engine
Crankshaft R&R
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
32.0 h
Tools
19
Steps
16
Complete removal and replacement of the crankshaft on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, requiring engine removal from vehicle and complete disassembly of rotating assembly.
Warnings
⚠️Engine removal requires proper lifting equipment rated for at least 2000 lbs. Improper lifting can cause severe injury or death.
⚠️Diesel fuel system operates under extremely high pressure (up to 30,000 psi). Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines.
⚠️This is an expert-level procedure requiring precise measurement and torque specifications. Improper bearing clearances or torque values will result in catastrophic engine failure.
⚠All main bearing cap bolts and connecting rod bolts are torque-to-yield (TTY) and must be replaced. Reusing TTY bolts will cause engine failure.
⚠Engine coolant must be properly captured and disposed of according to environmental regulations.
⚠Crankshaft journals and bearing surfaces must be inspected with precision measuring tools. Out-of-spec dimensions require professional machining.
ℹ️This procedure assumes the crankshaft replacement is due to wear or damage. Always identify and correct the root cause before reassembly.
Tools required
Engine hoist (minimum 2000 lb capacity)Essential
Engine stand (heavy-duty)Essential
Torque wrench (0-250 Nm range)Essential
Torque angle gaugeEssential
Impact wrench (minimum 500 ft-lb)Essential
Crankshaft holding toolEssential
Plastigage kitEssential
Dial bore gaugeEssential
Micrometers (crankshaft journal measurement)Essential
Pry bars (long and short)
Main bearing cap pullerEssential
Bearing installation toolsEssential
Transmission jackEssential
Jack stands (heavy-duty, minimum 6-ton)Essential
Oil pan seal installation tool
Front and rear seal installation driversEssential
Timing chain tensioner pin or clipEssential
Soft-faced mallet
Service manual with bearing clearance specsEssential
Parts
- Crankshaft (new or reground) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Main bearing set (upper and lower) × 1 — Standard or appropriate undersize
- Connecting rod bearing set × 1 — Standard or appropriate undersize
- Thrust washer set × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Front crankshaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Rear crankshaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Front seal housing gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Rear seal housing gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Cylinder head gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Main bearing cap bolts (TTY) × 10 — Use OEM specification
- Connecting rod bolts (TTY) × 12 — Use OEM specification
- Cylinder head bolts (TTY) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- RTV silicone sealant (Mopar specified) × 2 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 13 qt
- Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 18 qt
- Assembly lube (engine assembly) — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect both battery cables (negative first, then positive)
- Drain engine coolant into appropriate container
- Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
- Remove hood and store safely to allow clearance for engine removal
- Remove radiator, intercooler, and all cooling system hoses
- Remove air intake system from turbocharger to air filter housing
- Relieve fuel system pressure and disconnect all fuel lines
- Disconnect all electrical connectors from engine (label for reinstallation)
- Remove exhaust system from turbocharger back
- Remove drive belts and accessories (alternator, A/C compressor, power steering pump)
- Support transmission with transmission jack
- Remove transmission-to-engine bolts and separate transmission
- Remove transfer case if equipped
- Attach engine hoist with appropriate lifting chains to engine lift points
- Remove engine mounts and carefully lift engine from vehicle
- Mount engine securely on engine stand
Procedure
- 1Remove external engine componentsWith engine on stand, remove turbocharger, exhaust manifold, intake manifold, fuel injection pump, fuel injectors and lines, oil cooler, and all remaining external accessories. Remove harmonic balancer using appropriate puller after removing center bolt. Remove flexplate or flywheel.Torque specHarmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
- 2Remove cylinder headsRemove valve covers, rocker arms, pushrods (keep in order for reinstallation), and cylinder head bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Carefully remove both cylinder heads and store on clean surface. Keep all components organized for inspection and potential reuse.⚠Cylinder heads are extremely heavy (approximately 150 lbs each). Use proper lifting techniques or assistance.Torque specCylinder Head Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
- 3Remove timing systemRemove timing cover bolts in sequence (both 10mm and 8mm). Remove timing cover and gasket. Remove timing chain tensioner bolt and tensioner. Remove timing chain, gears, and guides. Inspect all components for wear and replace as necessary during reassembly.Torque specCover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 4Remove oil pan and oil pumpRemove oil pan bolts in reverse sequence and carefully remove oil pan. Remove oil pump pickup tube bolts and pickup tube. Remove oil pump mounting bolts and oil pump assembly. Remove front seal housing bolts and housing.Torque specOil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)Oil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)Front Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 5Remove connecting rod assembliesRotate crankshaft to position cylinder 1 at bottom dead center. Mark connecting rod caps and rods with cylinder number and orientation. Remove connecting rod cap bolts (these are TTY and must be discarded). Remove rod caps and carefully push piston and rod assembly up and out of cylinder bore. Repeat for all six cylinders. Store assemblies in order.⚠Do not allow connecting rods to scratch cylinder walls. Install rod bolt protectors or sections of fuel line over rod bolts.Torque specConnecting Rod Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 6Remove main bearing caps and crankshaftMark main bearing caps with position and orientation (if not already marked from factory). Remove main bearing cap bolts in reverse order from outside caps working toward center (these are TTY and must be discarded). Use main bearing cap puller if caps are tight. Carefully lift crankshaft straight up and out of block. Remove upper main bearings and thrust washers from block.⚠Crankshaft weighs approximately 150 lbs. Use proper lifting technique and assistance to avoid injury or dropping the crankshaft.ℹ️Note the position of thrust washers (typically on center main bearing). These control crankshaft endplay.Torque specMain Bearing Cap Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
- 7Inspect and measure crankshaft and blockThoroughly clean crankshaft and engine block bearing surfaces. Use micrometers to measure all crankshaft main and rod journal diameters. Check journals for taper and out-of-round condition. Use dial bore gauge to measure main bearing bores in block. Compare all measurements to service manual specifications. If crankshaft journals are worn beyond specification, crankshaft must be reground to appropriate undersize and matching undersize bearings used.⚠️Do not proceed with assembly if measurements are out of specification. Improper bearing clearances will cause immediate engine failure.
- 8Install new crankshaft main bearingsInstall new upper main bearing shells into engine block, ensuring bearing tabs engage locating slots. Do not force bearings. Apply thin coat of assembly lube to bearing surfaces. Install thrust washers in correct position (typically center main). Carefully lower new or reground crankshaft into position. Install lower main bearing shells into main caps with assembly lube. Verify bearing tabs engage locating slots.⚠Keep all bearing surfaces absolutely clean. Even small particles can cause bearing failure.
- 9Check main bearing clearances with PlastigagePlace strips of Plastigage across each main bearing journal parallel to crankshaft centerline. Install main bearing caps in correct positions with new TTY bolts. Torque main cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) initial torque only - do NOT apply angle torque yet. Remove caps and measure crushed Plastigage width using package scale. Compare to specifications (typically 0.0008-0.0024 inches). If clearances are incorrect, determine cause before proceeding.⚠Do not rotate crankshaft with Plastigage in place. This will give false readings.ℹ️If clearances are too tight, verify correct bearing size. If clearances are too loose, next undersize bearings may be required.Torque specMain Bearing Cap Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
- 10Final installation of main bearing capsRemove Plastigage completely. Apply fresh assembly lube to all bearing surfaces. Install main bearing caps in correct positions with new TTY bolts. Following service manual sequence (typically from center outward), torque main cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft), then rotate each bolt an additional 90 degrees using torque angle gauge. Verify crankshaft rotates freely by hand. Check crankshaft endplay with dial indicator (specification typically 0.003-0.010 inches).⚠️Main bearing cap bolts are torque-to-yield and must not be reused. Using old bolts will result in bolt failure and catastrophic engine damage.Torque specMain Bearing Cap Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
- 11Install connecting rod bearings and pistonsInstall new rod bearing shells in connecting rods and caps with assembly lube. Install ring compressor on piston. Carefully guide piston and rod assembly into cylinder bore in correct orientation, tapping piston crown lightly with wooden handle while guiding rod onto crankshaft journal. Install rod cap in correct orientation with new TTY bolts. Torque rod bolts to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft), then rotate each bolt an additional 90 degrees. Repeat for all six cylinders. Verify crankshaft rotates freely.⚠Connecting rod bolts are torque-to-yield and must be replaced. Reusing old bolts will cause rod bolt failure.ℹ️Ensure piston orientation marks face forward and rod numbers face toward camshaft side of engine.Torque specConnecting Rod Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 12Install rear main seal and housingInstall new rear main seal into rear seal housing using appropriate seal driver. Apply thin coat of RTV sealant to housing mating surface as specified in service manual. Install rear seal housing with new gasket and torque housing bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) in crisscross pattern.Torque specRear Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 13Install oil pump and front seal housingInstall oil pump with new gasket, torquing bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Install oil pump pickup tube with new O-ring, torquing bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Install new front crankshaft seal into front seal housing using seal driver. Install front seal housing with new gasket, applying RTV sealant as specified. Torque housing bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).Torque specOil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)Front Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 14Install timing system componentsInstall crankshaft gear and camshaft gear with timing marks aligned per service manual. Install timing chain with marks aligned. Install timing chain guides and torque bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Compress timing chain tensioner and install retaining pin or clip. Install tensioner and torque bolt to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft), then remove retaining pin. Install timing cover with new gasket. Torque 8mm bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft) and 10mm bolts to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) in proper sequence.Torque specTiming Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- 15Install oil pan and cylinder headsInstall oil pan with new gasket and RTV sealant as specified. Torque oil pan bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) in proper sequence. Install cylinder heads with new head gaskets (verify correct orientation). Install new cylinder head bolts and torque to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) in proper sequence, then complete angle torque sequence per service manual. Install pushrods, rocker arms, and valve covers. Adjust valves per service manual specifications.Torque specOil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)Cylinder Head Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
- 16Install harmonic balancer and flexplate/flywheelInstall harmonic balancer onto crankshaft, ensuring keyway is properly aligned. Use crankshaft holding tool and torque harmonic balancer bolt to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). If TTY specification, apply additional angle per service manual. Install flexplate (automatic) or flywheel (manual) in correct orientation. Torque flexplate bolts to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) or flywheel bolts to 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) in star pattern.Torque specHarmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall all external engine components (turbocharger, manifolds, accessories, fuel system) in reverse order of removal
- Carefully lower engine into vehicle using engine hoist, aligning with transmission and engine mounts
- Install engine mount bolts and torque to specification
- Reconnect transmission and torque bolts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- Reinstall transfer case if equipped
- Reconnect exhaust system, cooling system, and all electrical connections
- Install new oil filter and fill engine with 13 quarts of Mopar 5W-20 synthetic blend oil
- Fill cooling system with 18 quarts of Mopar OAT (purple) coolant
- Install oil drain plug with new crush washer and torque to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
- Reinstall hood and align properly
Verification
- With fuel system primed, crank engine without starting to build oil pressure (warning light should extinguish)
- Start engine and verify oil pressure immediately reaches normal range (10 psi per 1000 RPM minimum)
- Check for any oil, coolant, or fuel leaks while engine idles
- Monitor engine temperature and verify cooling system operation
- Listen for any abnormal noises (knocking, ticking, rattling)
- Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no leaks or overheating
- Perform test drive and monitor engine operation under load
- Recheck all fluid levels after test drive
- Perform initial oil and filter change after 500 miles of operation
- Monitor oil consumption and operating temperatures for first 1000 miles