Description

This repair manual by Haynes covers all full-size 1974-1993 Dodge pickup trucks, including:

Dodge Ramcharger
Dodge Trailduster

Includes Series A, AD, AW, D, PD, PW, and W (100 thru 350) 1974-1993, 2WD and 4WD. Note: this manual DOES NOT include diesel engine info.
Book Excerpt: 1974-1993 Dodge Full-Size Pick-up Trucks, Ramcharger, Trailduster 2WD and 4WD Repair Manual PISTON/CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY: INSPECTION (Refer to illustrations 19.4a, 19.4b and 19.10)

Before the inspection process can be carried out, the piston/connecting rod assemblies must be cleaned and the original piston rings removed from the pistons, Note: always use new piston rings when the engine is reassembled.
Using a piston ring installation tool, carefully remove the rings from the pistons. Be careful not to nick or gouge the pistons in the process.
Scrape all traces of carbon from the top of the piston. A hand-held wire brush or a piece of fine emery cloth can be used once the majority of the deposits have been scraped away. Do not, under any circumstances, use a wire brush mounted in a drill motor to remove deposits from the pistons. The piston material is soft and may be eroded away by the wire brush.
Use a piston ring groove cleaning tool to remove carbon deposits from the ring grooves. If a tool isn't available, a piece broken off the old ring will do the job. Be very careful to remove only the carbon deposits - don't remove any metal and do not nick or scratch the sides of the ring grooves (see illustrations).
Once the deposits have been removed, clean the piston/rod assemblies with solvent and dry them with compressed air (if available). Warning: Wear eye protection when using compressed air! Make sure the oil return holes in the back sides of the ring grooves and the oil hole in the lower end of each rod are clear.
If the pistons and cylinder walls aren't damaged or worn excessively, and if the engine block is not rebored, new pistons won't be necessary. Normal piston wear appears as even vertical wear on the piston thrust surfaces and slight looseness of the top ring in its groove. New piston rings, however, should always be used when an engine is rebuilt.
Carefully inspect each piston for cracks around skirt, at the pin bosses and at the ring lands.

Subject: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Dodge full-size Pick-up trucks, Ramcharger, Trailduster service, maintenance, repair. ISBN-10: 1563922029 | ISBN-13: 9781563922022 | Haynes 30040