2003 DODGE RAM engine

SPECIAL TOOLS
5.9L ENGINE
Oil Pressure Gauge C-3292
Engine Support Fixture C-3487±A
Valve Spring Compressor MD-998772±A
Adaptor 6633
Adaptor 6716A
Valve Guide Sleeve C-3973
Dial Indicator C-3339
Puller C-3688
Puller 1026
Crankshaft Damper Removal Insert 8513
9 - 240 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
ENGINE - 5.9L (Continued)

Front Oil Seal Installer 6635
Cam Bearing Remover/Installer C3132±A
Camshaft Holder C-3509
Distributor Bushing Puller C-3052
Distributor Bushing Driver/Burnisher C-3053
Piston Ring Compressor C-385
Crankshaft Main Bearing Remover C-3059
Cylinder Bore Gauge C-119
Pressure Tester Kit 7700
Bloc±Check±Kit C-3685±A
ENGINE SUPPORT FIXTURE 8534
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 241
ENGINE - 5.9L (Continued)

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL
Filter Element Only
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 4) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Pry over 4 spring clips (Fig. 4) from housing
cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(3) Release housing cover from locating tabs on
housing (Fig. 4) and remove cover.
(4) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(5) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
Housing Assembly
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 4) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.(2) Lift entire housing assembly from 4 locating
pins (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install filter element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs (Fig. 4).
(3) Pry up 4 spring clips (Fig. 4) and lock cover to
housing.
(4) Install air duct to air cleaner cover and tighten
hose clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) If any other hose clamps were removed from
air intake system, tighten them to 3.4 N´m (30 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) If any bolts were removed from air resonator
housing or air intake tubing, tighten them to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 4 AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER
1 - CLAMP
2 - AIR DUCT
3 - AIR CLEANER COVER
4 - LOCATING TABS
5 - CLIPS (4)
Fig. 5 AIR CLEANER HOUSING
1 - AIR CLEANER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - LOCATING PINS (4)
9 - 242 ENGINE - 5.9LDR

CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTIONÐCYLINDER HEAD
The cast iron cylinder heads (Fig. 6) are mounted
to the cylinder block using ten bolts. The spark plugs
are located in the peak of the wedge between the
valves.
DESCRIPTION - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
GASKET
The cylinder head cover gasket (Fig. 7) is a steel-
backed silicone gasket, designed for long life usage.
OPERATION
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.
OPERATION - CYLINDER 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:
þ Loss of engine power
þ Engine misfiring
þ Poor fuel economy
²Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
þ Engine overheating
þ Loss of coolant
þ Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
þ Coolant 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.
Fig. 6 Cylinder Head AssemblyÐV-8 Gas Engines
1 - EXHAUST VALVE
2 - SPARK PLUGS
3 - EXHAUST VALVES
4 - SPARK PLUGS
5 - EXHAUST VALVE
6 - INTAKE VALVES
7 - INTAKE VALVES
Fig. 7 Cylinder Head Cover Gasket V-8 Gas Engines
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 243

If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
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
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the air cleaner resonator and duct
work.
(4) Remove the intake manifold-to-generator
bracket support rod. Remove the generator.
(5) Remove closed crankcase ventilation system.
(6) Disconnect the evaporation control system.
(7) Perform the Fuel System Pressure Release pro-
cedure (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIV-
ERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Disconnect the
fuel supply line (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Disconnect accelerator linkage and if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(9) Remove distributor cap and wires.
(10) Disconnect the coil wires.
(11) Disconnect heat indicator sending unit wire.
(12) Disconnect heater hoses and bypass hose.
(13) Remove the master cylinder and booster
assembly. Refer to section 5 brakes.
(14) Remove cylinder head covers and gaskets
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(15) Remove intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL) and throttle body as an assembly. Dis-
card the flange side gaskets and the front and rear
cross-over gaskets.(16) Remove exhaust manifolds (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(17) Remove rocker arm assemblies and push rods.
Identify to ensure installation in original locations.
(18) Remove the head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads. Discard the cylin-
der head gasket.
(19) 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. 8).
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 - 244 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(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) Reinstall the master cylinder and booster
assembly. Refer to section 5 brakes.
(22) Install the air cleaner.
(23) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(24) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(25) Start engine check for leaks.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL
NOTE: A steel backed silicon gasket is used with
the cylinder head cover (Fig. 9). 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.
Fig. 8 Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence
Fig. 9 Cylinder Head Cover Gasket
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 245
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

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. 10). 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. 11).
(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.
VALVE GUIDES
Service valves with oversize stems are available.
Refer to REAMER SIZES CHART
REAMER SIZES CHART
REAMER O/S VALVE GUIDE SIZE
0.076 mm 8.026 - 8.052 mm
(0.003 in.) (0.316 - 0.317 in.)
0.381 mm 8.331 - 8.357 mm
(0.015 in.) (0.328 - 0.329 in.)
(1) Slowly turn reamer by hand and clean guide
thoroughly before installing new valve.Ream the
valve guides from standard to 0.381 mm (0.015
in.). Use a two step procedure so the valve
guides are reamed true in relation to the valve
seat:
²Step 1ÐReam to 0.0763 mm (0.003 inch).
²Step 2ÐReam to 0.381 mm (0.015 inch).
Fig. 10 Positioning Valve with Tool C-3973
1 - VALVE
2 - SPACER TOOL
Fig. 11 Measuring Valve Guide Wear
1 - VALVE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3339
9 - 246 ENGINE - 5.9LDR

REFACING VALVES AND VALVE SEATS
The intake and exhaust valves have a 43-1/4É to
43-3/4É face angle and a 44-1/4É to 44-3/4É seat angle
(Fig. 12).
VALVE FACE AND VALVE SEAT ANGLE CHART
ITEM DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
ASEAT WIDTH
INTAKE 1.016 - 1.524 mm
(0.040 - 0.060 in.)
EXHAUST 1.524 - 2.032 mm
(0.060 - 0.080 in.)
BFACE ANGLE
(INT. AND EXT.) 43
1¤4É-433¤4É
CSEAT ANGLE
(INT. AND EXT.) 44
1¤4É-443¤4É
DCONTACT
SURFACE Ð
VALVES
Inspect the remaining margin after the valves are
refaced (Fig. 13). Valves with less than 1.190 mm
(0.047 in.) margin should be discarded.
VALVE SEATS
CAUTION: DO NOT un-shroud valves during valve
seat refacing (Fig. 14).
(1) When refacing valve seats, it is important that
the correct size valve guide pilot be used for reseat-
Fig. 12 Valve Face and Seat Angles
1 - CONTACT POINT
A,B,C and D
Fig. 13 Intake and Exhaust Valves
1 - MARGIN
2 - VALVE SPRING RETAINER LOCK GROOVE
3 - STEM
4-FACE
Fig. 14 Refacing Valve Seats
1-STONE
2 - PILOT
3 - VALVE SEAT
4 - SHROUD
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 247
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)