2003 DODGE RAM engine system

(4) Remove cylinder head cover bolts and stud
bolts. Remove the covers and gaskets (Fig. 11). 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
(1) Check the gasket for use in head cover instal-
lation. If damaged, use a new gasket.
(2) Install the gasket onto the head rail.For the
left side the number tab is at the front of
engine with the number up. For the right side
the number tab is at the rear of engine with the
number up.
CAUTION: The cylinder head cover fasteners have a
special plating. DO NOT use alternative fasteners.
(3) Position the cylinder head cover onto the gas-
ket. Install the stud bolts and hex head bolts in theproper positions (Fig. 12). Tighten the stud bolts and
the bolts to 16 N´m (144 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) If removed, install the upper intake manifold
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install closed crankcase ventilation system and
evaporation control system onto the proper head
cover. DO NOT switch the systems.
(6) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(7) Start engine and check for leaks.
Fig. 11 Cylinder Head Cover Gaskets
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKETS
2 - TAB WITH NUMBER UP
Fig. 12 Cylinder Head Covers
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
9 - 374 ENGINE 8.0LDR
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) (Continued)

(8) The cylinder head cover gasket can be used
again. Install the gasket onto the head rail.For the
left side the number tab is at the front of
engine with the number up. For the right side
the number tab is at the rear of engine with the
number up.
CAUTION: The cylinder head cover fasteners have a
special plating. DO NOT use alternative fasteners.
(9) Install cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION) (Fig. 24).
(10) Install closed crankcase ventilation system.
(11) Connect the evaporation control system.
(12) Install air cleaner.
(13) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(14) Road test vehicle and check for leaks.
INSTALLATIONÐVALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS
(1) Clean valves thoroughly. Discard burned,
warped and cracked valves.(2) Remove carbon and varnish deposits from
inside of valve guides with a reliable guide cleaner.
(3) Measure valve stems for wear. If wear exceeds
0.051 mm (0.002 inch), replace the valve.
(4) Make sure there are no burrs on valve stems.
(5) Coat valve stems with lubrication oil. Insert
valves into valve guides in cylinder head.
(6) Install new seals on all valve guides(BLACK
on intake and BROWN on exhaust). Install valve
springs and valve retainers.
(7) Compress valve springs with Valve Spring
Compressor Tool MD-998772A and adapter 6716A,
install locks and release tool. Tap the retainer with a
brass or heavy plastic hammer to ensure locks have
been seated.
(8) If valves and/or seats were ground, measure
the installed height of springs. Make sure the mea-
surement is taken from bottom of spring seat in cyl-
inder head to the bottom surface of spring retainer. If
spacers are installed, measure from the top of spacer.
If height is greater than 42.86 mm (1-11/16 inches),
install a 1.587 mm (1/16 inch) spacer in head coun-
terbore. Ensure this brings spring height back to nor-
mal, 41.27 to 42.86 mm (1-5/8 to 1-11/16 inch).
(9) Install the cylinder head (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION).
ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER
ASSY
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect spark plug wires by pulling the boot
straight out in line with plug.
(2) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER
HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the rocker arm bolts and the rocker
arm assembly (Fig. 25). Place rocker arm assemblies
on a bench in the same order as removed.
(4) Remove the push rods and place them on a
bench in the same order as removed.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: DO NOT rotate or crank the engine dur-
ing or immediately after rocker arm installation.
Allow the hydraulic roller tappets adequate time to
bleed down (about 5 minutes).
Fig. 24 Cylinder Head Covers
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 379
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL
RETAINER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the transmission.
(3) Remove the drive plate / flywheel.
(4) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the rear oil seal retainer mounting
bolts.
(6) Carefully remove the retainer from the engine
block.
INSTALLATION
(1) Throughly clean all gasket resdue from the
engine block.
(2) Use extream care and clean all gasket resdue
from the retainer.
(3) Apply a small amount of MopartSilicone Rub-
ber Adhesive Sealant to the retainer gasket. Position
the gasket onto the retainer.
(4) Position Special Tool 6687 Seal Guide onto the
crankshaft.
(5) Position the retainer and seal over the guide
and onto the engine block.
(6) Install the retainer mounting bolts. Tighten the
bolts to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the drive plate / flywheel.
(9) Install the transmission.
(10) Check and verify engine oil level.
(11) Start engine and check for leaks.
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐHYDRAULIC
TAPPETS
Before disassembling any part of the engine to cor-
rect tappet noise, check the oil pressure. If vehicle
has no oil pressure gauge, install a reliable gauge at
the pressure sending-unit. The pressure should be
between 207-552 kPa (30-80 psi) at 3,000 RPM.
Check the oil level after the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. Allow 5 minutes to stabilize
oil level, check dipstick. The oil level in the pan
should never be above the FULL mark or below the
ADD OIL mark on dipstick. Either of these two con-
ditions could be responsible for noisy tappets.
OIL LEVEL
HIGH
If oil level is above the FULL mark, it is possible
for the connecting rods to dip into the oil. With the
engine running, this condition could create foam in
the oil pan. Foam in oil pan would be fed to the
hydraulic tappets by the oil pump causing them to
lose length and allow valves to seat noisily.
LOW
Low oil level may allow oil pump to take in air.
When air is fed to the tappets, they lose length,
which allows valves to seat noisily. Any leaks on
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.
9 - 386 ENGINE 8.0LDR

Fig. 49 Engine Lubrication System
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 395
LUBRICATION (Continued)

(7) Using a new pressure relief valve gasket,
install the relief valve plug. Tighten the plug to 20
N´m (15 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install oil filter that has been filled with oil.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The aluminum intake manifold (Fig. 65) has two
plenum chambers an upper and lower which supply
air to five runners each. Passages across the longitu-
dinal center of the manifold feed air from the throttle
body to the plenum chambers.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐINTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKAGE
An intake manifold air leak is characterized by
lower than normal manifold vacuum. Also, one or
more cylinders may not be functioning.
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 accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the generator brace and generator
(Fig. 66).
(5) Remove the A/C compressor brace (Fig. 66).
Remove the compressor and set aside.
(6) Remove the air cleaner cover and filter.
Remove the air cleaner housing (Fig. 67). Discard the
gasket.
(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 and if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(9) Remove the coil assemblies with the ignition
wires.
(10) Disconnect the vacuum lines.
(11) Disconnect the heater hoses and bypass hose.
(12) Remove the closed crankcase ventilation and
evaporation control systems.
Fig. 65 Upper and Lower Intake ManifoldÐ8.0L
Engine
1 - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - THROTTLE BODY (MPI)
3 - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 66 Generator and A/C Compressor Braces
1 - GENERATOR
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD TO GENERATOR BRACE
3 - A/C COMPRESSOR
4 - INTAKE MANIFOLD TO A/C COMPRESSOR BRACE
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 401
OIL PUMP (Continued)

(2) Insert MopartGEN II Silicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant, or equivalent, into 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. (Fig. 70).
(3) Position the cross-over gaskets and press firmly
onto the block (Fig. 70).BE SURE THE BLOCK IS
OIL FREE..
(4) The lower intake manifold MUST be installed
within 3 minutes of sealant application. Carefully
lower intake manifold into position on the cylinder
block and heads. After intake manifold is in place,
inspect to make sure seals and gaskets are in place.
Finger start all the lower intake bolts.
(5) Tighten the lower intake manifold bolts in
sequence to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 69).
Recheck all bolts are tightened to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(6) Using a new gasket, position the upper intake
manifold onto the lower intake manifold.
(7) Finger start all bolts, alternate one side to the
other.
(8) Tighten upper intake manifold bolts in
sequence to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 68).
(9) Using a new gasket, install the throttle body
onto the upper intake manifold. Tighten the bolts to
23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install closed crankcase ventilation and evap-
oration control systems.
(11) Connect the heater hoses and bypass hose.
(12) Connect the vacuum lines.
(13) Install the coil assemblies and the ignition
wires.
(14) Connect the accelerator linkage and if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.(15) Install the fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) Using a new gasket, install the air cleaner
housing. Tighten the nuts to 11 N´m (96 in. lbs.)
torque. Install the air cleaner filter and cover.
(17) Install the A/C compressor (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
COMPRESSOR - INSTALLATION). Position the com-
pressor brace and install the bolts. Tighten the brace
bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(18) Install the generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR - INSTALLATION).
Position the generator brace and install the bolts.
Tighten the brace bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(19) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(20) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(21) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(22) Start engine check for leaks.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
Engine exhaust manifolds (Fig. 72) are made of
high molybdenum ductile cast iron. A special ribbed
design helps control permanent dimensional changes
during heat cycles.
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.
Fig. 71 Intake Manifold Flange
1 - LOCATOR DOWELS
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS
3 - LOCATOR DOWELS
Fig. 72 Exhaust ManifoldÐ8.0L Engine
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 403
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

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 (Fig. 73).
(6) Remove the dipstick bracket from the exhaust
manifold (right side only).
(7)
Remove bolts attaching manifold to cylinder head.
(8) Remove manifold from the cylinder head. Dis-
card the gasket.
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
(1) Using a new gasket position the engine
exhaust manifold onto the cylinder head. Install bolts
and stud bolts in the proper position. (Fig. 73)
Tighten the bolts to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install the dipstick bracket on to the exhaust
manifold (right side only).(3) Position washers and exhaust heat shields onto
the manifold stud bolts (Fig. 73). Be sure the tabs on
the heat shields are hooked over the top of the
exhaust gasket. Install the nuts and tighten to 20
N´m (175 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Raise and support the vehicle.
(5) Assemble exhaust pipe to manifold.
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(8) Start engine check for leaks.
TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Remove fan and fan shroud (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(5) Unbolt A/C compressor and set on top of
engine.
(6) Remove generator, air pump, and bracket
assembly.
(7) Remove water pump (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/WATER PUMP - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove damper bolt and washer.
(9) Using Special Tool 1026 3-Jaw Puller remove
pulley/damper from the crankshaft. (Fig. 74)
(10)
Loosen oil pan bolts and remove the front oil
pan bolts that mount the pan to the timing chain cover.
(11) Remove the cover bolts.
(12) Remove timing chain cover and gasket using
extreme caution to avoid damaging oil pan gasket.
(13) Inspect surface of cover. Remove any burrs or
high spots.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of timing chain cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
(2) Lubricate the pump rotors using petroleum
jelly or lubriplate (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICA-
TION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(3) Using a new cover gasket, carefully install tim-
ing chain 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.
(4) Tighten timing chain cover bolts to 47 N´m (35
ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten oil pan bolts to 24 N´m (215
in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 73 8.0L Engine Exhaust ManifoldÐTypical
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD
2 - HEAT SHIELD
9 - 404 ENGINE 8.0LDR
EXHAUST MANIFOLD (Continued)

(5) Using Special Tool C-3688 Crankshaft Pulley/
Damper Installer Install pulley/vibration damper
(Fig. 75)
(6) Prime oil pump by squirting oil in the oil filter
mounting hole and filling the J-trap of the front tim-
ing cover. When oil is running out, install oil filter
that has been filled with oil.(7) Install water pump and housing assembly
using new o-ring (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
WATER PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install generator, air pump, and bracket assem-
bly.
(9) Install A/C compressor (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - INSTALLATION).
(10) (10) Install the radiator fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(11) Position the fan shroud and install the bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(12) Install the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(13) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(14) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(15) Road test vehicle and check for leaks.
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove timing chain cover and gasket using
extreme caution to avoid damaging oil pan gasket
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) Aline camshaft and crankshaft centerline.
Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt and remove
timing chain and camshaft sprockets.
(3) Use puller 6444 and jaws 6820 to remove
crankshaft sprocket (Fig. 76).
INSPECTIONÐMEASURING TIMING CHAIN
STRETCH
(1) Place a scale next to the timing chain so that
any movement of the chain may be measured.
(2) Place a torque wrench and socket over cam-
shaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply torque in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack; 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head installed
or 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head
removed. With a torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block the crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Hold a scale with dimensional reading even
with the edge of a chain link. With cylinder heads
installed, apply 14 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque in the
reverse direction. With the cylinder heads removed,
apply 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.) torque in the reverse direc-
tion. Note the amount of chain movement (Fig. 77).
Fig. 74 PulleyÐDamper Removal
1-3JAWPULLER
Fig. 75 Installing Crankshaft
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3688
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 405
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) (Continued)