Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck Repair Manual 2WD, 4WD 1987-1996

1. Water pump failure can cause overheating and serious damage to the engine. There are three ways to check the operation of the water pump while it is installed on the engine. If any one of the three following quick checks indicates water pump problems, it should be replaced immediately.



2. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature. Squeeze the upper radiator hose. If the water pump is working properly, you should feel a pressure surge as the hose is released.



3. A seal protects the water pump impeller shaft bearing from contamination by engine coolant. If this seal fails, a weep hole in the water pump snout will leak coolant (see illustration)(an inspection mirror can be used to look at the underside of the pump if the hole isn't on top). If the weep hole is leaking, shaft bearing failure will follow. Replace the water pump immediately.



4. Besides contamination by coolant after a seal failure, the water pump impeller shaft bearing can also be prematurely worn out by an improperly tensioned drivebelt. When the bearing wears out, it emits a high pitched squealing sound.
   
   If such a noise is coming from the water pump during engine operation, the shaft bearing has failed - replace the water pump immediately.
   
   NOTE: Do not confuse belt noise with bearing noise.

HOOD | REMOVAL, INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENT
(Refer to illustrations 17.2, 17.10 and 17.11)

NOTE: The hood is heavy and somewhat awkward to remove and install - at least two people should perform this procedure.

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Use blankets or pads to cover the cowl area of the body and the fenders. This will protect the body and paint as the hood is listed off.



2. Scribe or draw alignment marks around the bolt heads to insure proper alignment during installation (see illustration).



3. Disconnect any cables or wire harnesses which will interfere with removal.



4. Have an assistant support the weight of the hood. Remove the hinge-to-hood bolts.



5. Lift off the hood.



6. Installation is the reverse of removal.


ADJUSTMENT


7. Fore-and-aft and side-to-side adjustment of the hood is done by moving the hood in relation to the hinge plate after loosening the bolts or nuts.



8. Scribe a line around the entire hinge plate so you can judge the amount of movement (see illustration 17.2).



9. Loosen the bolts or nuts and move the hood into correct alignment. Move it only a little at a time. Tighten the hinge bolts or nuts and carefully lower the hood to check the alignment.



10. If necessary after installation, the entire hood latch assembly can be adjusted up-and-down as well as from side-to-side on the radiator support so the hood closes securely and is flush with the fenders.
    
    To do this, scribe a line around the hood latch and striker mounting bolts to provide a reference point. Then loosen the bolts and reposition the latch assembly and striker assemblies as necessary.
    
    Following adjustment, retighten the mounting bolts (see illustration).



11. Finally, adjust the hood bumpers on the radiator support so the hood, when closed, is flush with the fenders (see illustration).

• Tune-up and routine maintenance
• Four-cylinder OHC engine
• Four-cylinder OHV engine
• V6 and V8 engines
• General engine overhaul procedures
• Cooling heating and air conditioning systems
• Fuel and exhaust systems
• Engine electrical systems
• Emissions and engine control systems
• Manual transmission
• Automatic transmission
• Transfer case
• Clutch and drivetrain
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering systems
• Body
• Chassis electrical system
• Wiring diagrams