RAM 2500 Truck 2WD L6-5.9L DSL Turbo VIN 6 (1998)
Piston: Service and Repair
Fitting Pistons
CLEANING
CAUTION: DO NOT use bead blast to clean the pistons. DO NOT clean the pistons and rods in an acid tank.
Soak the pistons in cold parts cleaner. Soaking the pistons overnight will usually loosen the carbon deposits.
Wash the pistons and rods in a strong solution of laundry detergent and hot water.
Clean the remaining deposits from the ring grooves with the square end of a broken ring. DO NOT use a ring groove cleaner and be sure not to
scratch the ring sealing surface in the piston groove.
Wash the pistons again in a detergent solution or solvent.
Rinse the pistons. Use compressed air to dry.
INSPECTION
Inspect the rod journals for deep scratches, indication of overheating and other damage.
Inspect the pistons for damage and excessive wear. Check top of the piston, ring grooves, skirt and pin bore.
Piston Skirt Diameter
Measure the piston skirt diameter. If the piston is out of limits. replace the piston.
The upper groove only needs to be inspected for damage.
Intermediate And Oil Ring Clearances
Use a new piston ring to measure the clearance in the intermediate ring groove. If the clearance of the intermediate ring exceeds 0.152 mm (0.006
inch), replace the piston.
Use a new oil ring to measure the clearance in the oil groove. If the clearance exceeds 0.127 mm (0.005 inch), replace the piston.
