So Fix it

There are two schools of thought regarding pushrod guide plates. Some say that using pushrod guide plates is necessary only if the pushrod guides in the cylinder heads wallow out. Others, including those who sell pushrod guide plates, insist on their use in high-performance applications. Both screw-in and press-in rocker studs will accommodate pushrod guide plates. Removing the cylinder head and sending it to a machine shop is necessary when installing pushrod guide plates on a cylinder head with press-in studs, while the owner of a vehicle equipped with screw-in studs can install the guide plates themselves.

Instructions

1

Loosen the fasteners that hold the valve cover to the cylinder head by turning them counterclockwise with wrenches from a toolkit. Remove the valve cover from the cylinder head.

2

Turn the rocker nuts counterclockwise with a ratchet wrench and socket until they are free of the rocker studs. Remove the rocker arms, keeping them in the same order as removed or marking them with a permanent marker to indicate which stud it came from. Remove the push rods.

3

Slip a six-point deep wall socket on a ratchet wrench over the hex head on the base of the rocker studs and remove them from the cylinder head by turning them counterclockwise until they are free of the head.

4

Slip the lower portion of a rocker stud into each of the two mounting holes of the pushrod guide plate. Thread the rocker studs back into their holes in the cylinder head, ensuring that the pushrod guide plate is not upside-down and the slots in the guide plate align with the pushrod guide holes in the cylinder head. Refer to the pushrod guide manufacturers instructions for proper positioning of the pushrod guide plates. Tighten and torque the rocker studs to factory specifications.

5

Slide the pushrods through the guide holes in the cylinder head, ensuring they sit in the grooves in the pushrod guide plates.

6

Reassemble the rest of the parts in the order removed, installing the rocker arms in the same position as before.

The 1999 Dodge Ram is a pick-up truck made by Dodge under the Chrysler company. This truck is considered "heavy duty" because its primarily for towing or hauling. If you are having problems with your 1999 Dodge Ram, there are several things that you can do before you take it to a shop. Non-invasive troubleshooting can also help get your Dodge Ram back on the road. You dont have to be a Dodge mechanic.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it halfway to engage the instrument panel. Look over the gas and battery gauge on the right side of the dashboard. Make sure that you have enough fuel to start the truck. Dodge Rams use regular gasoline. Fill the gas tank as needed.

2

Go to the front of the truck and release the hood latch on the left side of the grill. Raise the hood to reveal the engine and the battery. The battery is on the right side of the engine inside the truck. Make sure that the connections are tight from the battery cables to the battery terminals.

3

Tighten the connections to the battery with pair of insulated channel locks. Try to restart the truck. If the truck will not restart, test the battery with a voltmeter. Place the testing leads from the voltmeter to the battery terminals. Look at the display on the voltmeter for a reading. Replace the battery if you arent getting 11-12 volts on your battery.

4

Look over the cooling system if you are having problems with Ram overheating. The cooling system is on the left side of the engine. Pour 50/50 coolant into the coolant tank until it reaches the fill line on the side of the tank. You dont have any 50/50 coolant, use distilled water.

5

Look around the Dodge Ram for leaks around the truck. If you find any leaks, you should have a professional mechanic take a look at the truck in order to make repairs. Driving your Ram while there is a leak could further damage the unit.

6

Have your Dodge Ram towed to a repair shop if you have your check engine light on. Repair shops have onboard diagnostic machines to diagnose the problems.

The "Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide" is printed annually by Mitchell 1. It provides consumers with information regarding labor rates for different levels of mechanics based on the work being performed.

Information

The information in the guide includes flat rates for mechanic labor. It also provides labor estimates for vehicle models 1974 to present, as well as parts data for vehicle models 1980 to present. The guide also gives consumers accurate labor times to further assist in estimating repair costs.

Publication

The "Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide" was published yearly by Mitchell 1 until 2010 when it was announced that the guide would only be available online. Consumers can access the guide through a purchased subscription service called Mitchell 1 Estimator.

Subscription

The benefits of subscription to the Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide through Mitchell 1 includes automatic monthly updates of information throughout the year. Subscribers are also given access to parts look-up and illustration information as well as VIN decoding and car maintenance information.