RAM 3500 Truck 2WD V10-8.0L VIN W (1997)
Piston: Service and Repair
Removal and Installation
REMOVAL
1. Remove the engine from the vehicle.
2. Remove the valve cover, rocker arms, push rod; and cylinder head. Mark parts as removed.
3. Remove the oil pan and oil pump pick-up tube
4. Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reliable ridge reamer before removing pistons from cylinder block. Be sure to keep tops of pistons
covered during this operation.
5. Be sure the connecting rod and connecting rod cap are identified with the cylinder number. Remove connecting rod cap. Install connecting rod bolt
guide set on connecting rod bolts.
6. Pistons and connecting rods must be removed from top of cylinder block. When removing piston and connecting rod assemblies, rotate crankshaft
center the connecting rod in the cylinder bore and at BDC. Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals. DO NOT try to remove black coating on
skirt. This is the dry film lubricant.
7. After removal, install bearing cap on the mating rod.
INSTALLATION
1. Check the crankshaft connecting rod journal for excessive wear, taper and scoring.
2. Check the cylinder block bore for out-of-round, taper, scoring and scuffing.
3. Be sure that compression ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap.
4. Before installing the ring compressor, make sure the oil ring expander ends are butted and the rail gaps located properly.
5. Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil. Slide Piston Ring Compressor Tool C-385, or equivalent over the piston and tighten with
the special wrench (part of Tool C-385). Be sure position of rings does not change during this operation.
6. Install connecting rod bolt protectors on rod bolts, a long protector should be installed on the numbered side of the connecting rod.
