Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 848

scales (one scale is in inches and the other is a met­
ric scale). Locate the band closest to the same width.
This band shows the amount of clearance. Differ­
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken
(refer to Engine Specifications),
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(5) Plastigage is available in a variety of clearance
ranges. The 0.025-0.076 mm (0.001-0.003 inch) range
is usually the most appropriate for checking engine
bearing clearances.
CQMNECTING MOD BEARING
CLEARANCE
Engine connecting rod bearing clearances can be
determined by use of Plastigage, or equivalent. The
following is the recommended procedures for the use
of Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing cap shell (Fig. 2). Position the
Plastigage approximately 6.85 mm (1/4 inch) off cen­
ter and away from the oil holes. In addition, suspect
areas can be checked by placing the Plastigage in the
suspect area.
(3) The crankshaft must be turned until the con­
necting rod to be checked starts moving toward the
top of the engine. Only then should the rod cap with
Plastigage in place be assembled. Tighten the rod cap
nut to 6 1 N-m (45 ft. lbs.) torque. BO NOT rotate
the crankshaft or the Plastigage may be
smeared, giving inaccurate results.
(4) Remove the bearing cap and compare the width
of the flattened Plastigage with the scale provided on
the package (Fig. 3). Plastigage generally comes in 2
scales (one scale is in inches and the other is a met­
ric scale). Locate the band closest to the same width.
This band shows the amount of clearance. Differ­
ences 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 inch) range
is usually the most appropriate for checking engine
bearing clearances.
REPAIR DAMAGED OR WORM THREADS
Damaged or worn threads can be repaired. Essen­
tially, this repair consists of:
• Drilling out worn or damaged threads.
• Tapping the hole with a special Heli-Coil Tap, or
equivalent.
• Installing an insert into the tapped hole.
This brings the hole back to its original thread
size.
CAUTION: B e sure that the tapped holes maintain
the original center line.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from automotive parts jobbers.
H Y D i Q S T A T i C
LOCI
When an engine is suspected of hydrostatic lock
(regardless of what caused the problem),' follow the
steps below.
(1) Perform the Fuel Pressure Release Procedure
(refer to Group 14, Fuel System).
(2) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(3) Inspect air cleaner, induction system and in­
take manifold to ensure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(4) Place a shop towel around the spark plugs or
fuel injectors (diesel engine) to catch any fluid that
may possibly be under pressure in the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs or fuel injectors (diesel en­
gines).
CAUTION: DO MOT use the starter motor to rotate
the c r a n k s h a f t Severe damage could occur.
(5) With all spark plugs and injectors (diesel en­
gine) removed, rotate the crankshaft using a breaker
bar and socket.
(6) Identify the fluid in the cylinders (coolant, fuel,
oil, etc.).
(7) Make sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders.
(8) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from occurring again.
(9) Squirt engine oil into the cylinders to lubricate
the walls. This will prevent damage on restart.
(10) Install new spark plugs or fuel injectors (die­
sel engine). Tighten the spark plugs to 41 N-m (30 ft.
lbs.) torque. Tighten the fuel injector nuts to 60 N-m
(44 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Drain engine oil. Remove and discard the oil
filter.
(12) Install the drain plug. Tighten the plug to 34
N-m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Install a new oil filter.
(14) Fill engine crankcase with the specified
amount and grade of oil (refer to Group 0, Lubrica­
tion and Maintenance).
(15) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(16) Start the engine and check for any leaks.