/or rocker arm to vibrate or feel rough in
operation.
NOTE: Worn valve guides or cocked springs are
sometimes mistaken for noisy tappets. If such is
the case, noise may be dampened by applying side
thrust on the valve spring. If noise is not apprecia-
bly reduced, it can be assumed the noise is in the
tappet. Inspect the rocker arm push rod sockets
and push rod ends for wear.
(3) Valve tappet noise ranges from light noise to a
heavy click. A light noise is usually caused by exces-
sive leak-down around the unit plunger, or by the
plunger partially sticking in the tappet body cylinder.
The tappet should be replaced. A heavy click is
caused by a tappet check valve not seating, or by for-
eign particles wedged between the plunger and the
tappet body. This will cause the plunger to stick in
the down position. This heavy click will be accompa-
nied by excessive clearance between the valve stem
and rocker arm as valve closes. In either case, tappet
assembly should be removed for inspection and clean-
ing.
(4) The valve train generates a noise very much
like a light tappet noise during normal operation.
Care must be taken to ensure that tappets are mak-
ing the noise. If more than one tappet seems to be
noisy, it's probably not the tappets.
LEAK-DOWN TEST
After cleaning and inspection, test each tappet for
specified leak-down rate tolerance to ensure zero-lash
operation (Fig. 37).
Swing the weighted arm of the hydraulic valve tap-
pet tester away from the ram of the Universal Leak-
Down Tester.
(1) Place a 7.925-7.950 mm (0.312-0.313 inch)
diameter ball bearing on the plunger cap of the tap-
pet.(2) Lift the ram and position the tappet (with the
ball bearing) inside the tester cup.
(3) Lower the ram, then adjust the nose of the ram
until it contacts the ball bearing. DO NOT tighten
the hex nut on the ram.
(4) Fill the tester cup with hydraulic valve tappet
test oil until the tappet is completely submerged.
(5) Swing the weighted arm onto the push rod and
pump the tappet plunger up and down to remove air.
When the air bubbles cease, swing the weighted arm
away and allow the plunger to rise to the normal
position.
(6) Adjust the nose of the ram to align the pointer
with the SET mark on the scale of the tester and
tighten the hex nut.
(7) Slowly swing the weighted arm onto the push
rod.
(8) Rotate the cup by turning the handle at the
base of the tester clockwise one revolution every 2
seconds.
(9) Observe the leak-down time interval from the
instant the pointer aligns with the START mark on
the scale until the pointer aligns with the 0.125
mark. A normally functioning tappet will require
20-110 seconds to leak-down. Discard tappets with
leak-down time interval not within this specification.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the air cleaner assembly and air in-let
hose.
(2) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
Fig. 37 Leak-Down Tester
1 - POINTER
2 - WEIGHTED ARM
3 - RAM
4 - CUP
5 - HANDLE
6 - PUSH ROD
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 259
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (Continued)

(b) Arrange second compression ring 90É clock-
wise from the oil ring rail gap (Fig. 43).
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Remove the cooling system fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove vibration damper bolt and washer from
end of crankshaft.
(5) Position Special Tool 8513 Insert into the
crankshaft nose.(6) Install Special Tool 1026 Three Jaw Puller onto
the vibration damper (Fig. 44).
(7) Pull vibration damper off of the crankshaft.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any contaminants
from the crankshaft nose and the vibration damper
bore. Failure to do so can cause sever damage to
the crankshaft.
(1)
Position the vibration damper onto the crankshaft.
(2) Place installing tool, part of Puller Tool Set
C-3688 in position and press the vibration damper
onto the crankshaft (Fig. 45).
(3) Install the crankshaft bolt and washer. Tighten
the bolt to 244 N´m (180 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(5)
Position the fan shroud and install the bolts.
Tighten the retainer bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install the cooling fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 42 Compression Ring Chamfer Location (Typical)
1 - CHAMFER
2 - TOP COMPRESSION RING
3 - SECOND COMPRESSION RING
4 - PISTON
5 - CHAMFER
Fig. 43 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
Fig. 44 Vibration Damper Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8513 INSERT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 1026
Fig. 45 Vibration Damper Installation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3688
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 263
PISTON RINGS (Continued)

Fig. 52 Oil Lubrication System
1 - OIL DEFLECTOR TAB
2 - BOLT
3 - ROCKER ARM PIVOT
4 - ROCKER ARM
5 - DRIP OILING FOR VALVE TIP
6 - CYLINDER HEAD BOSS
7 - TO MAIN BEARINGS
8 - TO CAMSHAFT BEARINGS
9 - ROCKER ARM
10 - HOLLOW PUSH ROD
11 - TAPPET
12 - TO CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
13 - OIL INTAKE14 - OIL PUMP
15 - OIL FILTER
16 - CRANKSHAFT
17 - FROM OIL PUMP
18 - OIL TO FILTER
19 - OIL FROM FILTER TO SYSTEM
20 - PASSAGE TO CAMSHAFT REAR BEARING
21 - RIGHT OIL GALLERY
22 - PLUG
23 - OIL PASSAGE FOR OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT
24 - OIL SUPPLY VIA HOLLOW PUSH ROD SUPPLY IS FROM
OIL GALLERY METERED THROUGH HYDRAULIC TAPPET
25 - OIL SUPPLY FROM HOLLOW PUSH ROD
9 - 268 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
LUBRICATION (Continued)

WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS, OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water at the suspected
leak area.
(3) If a change in RPMs occur, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the A/C compressor (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
COMPRESSOR - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the accessory drive bracket.
(6) Remove the air cleaner.
(7) Perform the Fuel System Pressure release pro-
cedure (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIV-
ERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Disconnect the
fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Disconnect the accelerator linkage (Refer to 14
- FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE
CONTROL CABLE - REMOVAL) and if so equipped,
the speed control and transmission kickdown cables.
(9) Remove the return spring.
(10) Remove the distributor cap and wires.
(11) Disconnect the coil wires.
(12) Disconnect the heat indicator sending unit
wire.
(13) Disconnect the heater hoses and bypass hose.
(14) Remove the closed crankcase ventilation and
evaporation control systems.
(15) Remove intake manifold bolts.
(16) Lift the intake manifold and throttle body out
of the engine compartment as an assembly.
(17) Remove and discard the flange side gaskets
and the front and rear end seals.
(18) Remove the throttle body bolts and lift the
throttle body off the intake manifold (Fig. 68). Dis-
card the gasket.
(19) If required, remove the plenum pan and gas-
ket. Discard gasket.
CLEANING
Clean manifold in solvent and blow dry with com-
pressed air.Clean cylinder block gasket surfaces using a suit-
able solvent.
The plenum pan rail must be clean and dry (free of
all foreign material).
INSPECTION
Inspect manifold for cracks.
Inspect mating surfaces of manifold for flatness
with a straightedge.
INSTALLATION
(1) If removed, position new plenum gasket and
install plenum pan (Fig. 69).
(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. 71). 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 and 15 mm (0.6 in.)
long.
Fig. 68 Throttle Body Assembly
1 - FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY
2 - FUEL RAIL MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - FUEL RAIL CONNECTING HOSES
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 275
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

(5)Install the front and rear end seals (Fig. 70) Make
sure the molded dowel pins on the end seals fully enter the
corresponding holes in the cylinder block.
(6)Carefully lower intake manifold into position on
the cylinder block and cylinder heads. After intake man-
ifold is in place, inspect to make sure seals are in place.
(7) Using a new gasket, install the throttle body
onto the intake manifold. Tighten the bolts to 23 N´m
(200 in. lbs.) torque.(8) Install the intake manifold bolts and tighten as
follows (Fig. 72):
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
Fig. 69 Plenum Pan Bolt Tightening Sequence
Fig. 70 Front and Rear End Seals
1 - FRONT CROSS-OVER GASKET
2 - REAR CROSS-OVER GASKET
Fig. 71 Intake Manifold Flange Gasket Alignment
1 - FLANGE GASKET
2 - ALIGNMENT TABS
3 - CYLINDER HEAD GASKET
9 - 276 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

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. 73) 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.
Inspect mating surfaces of manifold for flatness
with a straight edge. Gasket surfaces must be flat
within 0.2 mm per 300 mm (0.008 inch per foot).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: If the studs came out with the nuts when
removing the engine exhaust manifold, install new
studs. Apply sealer on the coarse thread ends.
Water leaks may develop at the studs if this precau-
tion is not taken.
(1) Position the engine exhaust manifolds on the
two studs located on the cylinder head. Install coni-
cal washers and nuts on these studs (Fig. 74).
(2) Install two bolts and conical washers at the
inner ends of the engine exhaust manifold outboard
arms. Install two bolts WITHOUT washers on the
center arm of engine exhaust manifold (Fig. 74).
Starting at the center arm and working outward,
tighten the bolts and nuts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install the exhaust heat shields.
(4) Raise and support the vehicle.
Fig. 72 Intake Manifold Bolt Tightening SequenceFig. 73 Exhaust ManifoldsÐV-8 Gas Engines Typical
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (LEFT)
2 - BOLTS & WASHERS
3 - NUTS & WASHERS
4 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (RIGHT)
5 - BOLTS & WASHERS
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 277
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

(5) Assemble exhaust pipe to manifold and secure
with bolts, nuts and retainers. Tighten the bolts and
nuts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Remove water pump (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/WATER PUMP - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove power steering pump (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove vibration damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(5) Loosen oil pan bolts and remove the front bolt
at each side.
(6) Remove the cover bolts.
(7) Remove chain case cover and gasket using
extreme caution to avoid damaging oil pan gasket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of chain case cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
(2) The water pump mounting surface must be
cleaned.
(3) Using a new cover gasket, carefully install
chain case cover to avoid damaging oil pan gasket.
Use a small amount of MopartSilicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant, or equivalent, at the joint between tim-
ing chain cover gasket and the oil pan gasket. Finger
tighten the timing chain cover bolts at this time.NOTE: Special Tool 6635 must be used to align the
front cover and seal with the crankshaft.
(4) Position the special tool 6635 onto the crank-
shaft (Fig. 75).
(5) Tighten chain case cover bolts to 41 N´m (30
ft.lbs.) torque. Tighten oil pan bolts to 24 N´m (215
in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Remove special tool 6635.
(7)
Inspect the seal flange on the vibration damper.
(8) Install vibration damper (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - INSTAL-
LATION).
(9) Install water pump and housing assembly
using new gaskets (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
WATER PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install power steering pump (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(12) Install the cooling system fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(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.
Fig. 74 Engine Exhaust Manifold Installation - 5.9L
Engines
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (LEFT)
2 - BOLTS & WASHERS
3 - NUTS & WASHERS
4 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (RIGHT)
5 - BOLTS & WASHERS
Fig. 75 Position Special Tool 6635 onto Crankshaft
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6635
2 - OIL SEAL
3 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
9 - 278 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
EXHAUST MANIFOLD (Continued)