Dodge Ram Truck 1500-2500-3500. Manual — part 1390

INSTALLATION

CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET INSTALLATION

1. Position a new crankshaft sprocket on the crank-

shaft with timing mark facing out. Align crankshaft
keyway with slot in crankshaft sprocket.

NOTE: Lubricate the threads of Special Tool 9055
(1) using Mopar

T

Nickel Anti-seize Compound or

equivalent, before beginning crankshaft sprocket
installation.

2. Install the crankshaft sprocket using Special Tool

9055 (1).

TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT SPROCKET INSTALLATION

1. Rotate the crankshaft sprocket so the timing mark

is at the 12 O’clock position.

2. Place

the

timing

chain

around

the

camshaft

sprocket and place the timing mark to the 6 O’clock
position.

3. Place the timing chain around crankshaft sprocket

and install the camshaft sprocket into position.

4. Using straight edge, check alignment of timing

marks.

5. Install the camshaft sprocket bolts. Tighten the

bolts to 23 N·m (200 in. lbs.).

6. Rotate crankshaft 2 revolutions. Timing marks

should line up. If timing marks do not line up,
remove cam sprocket and realign.

7. Measure camshaft end play. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE

- SPECIFICATIONS). If not within specifications,
install new thrust plate.

8. Install timing chain cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/

VALVE

TIMING/TIMING

CHAIN

COVER

-

INSTALLATION).

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ENGINE - 8.3L - SERVICE INFORMATION

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LUBRICATION

DESCRIPTION

The engine lubrication system is a full-flow filtration pressure feed type.

OPERATION

Engine oil stored in the oil pan is taken in and discharged by an internal gear type oil pump, which is driven by the
crankshaft. A pressure relief valve is located in the timing chain case cover; it regulates oil pressure. The oil is
pumped through an oil filter and feeds a main oil gallery. Also, oil is routed to an external oil cooler. The main oil
gallery feeds oil under pressure to the main bearings, connecting rod bearings, and camshaft bearings. Passages in
the cylinder block feed oil to the hydraulic lifters. The oil then flows through hollow pushrods, which feed the rocker
arm pivots.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

1. Remove oil pressure sensor (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRESSURE SENSOR - REMOVAL).

2. Install oil pressure gauge.

3. Warm engine at high idle until thermostat opens.

CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, Do Not Run engine at 3000 RPM.

4. Oil pressure should be 68.9 kPa (10 psi) at idle or 310 - 517 kPa (45 - 75 psi) at 3000 RPM.

5. If oil pressure is 0 at idle, shut off engine. Check for a clogged oil pick-up screen or a pressure relief valve stuck

open.

ENGINE OIL LEAK

Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak. If an oil leak
source is not readily identifiable, the following steps should be followed:

1. Do not clean or degrease the engine at this time because some solvents may cause rubber to swell, temporarily

stopping the leak.

2. Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for approximately 15

minutes. Check the oil dipstick to make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated with a bright yellow color
under a black light.

3. Using a black light, inspect the entire engine for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area of oil leak. If

the oil leak is found and identified, repair per service manual instructions.

4. If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at various speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and repeat inspec-

tion.If the oil leak source is not positively identified at this time, proceed with the air leak detection test
method.

Air Leak Detection Test Method

1. Remove the PCV valve from the IAFM. Cap or plug the PCV valve grommet.

2. Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and regulator to the dipstick tube.

CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to more than 20.6 kPa (3 PSI) of test pressure.

3. Gradually apply air pressure from 6.89 - 17.23 kPa (1 - 2.5 psi) maximum while applying soapy water at the

suspected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable test pressure that provide the best bubbles which will pin-
point the leak source. If the oil leak is detected and identified, repair per service manual procedures.

4. If the leakage occurs at the rear oil seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear Seal Area Leak.

5. If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply and remove the air hose and all plugs and caps. Install the PCV

valve.

6. Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various speeds approx-

imately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.

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ENGINE - 8.3L - SERVICE INFORMATION

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INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS

Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the engine, a more
involved inspection is necessary. The following steps should be followed to help pinpoint the source of the leak.

If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal area:

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Raise the vehicle.

3. Remove torque converter or clutch housing cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil. Use a black light

to check for the oil leak:

a. Circular spray pattern generally indicates seal leakage or crankshaft damage.

b. Where leakage tends to run straight down, possible causes are a porous block, distributor seal, camshaft

bore cup plugs oil galley pipe plugs, oil filter runoff, and main bearing cap to cylinder block mating surfaces.

4. If no leaks are detected, pressurize the crankcase as outlined in the, Inspection (Engine oil Leaks in general)

CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).

5. If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is detected between

the crankshaft and seal while slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the crankshaft seal surface is damaged.
The seal area on the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches that can be polished out with emery cloth.

CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks and
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is especially machined to complement the function of the rear oil seal.

6. For bubbles that remain steady with shaft rotation, no further inspection can be done until disassembled.

OIL

STANDARD PROCEDURE

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The best time to check engine oil level is after the
vehicle has sat overnight. If the engine has been run-
ning, allow the engine to be shut off for at least 5 min-
utes before checking oil level.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading.
Remove the engine oil indicator. The indicator is cali-
brated for 1 quart within the SAFE zone.

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ENGINE - 8.3L - SERVICE INFORMATION

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ENGINE OIL AND FILTER CHANGE

WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL. CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY INTER-
NAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED SKIN WITH
SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR SOLVENTS,
HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL PROPERLY. CON-
TACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION CENTER IN YOUR
AREA.

Change engine oil and filter at mileage and time intervals described in LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION).

ENGINE OIL AND FILTER CHANGE

1. Run engine until achieving normal operating temperature.

2. Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn engine off.

3. Open hood, remove oil fill cap.

4. Raise vehicle on hoist.

5. Remove underbody front shield

6. Place a suitable drain pan under oil pan drain plug.

7. Remove drain plug from oil pan and allow oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for stretching or other

damage. Replace drain plug and gasket if damaged.

8. Install drain plug in crankcase.

9. Remove oil filter and replace with new.

10. Install under body shield.

11. Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified type (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES

- DESCRIPTION) and amount of engine oil (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE - SPECIFICATIONS).

12. Install oil fill cap.

13. Start engine and inspect for leaks.

14. Stop engine and inspect oil level. Adjust oil level as necessary.

OIL SPECIFICATION

DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends a fully synthetic API certified engine oil of the proper viscosity grade for
refill. Viper engine factory fill is Mobil 1

T

10W-30 Synthetic.

OIL FILTER SPECIFICATION

All DaimlerChrysler Corporation engines are equipped with a high quality full-flow, disposable type oil filter.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends a Mopar

T

or equivalent oil filter be used.

USED ENGINE OIL DISPOSAL

Care should be exercised when disposing used engine oil after it has been drained from a vehicle engine.

COOLER & LINES-OIL

DESCRIPTION

An engine oil cooler is used on all models. The cooler is a coolant-to-oil type and mounted on the right front inner
fender.

OPERATION

Engine oil travels from the oil pump and filter to the oil cooler via an oil supply line. The oil is cooled and returned
to the engine via an oil return line. Engine oil is then pumped into the main oil gallery. Engine coolant flows into the
cooler from the heater return hose and exits into the water pump inlet nipple.

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ENGINE - 8.3L - SERVICE INFORMATION

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