light DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair per service manual instructions.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(5)If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (makeup air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
²Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and CCV hose. Proceed to next step.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of theengine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing
cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak. If a leak is
present in this area remove transmission for further
inspection.
(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates
seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,
possible causes are a porous block, oil galley cup
plug, bedplate to cylinder block mating surfaces
and seal bore. See proper repair procedures for
these items.
(4) If no leaks are detected, pressurized the crank-
case as previously described.
CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).
(5) If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the
crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is
detected between the crankshaft and seal while
slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the
crankshaft seal surface is damaged. The seal area on
the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches
that can be polished out with emery cloth.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft
polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks and
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is especially
machined to complement the function of the rear oil
seal.
(6) For bubbles that remain steady with shaft
rotation, no further inspection can be done until dis-
assembled.
(7) After the oil leak root cause and appropriate
corrective action have been identified, refer to Crank-
shaft Oil SealÐRear for proper replacement proce-
dures.
9 - 10 ENGINEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

ENGINE DIAGNOSISÐPERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery. 1. Test battery. Charge or replace
as necessary. Refer to Group 8A,
Battery.
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. Test starting system. Refer to
Group 8B, Starting.
4. Faulty coil(s) or control unit. 4. Test and replace as needed.
Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System.
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. Set gap. Refer to Group 8D,
Ignition System.
6. Contamination in fuel system. 6. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
7. Faulty fuel pump. 7. Test fuel pump and replace as
needed. Refer to Group 14, Fuel
System.
8. Incorrect engine timing. 8. Check for a skipped timing
belt/chain.
ENGINE STALLS OR IDLES
ROUGH1. Idle speed too low. 1. Test minimum air flow. Refer to
Group 14, Fuel System.
2. Incorrect fuel mixture. 2. Refer to Group 14, Fuel System.
3. Intake manifold leakage. 3. Inspect intake manifold, manifold
gasket, and vacuum hoses.
4. Faulty coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System.
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped plugs. 1. Clean plugs and set gap. Refer to
Group 8D, Ignition System.
2. Contamination in fuel system. 2. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
3. Faulty fuel pump. 3. Test and replace as necessary.
Refer to Group 14, Fuel System.
4. Incorrect valve timing. 4. Correct valve timing.
5. Leaking cylinder head gasket. 5. Replace cylinder head gasket.
6. Low compression. 6. Test compression of each
cylinder.
7. Burned, warped, or pitted valves. 7. Replace valves.
8. Plugged or restricted exhaust
system.8. Install new parts, as necessary.
9. Faulty coil(s). 9. Test and replace as necessary.
Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System.
PLENGINE 9 - 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(9) Install air cleaner assembly (Fig. 13).
(10) Lower vehicle.
ENGINE MOUNTÐRIGHT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for procedure.
(2) Remove crankshaft damper. Refer to procedure
in this section.
(3) Remove upper and lower engine torque struts.
Refer to procedure in this section.
(4) Support engine with a suitable jack.
(5) Remove bolt access cover and bolt attaching
the right engine mount to mount bracket (Fig. 18).
(6) Remove engine mount bracket. Refer to proce-
dure in this section.
NOTE: The right engine mount attaching holes are
slightly oversize to compensate for manufacturing
tolerances. The mount has been set at the manufac-
turing plant for proper powertrain alignment. There-
fore, it is necessary to mark the position of the
mount before the attaching bolts are loosened.
(7) Using a permanent ink marker or equivalent,
mark the position of engine mount to the body frame
rail.
(8) Remove bolts attaching mount to body (Fig.
19).
(9) Remove mount between engine and body frame
rail. Mount removal may require engine position to
be raised or lowered to allow mount removal clear-
ance.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position mount into the original position on
body frame rail (Fig. 19).
Fig. 16 Left Mount (Automatic Transaxle)
1 ± MOUNT
2 ± TRANSAXLE
Fig. 17 Left Mount (Manual Transaxle)
1 ± MOUNT
2 ± TRANSAXLE
Fig. 18 Engine Mount To Bracket Bolt
1 ± BOLT
2 ± RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
3 ± ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 23
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

NOTE: Engine mount must be installed in the orig-
inal position on body frame rail. If mount was not
marked or frame rail was replaced, perform the fol-
lowing procedure.
(2) Perform the following procedure if mount posi-
tion was not previously marked or the frame rail was
replaced:
a. Insert new mount loosely in frame rail.
b. Align the four holes in the mount with the mat-
ing holes in the rail such that the holes are concen-
tric (frame rail holes centered in the mount holes).
c. Using a permanent ink marker or equivalent,
mark the position of engine mount to the body frame
rail while maintaining mounting hole concentricity.
(3) Ensure the mount maintains originally marked
position and install mount bolts. Tighten bolts to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.) (Fig. 19).
(4) Install engine mount bracket. Refer to proce-
dure in this section.
(5) Install bolt attaching right engine mount to
bracket and tighten to 118 N´m (87 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 18).
(6) Remove support from under engine.
(7) Install upper and lower engine torque struts.
Refer to procedure in this section.
(8) Install crankshaft damper. Refer to procedure
in this section.
(9) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for procedure.
ENGINE MOUNT BRACKETÐRIGHT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove upper and lower torque struts. Refer to
procedure in this section.(2) Remove power steering/air conditioning belt.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System, Accessory Drive
Belts for procedure.
(3) Support engine with a suitable jack.
(4) Remove engine mount through bolt access plug
(Fig. 20)
(5) Remove right engine mount to bracket through
bolt (Fig. 21).
(6) Remove engine mount bracket attaching bolts
(Fig. 22).
(7) Bracket removal requires engine to be raised
slightly to obtain engine-to-body clearance.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install engine mount bracket and tighten bolts
to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 22).
(2) Install bolt attaching engine mount to bracket
(Fig. 21). Tighten bolt to 118 N´m (87 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install mount bolt access plug (Fig. 20).
(4) Remove support from under engine.
(5) Install power steering/air conditioning belt.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System, Accessory Drive
Belts for procedure.
(6) Install upper and lower torque struts. Refer to
procedure in this section.
Fig. 19 Engine MountÐRight
1 ± SNUBBER PAD
2 ± RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
3 ± BOLTS
Fig. 20 Engine Mount Bolt Access Plug
1 ± CRANKSHAFT BOLT ACCESS PLUG
2 ± RIGHT MOUNT BOLT ACCESS PLUG
3 ± FASCIA
4 ± SPLASH SHIELD
9 - 24 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Install lower engine torque strut. Refer to pro-
cedure in this section.
(9) Connect exhaust system to manifold. Refer to
Group 11, Exhaust System for procedure and torque
specifications.
(10) Connect the downstream oxygen sensor.
(11) Install A/C compressor and hoses. Refer to
Group 24, Heater and Air Conditioning for procedure.
(12) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System Accessory Drive Section for belt ten-
sion adjustment.
(13) Install inner splash shield.
(14) Install wheels and lower vehicle.
(15) Install power steering pump and reservoir.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System Accessory Drive
Section for belt tension adjustment.
(16)Manual Transmission:Connect clutch cable,
reverse light electrical connector and shift linkages.
Refer to Group 6, Clutch.
(17)Automatic Transmission:Connect shifter,
kickdown linkage and cooler lines. Refer to Group 21,
Transaxle for procedures.
(18) Connect fuel line and heater hoses.
(19)
Install all ground straps. Connect engine wiring
harness. Refer to Group 8, Electrical for procedure.
(20) Install lower radiator hose, fan module, and
upper radiator hose. Refer to Group 7, Cooling Sys-
tem for procedures
(21) Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System for filling procedure.
(22) Install battery tray and battery.
(23) Install air cleaner housing assembly and con-
nect intake duct to intake manifold.(24) Connect all throttle body electrical connectors
and linkage.
(25) Install oil filter. Fill engine crankcase with
proper oil to correct level.
(26) Perform camshaft and crankshaft timing
relearn procedure as follows:
²Connect the DRB scan tool to the data link
(diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in
the passenger compartment; at the lower edge of
instrument panel; near the steering column.
²Turn the ignition switch on and access the ªmis-
cellaneousº screen.
²Select ªre-learn cam/crankº option and follow
directions on DRB screen.
Fig. 25 Left Mount Through Bolt
1 ± MOUNT BRACKET
2 ± BOLT
3 ± MOUNT
Fig. 26 Positioning Engine Cradle Support Post
1 ± SAFETY STRAPS
2 ± PLACE REAR POSTS INTO LOCATING HOLES
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6848
4 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6710
5 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6135
6 ± SAFETY STRAPS
7 ± PLACE FRONT POST UNDER BLOCK FLANGE
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 27
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(2) Install intake manifold to lower support
bracket bolts (Fig. 31). Tighten bolts to 11 N´m (95
in. lbs.).
(3) Remove covering from fuel injector holes and
insure the holes are clean. Install fuel rail assembly
to intake manifold. Tighten screws to 23 N´m (200 in.
lbs.).
(4) Connect PCV and brake booster hoses.
(5) Inspect quick connect fittings for damage,
replace if necessary Refer to Group 14, Fuel System
for procedure. Apply a light amount of clean engine
oil to fuel inlet tube. Connect fuel supply hose to fuel
rail assembly. Check connection by pulling on connec-
tor to insure it locked into position.
(6) Connect Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
Sensor wiring connector (Fig. 29).(7) Connect knock sensor connector, and wiring at
starter.
(8) Install inlet air duct to intake manifold and
throttle body. Tighten clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.).
(9) Connect negative cable to battery.
(10) With the DRB scan tool use ASD Fuel System
Test to pressurize system to check for leaks.
Fig. 29 MAP Sensor
Fig. 30 Knock Sensor
1 ± KNOCK SENSOR
2 ± STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 31 Intake Manifold Lower Supports
1 ± BOLT
2 ± BRACKET
3 ± BRACKET
4 ± BOLT
Fig. 32 Intake Manifold Tightening Sequence
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 29
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSPECT CYLINDER HEAD FOR THE FOLLOWING:
NOTE:
²Check oil feed holes for blockage.
²Inspect cylinder head camshaft bearings for
wear, Refer to Cylinder Head, Inspection and Clean-
ing.
²Check camshaft bearing journals for scratches
and worn areas. If light scratches are present, they
may be removed with 400 grit sand paper. If deep
scratches are present, replace the camshaft and
check the cylinder head for damage. Replace the
cylinder head if worn or damaged. Check the lobes
for pitting and wear. If the lobes show signs of
wear, check the corresponding rocker arm roller for
wear or damage. Replace rocker arm/hydraulic lash
adjuster if worn or damaged. If lobes show signs of
pitting on the nose, flank or base circle; replace the
camshaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the camshaft journals with oil and
install camshaftwithoutrocker arm assemblies
installed.
(2) Install camshaft target magnet into the end of
the camshaft. Tighten mounting screw to 3.4 N´m (30
in. lbs.).
(3) Install camshaft position sensor and tighten
mounting screws to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(4) Measure camshaft end play using the following
procedure:
(a) Mount dial indicator C-3339 or equivalent, to
a stationary point on cylinder head (Fig. 46).
(b) Using a suitable tool, move camshaft to rear-
ward limits of travel.
(c) Zero the dial indicator.
(d) Move camshaft forward to limits of travel
and read dial indicator.
(e) End play travel: 0.13±0.33 mm (0.005±0.013
in.).
(5) Install front camshaft seal. Camshaft must be
installed before the camshaft seal is installed. Refer
to procedure in this section.
(6) Install cylinder head. Refer to procedure in this
section.
(7) Install rear timing belt cover.
(8) Install camshaft sprocket and tighten to 115
N´m (85 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install timing belt tensioner and timing belt.
Refer to procedures in this section.
(10) Install rocker arm assemblies in correct order
as removed. Tighten the rocker arm assemblies in
sequence shown in (Fig. 47) to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Install cylinder head cover and tighten fasten-
ers to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).(12) Install ignition coil and spark plug cables.
Tighten ignition coil fasteners to 12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.).
(13) Perform camshaft and crankshaft timing
relearn procedure as follows:
²Connect the DRB scan tool to the data link
(diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in
the passenger compartment; at the lower edge of
instrument panel; near the steering column.
²Turn the ignition switch on and access the ªmis-
cellaneousº screen.
²Select ªre-learn cam/crankº option and follow
directions on DRB screen.
ROCKER ARM/HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove cylinder head cover. Refer to procedure
in this section.
(2) Identify the rocker arm shaft assemblies before
removal.
(3) Loosen the attaching fasteners. Remove rocker
arm shaft assemblies from cylinder head.
(4) Identify the rocker arms spacers and retainers
for reassembly. Disassemble the rocker arm assem-
blies by removing the attaching bolts from the shaft
(Fig. 48).
Fig. 46 Camshaft End Play
Fig. 47 Rocker Arm Shaft Tightening Sequence
9 - 34 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVAL
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs.Refer to Group 14,
Fuel System
(2) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(3) Remove power steering/air conditioning drive
belt. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System Accessory
Drive for procedure.
(4) Raise vehicle.
(5) Drain cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System.
(6) Remove exhaust pipe from manifold.
(7) Remove right front wheel.
(8) Remove right side splash shield.
(9) Remove generator belt. Refer to Group 7, Cool-
ing System Accessory Drive Belts for procedure.
(10) Remove crankshaft damper. Refer to proce-
dure in this section.
(11) Remove lower torque strut.
(12) Lower vehicle and remove upper torque strut.
(13) Remove ground strap and power steering hose
support clip from engine mount bracket.
(14) Remove power steering pump assembly and
set aside.
(15) Support engine from beneath with a suitable
jack.
(16) Remove right side engine mount to bracket
through bolt.
(17) Remove the lower engine mount bracket bolt.
Raise engine slightly and remove the upper engine
mount bracket bolts.(18) Remove engine mount bracket. This procedure
may require additional raising/lowering of engine
until bracket will clear engine components.
(19) Remove front timing belt cover.
(20) Rotate engine until timing marks are aligned.
(21) Remove timing belt and tensioner. Refer to
procedures in this section.
(22) Remove camshaft sprocket. Refer to proce-
dures in this section.
(23) Remove rear timing belt cover.
(24) Disconnect fuel line at fuel rail.
(25) Remove coolant recovery container.
(26) Remove ground wire to cylinder head.
(27) Remove upper radiator hose.
(28) Remove intake manifold. Refer to procedure
in this section.
(29) Disconnect ignition coil electrical connector.
Remove coil pack and spark plug cables from engine.
(30) Remove Crankcase Closed Ventilation (CCV)
hose from cylinder head cover.
(31) Disconnect cam sensor and coolant tempera-
ture electrical connectors.
(32) Remove heater tube to cylinder head attach-
ing fasteners.
(33) Remove heater hose from thermostat housing
connector.
(34) Remove cylinder head cover.
(35) Remove cylinder head bolts.
(36) Remove cylinder head and gasket (Fig. 55).
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 37
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Pistons will have a stamping in the approxi-
mate location shown in (Fig. 108). These stamps will
be either a directional arrow or a weight identifica-
tion for the assembly. L is for light and H is for
heavy. These assemblies should all be the same
weight class. Service piston assemblies are marked
with a S and can be used with either L or H produc-
tion assemblies. The weight designation stamps
should face toward the timing belt side of the engine.
(5) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(6) Remove connecting rod cap bolts.Do not use
old bolts if reinstalling connecting rod.
(7) To protect crankshaft journal and fractured rod
surfaces, install Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides onto connecting rod (Fig. 110). Carefully push
each piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
fractured rod and cap joint surfaces, as engine
damage many occur.
(8) Remove Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides and re-install bearing cap on the mating rod.
NOTE: Piston and rods are serviced as an assem-
bly.
PISTON RINGÐREMOVAL
(1) The identification mark on face of upper and
intermediate piston rings must point toward piston
crown.
(2) Using a suitable ring expander, remove upper
and intermediate piston rings (Fig. 111).
(3) Remove the upper oil ring side rail, lower oil
ring side rail and then oil ring expander from piston.
(4) Clean ring grooves of any carbon deposits.
PISTON RINGSÐINSTALLATION
(1) Install rings with manufacturers identification
mark facing up, to the top of the piston (Fig. 112).CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
a. Oil ring expander.
b. Upper oil ring side rail.
c. Lower oil ring side rail.
d. No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
e. No. 1 Upper piston ring.
f. Install the side rail by placing one end between
the piston ring groove and the expander. Hold end
firmly and press down the portion to be installed
until side rail is in position.Do not use a piston
ring expander (Fig. 113).
(2) Install upper side rail first and then the lower
side rail.
(3) Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston
ring (Fig. 112).
(4) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig.
114).
Fig. 109 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
Fig. 110 Connecting Rod GuidesÐTypical
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 8189 CONNECTING ROD GUIDES
Fig. 111 Piston RingsÐRemoving and Installing
9 - 58 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

wrench until ping is heard. Take reading on torque
wrench at this instant. Multiply this reading by two.
This will give the spring load at test length. Frac-
tional measurements are indicated on the table for
finer adjustments. Discard the springs that do not
meet specifications. The following specifications apply
to both intake and exhaust valve springs:
²Valve Closed Nominal TensionÐ70 lbs. @ 39.8
mm (1.57 in.)
²Valve Closed Nominal TensionÐ160 lbs. @ 32.6
mm (1.28 in.)
(2) Verify springs are not distorted with a steel
square and surface plate, check springs from both
ends. If the spring is more than 1.5 mm (1/16 in.) out
of square, install a new spring.
REFACING VALVES AND VALVE SEATS
(1) The intake and exhaust valve seats and valve
face have a 45 degree angle.
(2) Inspect the remaining margin after the valves
are refaced (Fig. 121). Intake valves with less than
0.95 mm (1/32 in.) margin and exhaust valves with
less than 1.05 mm (3/64 in.) margin should be dis-
carded.
(3) When refacing valve seats, it is important that
the correct size valve guide pilot be used for reseat-
ing stones. A true and complete surface must be
obtained. For specifications, refer to Engine Specifi-
cations in this section.
(4) Measure the concentricity of valve seat and
valve guide using a valve seat runout dial indicator.
Total runout should not exceed 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
(total indicator reading).
(5) Inspect the valve seat with Prussian blue to
determine where the valve contacts the seat. To do
this, coat valve seatLIGHTLYwith Prussian blue
Fig. 118 Checking Wear on Valve GuideÐTypical
1±TOP
2 ± MIDDLE
3 ± BOTTOM
4 ± CUT AWAY VIEW OF VALVE GUIDE MEASUREMENT
LOCATIONS
Fig. 119 Valve Guide Height
1 ± VALVE GUIDE
2 ± 13.25 - 13.75 MM (0.521-0.541 in.)
3 ± SPRING SEAT
Fig. 120 Valve Spring Testing
1 ± TORQUE WRENCH
2 ± VALVE SPRING TESTER
Fig. 121 Intake and Exhaust Valve Refacing
1 ± VALVE FACE
2 ± VALVE MARGIN
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 61
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)