Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 60

0 - 24 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
BR
FUEL SYSTEM
INSPECTION
It is recommended that the fuel system filler cap,
nozzle, tubes, hoses, and connections be inspected pe­
riodically.
FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter requires service only when a fuel
contamination problem is suspected. For proper diag­
nostic and service procedures refer to Group 14, Fuel
System,
FUEL USAGE
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ENGINES
Dodge vehicles are designed to meet all emission
regulations and provide excellent fuel economy using
high quality unleaded gasoline. Only use unleaded
gasolines having a minimum posted octane of 87.
If the vehicle develops occasional light spark knock
(ping) at low engine speeds, this is not harmful. How­
ever, continued heavy knock at high speeds can
cause damage and should be checked immedi­
ately.
In addition to using unleaded gasoline with the
proper octane rating, those that contain deter­
gents, corrosion and stability additives are rec­
ommended. Using gasolines that have these
additives will help improve fuel economy, reduce
emissions and maintain vehicle performance.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling and stumble. If these prob­
lems occur, use another brand of gasoline before con­
sidering servicing the vehicle.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE
SLEMPS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
materials that contain oxygen such as alcohol, MTBE
and ETBE. The type and amount of oxygenate used
in the blend is important. The following are generally
used in gasoline blends:
ETHANOL
Ethanol (Ethyl or Grain Alcohol) properly blended,
is used as a mixture of 10 percent ethanol and 90
percent gasoline. Gasoline with ethanol may be
used in your vehicle.
1EIHAN0L
CAUTION: Do not use
gasolines
containing metha­
nol. Use of methanol/gasoline blends may result in
starting and driveability problems. In addition, dam­
age may be done to critical fuel system compo­
nents.
Methanol (Methyl or Wood Alcohol) is used in a va­
riety of concentrations blended with unleaded gaso­
line. You may encounter fuels containing 3 percent or
more methanol along with other alcohols called cosol-
vents.
Problems that are the result of using methanol/gas­
oline blends are not the responsibility of Chrysler
Corporation. They may not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
MTBE/ETBE
Gasoline and MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
blends are a mixture of unleaded gasoline and up to
15 percent MTBE. Gasoline and ETBE (Ethyl Ter­
tiary Butyl Ether) are blends of gasoline and up to
17 percent ETBE. Gasoline blended with MTBE or
ETBE may be used.
CLEAN AIR IAS0LINE
Many gasolines are now being blended that con­
tribute to cleaner air, especially in those areas of the
country where air pollution levels are high. These
new blends provide a cleaner burning fuel and some
are referred to as Reformulated Gasoline.
In areas of the country where carbon monoxide lev­
els are high, gasolines are being treated with oxygen­
ated materials such as MTBE, ETBE and ethanol.
Chrysler Corporation supports these efforts toward
cleaner air and recommends the use of these gaso­
lines as they become available.
IGNITION CABLES, DISTRIBUTOR CAP, AND
ROTOR
Inspect and test ignition cables, distributor cap and
rotor when the spark plugs are replaced. Oil and
grime should be cleaned from the ignition cables and
distributor cap to avoid possible spark plug fouling.
Mopar Foamy Engine Degreaser or equivalent is rec­
ommended for cleaning the engine compartment. For
proper service and diagnostic procedures refer to
Group 8D, Ignition System.
SPARKPLUGS
Ignition spark plugs should be replaced at the
mileage interval described in the Lubrication and
Maintenance Schedules. Refer to the General Infor­
mation section of this group. For proper service pro­
cedures refer to Group 8D, Ignition Systems.