Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 15

0 - 2 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
• National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
API SERVICE GRADE CERTIFIED
Use an engine oil that is API Certified. MOPAR
provides engine oils, that meet or exceed this
requirement.
SAE VISCOSITY
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the vis-
cosity of engine oil. Use only engine oils with multi-
ple viscosities such as 5W-30 or 10W-30. These are
specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indi-
cates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range.
Select an engine oil that is best suited to your par-
ticular temperature range and variation (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 TEMPERATURE/ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY
ENERGY CONSERVING OIL
An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for
gasoline engines. The designation of ENERGY CON-
SERVING is located on the label of an engine oil con-
tainer.
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 front
label of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of
engine oil cans (Fig. 2).
This symbol means that the oil has been certified
by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Diamler-
Chrysler only recommend API Certified engine oils.
Use Mopar engine oil or equivalent.
GEAR LUBRICANTS
SAE ratings also apply to multigrade gear lubri-
cants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage. Such as API GL-5 and SAE 75W-
90.
LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
Fig. 2 API SYMBOL
symbol (Fig. 3) on the label. At the bottom of the
NLGI symbol is the usage and quality identification
letters. Wheel bearing lubricant is identified by the
letter "G". Chassis lubricant is identified by the letter
"L". The letter following the usage letter indicates
the quality of the lubricant. The following symbols
indicate the highest quality.
Fig. 3 NLGI SYMBOL
1 - WHEEL BEARINGS
2 - CHASSIS LUBRICATION
3 - CHASSIS AND WHEEL BEARINGS
SPECIALIZED LUBRICANTS AND OILS
Some maintenance or repair procedures may
require the use of specialized lubricants or oils. Con-
sult the appropriate sections in this manual for the
correct application of these lubricants.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL - DIESEL
ENGINES
Use only Diesel Engine Oil meeting standard MIL-
2104C or API Classification CD or higher or CCML
D4, D5.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
CAUTION: Low viscosity oils must have the proper
API quality or the CCMC G5 designation. (Fig. 4)
To assure of properly formulated engine oils, it is
recommended that SAE Grade 10W-40 engine oils
that meet Chrysler material standard MS-6395, be
used in accordance to ACEA B3, B4 specification.
European Grade 10W-40 oils are also acceptable.
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