Hello All, I'm a new diesel owner, though I've been a member here since December. I recently bought an '03 ram with the SO engine and 13,500 miles on it. Thats a 250/460 engine isn't it? Anyways, While looking under the hood, I noticed that the front passenger side of the engine, towards the top has a film on it.

It does not look to be old, as its not really spread out and does have some dirt in it. The air filter is somewhat nasty, slightly oily, and the filter minder is showing a slight restriction. I'm looking for a another filter locally, and looks like NAPA is going to be the only choice at $31.00 each.

I know that the second gen rams had oil blow by problems. I did a search and found conflicting answers on whether or not the third gen rams had blow by problems.

My question is: Is there a hose or vent somewhere in that area that may be causing this? I also noticed that the airbox had an oily film on it and some puddling at the seam.

As always any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Doug

 

The vent tube is on the drivers side. Could be loose valve cover. Try torquing the bolts to spec.

 

hfd376 - is the puddle on your air box or IN your air box? The reason being I found that the routing of the vent tube for the radiator was ran in such a way that the hose had a fold in it causing coolant to blow onto and all over the air box. I routed the hose differently and eliminated the problem. Maybe this is what you have on yours?? - JKE

 

2003 Standard Output for Fed emissions is 250hp and 505ft-lbs.

 

No. 250/460. The 2002 HO was 505 tq.

 

Thanks for the replies. JKE, the airbox looks dry inside, although the filter itself looks like it had been wet. Now that you mention it, the overflow tube does look like it could be the culprit. Its been chilly this week and I have not had a chance to wipe down this area yet. Everywhere else is clean and dry. How did you reroute your hose?

Roger that on the 250/460, thanks for the confirmation.

Doug

 

hdf376 - just pull the hose out of the first retaining clip right where it attaches to the filler neck. Pull a little slack to make the bend nice and smooth. ...easy enough and no more coolant all over my now nonexistant air box ....atleast it won't spray on my Progaurd 7.......hope this helps...JKE

 

Get your filters at Genos. They are around $25 bucks, are Mopars and you can't go wrong. These filters are only good for around 11K miles or so. While you at it, have them send you a fresh fuel filter and a couple of Fleetguard oil filters. Can't beat his prices. ORder tonight and you'll likelyhave it on Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

 

JKE, thanks for the tip, I 'll try it tomorrow after I wipe everything down.
Mymaur thanks, I have Geno's bookmarked and will get filters on the way shortly. I went ahead and got a napa gold filter anyways. The filter minder was just starting to get into the yellow but filter in there looked really nasty.
Doug