Dakota 4WD V8-318 5.2L (1991)
1.
A cracked or missing piece of metal from the rear main bearing cap in the area of the oil pan seal groove (this applies to MPI engines only). The
cap may have been struck sometime during engine handling. Replace the short block to correct this condition (Refer to Figure 1, Item A).
2.
A push-in or push-out of the oil pan seal. Replace the oil pan seal (Refer to Figure 2, Item B).
NOTE:
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE OIL PAN SEAL BE ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE BLOCK (AND NOT TO THE OIL PAN) USING
DOWELS AS OUTLINED IN THE RESPECTIVE 1992 THROUGH 1994 SERVICE MANUAL (MPI ENGINES ONLY). FOR MPI ENGINES,
DO NOT ATTACH THE OIL PAN SEAL TO THE OIL PAN AND THEN ATTEMPT TO ASSEMBLE BOTH TO THE ENGINE BLOCK.
3.
Insufficient RTV sealant at the corner joint of the rear main bearing cap-to-engine block oil pan surface. Remove any old RTV from the bearing
cap, engine block and oil pan seal. The oil pan seal is reusable if it has not been damaged. Apply a small amount of RTV sealant to each corner
joint including the main cap RTV sealant slots (Refer to Figure 1, Item C).
Install the oil pan seal. Wait no longer than three (3) minutes maximum to install the oil pan. The RTV must not be allowed to cure prior to oil pan
seal and oil pan installation.
4.
A machined step in the oil pan seal groove of the rear main bearing cap. Oil may leak from between the groove and the back of the oil seal. This
may be caused by incomplete machining or insufficient material in the groove area. Replace the short block to correct this condition (Refer to
Figure 1, Item D).
REAR MAIN CAP-TO-ENGINE BLOCK
Possible causal conditions may be:
