Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual page 1397

9 - 250 ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
INSPECTION—CYLINDER HEAD
Inspect the cylinder head for cracks in the combus-
tion surface. Pressure test any cylinder head that is
visibly cracked. A cylinder head that is cracked
between the injector bore and valve seat can be pres-
sure tested and reused if OK; however, if the crack
extends into the valve seat, the valve seat must be
replaced.
Visually inspect the cylinder block and head com-
bustion surfaces for localized dips or imperfections.
Check the cylinder head and block combustion sur-
faces for overall out-of-flatness. If either the visual or
manual inspection exceeds the limits, then the head
or block must be surfaced.
Check the top surface for damage caused by the
cylinder head gasket leaking between cylinders.
Inspect the block and head surface for nicks, ero-
sion, etc.
Check the head distortion (Fig. 25). The distortion
of the combustion deck face is not to exceed 0.010
mm (0.0004 inch) in any 50.8 mm (2.00 inch) diame-
ter. Overall variation end to end or side to side 0.30
mm (0.012 inch).
DO NOT proceed with the in-chassis overhaul if
the cylinder head or block surface is damaged or not
flat (within specifications).
Fig. 25 Cylinder Head Combustion Deck Face
1 - STRAIGHT EDGE
2 - FEELER GAUGE
Visually inspect the cylinder head bolts for dam-
aged threads, corroded/pitted surfaces, or a reduced
diameter due to bolt stretching.
If the bolts are not damaged, their "free length"
should be measured using the cap screw stretch
gauge provided with the replacement head gasket.
Place the head of the bolt against the base of the slot
and align the bolt with the straight edge of gauge
(Fig. 26). If the end of the bolt touches the foot of the
gauge, the bolt mustbe discarded. The maximum
bolt free length is 132.1 mm (5.200 in.).
Fig. 26 Head Bolt Stretch Gauge
INSPECTION—CROSSHEADS
Inspect the crossheads for cracks and/or excessive
wear on rocker lever and valve tip mating surfaces
(Fig. 27). Replace any crossheads that exhibit abnor-
mal wear or cracks.
Fig. 27 Inspecting Crosshead for Cracks
INSPECTION—PUSHRODS
Inspect the push rod ball and socket for signs of
scoring. Check for cracks where the ball and the
socket are pressed into the tube (Fig. 28).
Roll the push rod on a flat work surface with the
socket end hanging off the edge (Fig. 29). Replace
any push rod that appears to be bent.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE HEAD
GASKET IS VERY SHARP. WHEN HANDLING THE
NEW HEAD GASKET, USE CARE NOT TO INJURE
YOURSELF.
(1) Install a new gasket with the part number side
up, and locate the gasket over the dowel sleeves.
(2) Using an engine lifting crane, lower the cylin-
der head onto the engine.
BR/BE