Dodge Ram Engine Oil Leak

There is probably only one thing worse than having a customer drive back to your shop with an engine oil leak after you just changed the oil and filter. That would be having your customer’s vehicle come back swinging from a tow hook after you just changed the engine oil and filter.

We all know that even the most conscientious techs may have a rare oil leak comeback, but in some cases, there might be a logical explanation. If a 1995 Dodge Ram Van, Dakota, Ram Truck or Grand Cherokee equipped with a 3.9L, 5.2L, or 5.9L engine comes back to the shop with an oil leak, the problem may be because of a warped oil filter adapter plate.

Oil seepage may occur between the oil filter adapter and the engine block. The source of this seepage can easily be mistaken as the oil filter gasket.

Diagnosis

Clean the area around the oil filter. Start the engine and check for leaks. A black light leak detector and additive can also be used for verification. If the oil filter adapter plate is suspected to be the source of the seepage, perform the repair procedure.

Repair Procedure

(Review safety procedures contained in the ALLDATA system before beginning)

1. Remove the oil filter.

2. Remove the adapter and adapter plate.

3. Wipe the adapter plate clean and place it on a flat surface such as a piece of plate glass. Attempt to run a .008 in. feeler gauge around the outside edge of the adapter as illustrated. If the gauge can be inserted under the edge at any point, the plate is warped and must be replaced.

4. Install the new gasket, adapter plate, and adapter, and tighten the adapter to 50 ft. lbs. (68 Nm). (See the parts list below)

5. Install a new oil filter.

6. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Parts Required (Dodge OEM part numbers)

53009219 — Adapter Plate

53020461 — Gasket

5281090 (or equivalent) — Oil Filter

It might be a good idea to pay close attention to the vehicles listed above when they come into the shop. Finding an adapter plate oil leak early could not only produce genuine “up-sell” revenue, it could also save your customer hundreds of dollars in engine repairs and give your shop priceless credibility. There’s nothing better than seeing a satisfied customer return to your shop for additional service work.

To find the industry’s most comprehensive diagnostic and repair information for Daimler Chrysler and other manufacturers, visit www.alldata.com or call 1-800-697-2533

Written by ALLDATA Technical Editor, Rich Diegle. Rich is an Advanced Engine Performance Certified, ASE Master Technician with an AA Degree in automotive technology and 23 years of dealership and independent shop experience.

Dodge, Ram, Dakota and Grand Cherokee are registered trademark names and model designations of the Daimler Chrysler Corporation and are being used solely for reference and application purposes.