OEM 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Crankshaft

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the crankshaft on 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: Begin by gaining proper access to the engine components before proceeding with the bearing cap removal. Check which bearing caps you need to remove, then get rid of both the caps and the bearing one at a time. Raise the crankshaft from the engine block and throw away both the front and rear crankshaft oil seals. During installation, lightly smear engine oil onto the new upper seal lips and put the new upper rear bearing oil seal in position, so that the white paint on the seal is facing the engine's rear. Put the crankshaft inside the cylinder block, slide some light oil onto the new lower seal lips and place the new lower rear bearing oil seal in the bearing cap with the white mark at the rear. Place a 5 mm (0.20 inch) drop of Loctite 518 or its equivalent, around the edge of the rear main bearing cap on each side, don't let the sealant touch the rubber seal and fasten the bearing cap onto the cylinder block as soon as it has been applied. Align the side cap with the slot, dowels and bolts, try to avoid trimming material once the unit is assembled and aim for no greater than two strikes at the rear of the cap while using the tool. After cleaning and oiling the cap bolts, install the main bearing caps and set each cap bolt to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.); tighten them alternately. Replace the oil pump and apply some Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or a similar sealant, to the bearing cap-to-block joint; wipe out any excess on the oil pan seal groove. Then, secure the new front crankshaft oil seal, attach the oil pan and lastly place the new rear oil seal.