Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 994

I - 4 ENGINE
GENERAL I N F O R M A T I O N (Continued)
the package (Fig. 2). Plastigage generally comes in
two scales (one scale is in inches and the other is a
metric scale). Locate the band closest to the same
width. This band shows the amount of clearance. Dif­
ferences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Refer to Engine Specifications.
(5) Plastigage is available in a variety of clearance
ranges. The 0.025-0.076 mm (0.001-0.003 in.) range
is usually the most appropriate for checking engine
bearing clearances.
ENGINE OIL SERVICE
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
INTERNAL 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.
ENGINE OIL SPECIFICATION
CAUTION: Do not * use non-detergent or straight
mineral oil when adding or changing crankcase
lubricant. Engine failure can result.
A P I service GRADE CERTIFIED
Use an engine oil that is API Service Grade Certi­
fied or an oil that conforms to the API Service Grade
SH or SH/CD. MOPAR provides engine oils that con­
form to all of these service grades.
SAE
VISCOSITY
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the vis­
cosity of engine oil. SAE 30 specifies a single- viscos­
ity engine oil. Some engine oils also have multiple
viscosities. These are specified with a dual SAE vis­
cosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot tempera­
ture viscosity range. Select an engine oil that is best
suited to your area's particular temperature range
and variation (Fig. 3).
ENERGY-CONSERVING OIL
An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for
gasoline engines. They are designated as either
ENERGY CONSERVING or ENERGY CONSERV­
ING I I .
^ iTT,
mmmm
:0W-30
<
5W-30
<
i l i
F —20 0 10 20 32 60 80 100
C - 2 9 - 1 8 - 1 2 - 7 0 16 27 38
ANTICIPATED TEMPERATURE RANGE
BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE J9000-39
Fig. 3 Temperature/Engine Oil Viscosity
CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION
Standard engine-oil identification notations have
been adopted to aid in the proper selection of engine
oil. The identifying notations are located on the label
of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of engine oil
cans (Fig. 4).
9400-9
Fig. 4 Engine Oil Container Standard Notations
engine-oil additives
In some instances, such as infrequent operation,
short-trip driving, and during break-in after a major
overhaul, addition of special materials containing
anti-rust and anti-scuff additives are beneficial. A
suitable product for this purpose is MOPAR Engine
Oil Supplement.
CRANKCASE GIL LEVEL INSPECTION
CAUTION: Do not overfill crankcase with engine
oil, oil foaming and oil pressure loss can result.
To ensure proper lubrication of an engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at an acceptable level.
The acceptable oil level is i n the SAFE RANGE on
the engine oil dipstick (Fig. 5).
Unless the engine has exhibited loss of oil pres­
sure, run the engine for about five minutes before
checking oil level. Checking engine oil level of a cold
engine is not accurate.
(1) Position vehicle on level surface.
(2) With engine OFF, allow approximately ten min­
utes for oil to settle to bottom of crankcase, remove
engine oil dipstick.
(3) Wipe dipstick clean.