DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

(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)

(5) Position oil ring expander gap at least 45É from
the side rail gaps butnoton the piston pin center or
on the thrust direction. Staggering ring gap is impor-
tant for oil control.
PISTON AND RODÐINSTALLATION
(1) Before installing pistons and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, be sure that compression
ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with
oil ring rail gap.
(2) Before installing the ring compressor, make
sure the oil ring expander ends are butted and the
rail gaps located as shown in (Fig. 114).
(3) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston(Fig. 115).Be sure position of rings does not
change during this operation.
(4) The weight stamp designation L or H will be in
the front half of the piston should face toward the
front of the engine (Fig. 108).
(5) Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod
journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Lubri-
cate connecting rod journal with clean engine oil.
(6) Position upper bearing half and install Special
Tool 8189, connecting rod guides onto connecting rod
(Fig. 110).
(7) Insert rod and piston assembly into cylinder
bore and carefully guide rod over the crankshaft jour-
nal.
(8) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(9) Remove Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides.
Fig. 112 Piston Ring Installation
1 ± NO. 1 PISTON RING
2 ± NO. 2 PISTON RING
3 ± SIDE RAIL
4 ± OIL RING
5 ± SPACER EXPANDER
Fig. 113 Installing Side Rail
1 ± SIDE RAIL END
Fig. 114 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 ± GAP OF LOWER SIDE RAIL
2 ± NO. 1 RING GAP
3 ± GAP OF UPPER SIDE RAIL
4 ± NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
Fig. 115 Installing Piston
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 59
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(10) Install connecting rod lower bearing half and
cap. InstallNewbolts and tighten to 27 N´m (20 ft.
lbs.) plus 1/4 turn.
(11) Install cylinder head and oil pan. Refer to pro-
cedures in this section.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
OIL PUMP
(1) To remove the relief valve, proceed as follows:
(2) Remove the threaded plug and gasket from the
oil pump (Fig. 116).
CAUTION: Oil pump pressure relief valve must be
installed as shown in (Fig. 116) or serious damage
may occur.
(3) Remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 116).
(4) Remove oil pump cover screws, and lift off
cover.
(5) Remove pump rotors.
(6) Wash all parts in a suitable solvent and inspect
carefully for damage or wear (Fig. 117).
VALVE SERVICE WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVED
REMOVAL
(1) With cylinder head removed, compress valve
springs using Special Tool C-3422-B with Adaptor
6526.(2) Remove valve retaining locks, valve spring
retainers, valve stem seals and valve springs.
(3) Before removing valves,remove any burrs
from valve stem lock grooves to prevent dam-
age to the valve guides.Identify valves to insure
installation in original location.
VALVE INSPECTION
(1) Clean valves thoroughly and discard burned,
warped and cracked valves.
(2) Measure valve stems for wear. Measure stem
about 60 mm beneath the valve lock grooves.
(3) If valve stems are worn more than 0.05 mm
(0.002 in.), replace valve.
VALVE GUIDES
(1) Remove carbon and varnish deposits from
inside of valve guides with a reliable guide cleaner.
(2) Using a small hole gauge and a micrometer,
measure valve guides in 3 places top, middle and bot-
tom (Fig. 118). Replace guides if they are not within
specification. For specifications, refer to Engine Spec-
ifications in this section.
(3) Check valve guide height (Fig. 119).
TESTING VALVE SPRINGS
(1) Whenever valves have been removed for inspec-
tion, reconditioning or replacement, valve springs
should be tested Special Tool C-647. As an example,
the compression length of the spring to be tested is
33.34 mm (1-5/16 in.). Turn tool table until surface is
in line with the 33.34 mm (1-5/16 in.) mark on the
threaded stud and the zero mark on the front. Place
spring over stud on the table and lift compressing
lever to set tone device (Fig. 120). Pull on torque
Fig. 116 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 ± RETAINER CAP
2 ± GASKET
3 ± OIL PUMP BODY
4 ± RELIEF VALVE
5 ± SPRING
Fig. 117 Oil Pump
1 ± OIL PUMP BODY
2 ± OIL PUMP COVER
3 ± OUTER ROTOR
4 ± INNER ROTOR
9 - 60 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)

then set valve in place. Rotate the valve with light
pressure. If the blue is transferred to the center of
valve face, contact is satisfactory. If the blue is trans-
ferred to top edge of the valve face, lower valve seat
with a 15 degrees stone. If the blue is transferred to
the bottom edge of valve face raise valve seat with a
65 degrees stone.
(6) Valve seats which are worn or burned can be
reworked, provided that correct angle and seat width
are maintained. The intake valve seat must be ser-
viced when the valve seat width is 2.0 mm (0.079 in.)
or greater. The exhaust valve seat must be serviced
when the valve seat width is 2.5 mm (0.098 in.) or
greater. Otherwise the cylinder head must be
replaced.
(7) When seat is properly positioned the width of
intake and exhaust seats should be 0.75±1.25 mm
(0.030±0.049 in.) (Fig. 122).
(8) Check valve tip to spring seat dimensions A
after grinding the valve seats or faces. Grind valve
tip until within specifications. Measure from valve
tip to spring seat when installed in the head (mea-
surement A) (Fig. 123). For specifications, refer to
Engine Specifications in this section. The valve tip
chamfer may need to be reground to prevent seal
damage when the valve is installed.
CLEANING
Clean all valve guides, valves and valve spring
assemblies thoroughly with suitable cleaning solution
before reassembling.
VALVE INSTALLATION
(1) Coat valve stems with clean engine oil and
insert in cylinder head.
(2) Install new valve stem seals on all valves using
a valve stem seal tool (Fig. 124). The valve stem
seals should be pushed firmly and squarely over
valve guide.CAUTION: If oversize valves are used, there is only
one oversize valve available. The same stem seal is
used on both the standard and oversize valve.
(3) Install valve springs and retainers. Compress
valve springs only enough to install locks, taking
care not to misalign the direction of compression.
Nicked valve stems may result from misalignment of
the valve spring compressor.
CAUTION: When depressing the valve spring
retainers with valve spring compressor the locks
can become dislocated. Check to make sure both
locks are in their correct location after removing
tool.
(4) Check the valve spring installed height after
refacing the valve and seat (measurment B) (Fig.
123). Make sure measurements are taken from top of
spring seat to the bottom surface of spring retainer.
If height is greater than 40.18 mm (1.58 in.), install
Fig. 122 Valve Seat Refacing
Fig. 123 Spring Installed Height and Valve Tip to
Spring Seat Dimensions
1 ± GARTER SPRING
2 ± VALVE SPRING SEAT
3 ± CYLINDER HEAD SURFACE
Fig. 124 Valve Stem Oil Seal Tool
1 ± VALVE SEAL TOOL
2 ± VALVE STEM
9 - 62 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

a 0.762 mm (0.030 in.) spacer under the valve spring
seat to bring spring height back within specification.
(5) Install rocker arm shafts as previously
described in this section.
(6) Checking dry lash. Dry lash is the amount of
clearance that exists between the base circle of an
installed cam and the rocker arm roller when the
adjuster is drained of oil and completely collapsed.
Specified dry lash is 1.17 mm (0.046 in.) for intake
and 1.28 mm (0.050 in.) for exhaust. After performing
dry lash check, refill adjuster with oil and allow 10
minutes for adjuster(s) to bleed down before rotating
cam.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
INTAKE MANIFOLD
CLEAN AND INSPECT
Check for:
²Inspect manifold for cracks or distortions.
²Check for torn or missing O-rings at the mating
surface of the manifold (Fig. 125).
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
CLEAN AND INSPECT
(1) Discard gasket and clean all gasket surfaces of
manifolds and cylinder head.
(2) Test manifold gasket surfaces for flatness with
straight edge. Surface must be flat within 0.15 mm
per 300 mm (.006 in. per foot) of manifold length.
(3) Inspect manifolds for cracks or distortion.
Replace manifold if necessary.
CYLINDER HEAD AND CAMSHAFT JOURNALS
CLEANING
Remove all gasket material from cylinder head. Be
careful not to gouge or scratch the aluminum head
sealing surface. Clean all engine oil passages.
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.
Neveruse the following to clean aluminum gasket
surfaces:
²Metal scraper
²Abrasive pad or paper to clean cylinder block
and head
²High speed power tool with an abrasive pad or a
wire brush (Fig. 126)
NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets
require a scratch free sealing surface.
Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
²Solvent or a commercially available gasket
remover
²Plastic or wood scraper (Fig. 126)
²Drill motor with 3M RolocyBristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 126)
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or high RPM can
damage the sealing surfaces. The mild (white, 120
grit) bristle disc is recommended. If necessary, the
medium (yellow, 80 grit) bristle disc may be used
on cast iron surfaces with care.
Fig. 125 Intake Manifold O-Rings
1 ± INTAKE MANIFOLD O-RING GASKETS
Fig. 126 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 ± ABRASIVE PAD
2 ± 3M ROLOCYBRISTLE DISC
3 ± PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 63
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

INSPECTING CYLINDER HEAD
Check cylinder head for flatness with a straight
edge. Cylinder head must be flat within 0.1 mm
(0.004 in.) (Fig. 127).
INSPECTING CAMSHAFT JOURNALS
Inspect cylinder head camshaft bearings for wear.
Check the camshaft 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 cyl-
inder 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 cor-
responding 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.
OIL PUMP
(1) Clean all parts thoroughly. Mating surface of
the oil pump should be smooth. Replace pump cover
if scratched or grooved.
(2) Lay a straightedge across the pump cover sur-
face (Fig. 128). If a 0.076 mm (0.003 inch.) feeler
gauge can be inserted between cover and straight
edge, cover should be replaced.
(3) Measure thickness and diameter of outer rotor.
If outer rotor thickness measures 7.64 mm (0.301
inch.) or less (Fig. 129), or if the diameter is 79.95
mm (3.148 inches) or less, replace outer rotor.
(4) If inner rotor measures 7.64 mm (0.301 inch) or
less replace inner rotor (Fig. 130).
(5) Slide outer rotor into pump housing, press to
one side with fingers and measure clearance between
rotor and housing (Fig. 131). If measurement is 0.39
Fig. 127 Checking Cylinder Head Flatness
1 ± FEELER GAUGE
2 ± STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 128 Checking Oil Pump Cover Flatness
1 ± OIL PUMP BODY
2 ± OIL PUMP COVER
3 ± OUTER ROTOR
4 ± INNER ROTOR
Fig. 129 Measuring Outer Rotor Thickness
Fig. 130 Measuring Inner Rotor Thickness
9 - 64 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

mm (0.015 inch.) or more, replace housing only if
outer rotor is in specification.
(6) Install inner rotor into pump housing. If clear-
ance between inner and outer rotors (Fig. 132) is
0.203 mm (0.008 inch) or more, replace both rotors.(7) Place a straightedge across the face of the
pump housing, between bolt holes. If a feeler gauge
of 0.102 mm (0.004 inch) or more can be inserted
between rotors and the straightedge, replace pump
assembly (Fig. 133).ONLYif rotors are in specs.
(8) Inspect oil pressure relief valve plunger for
scoring and free operation in its bore. Small marks
may be removed with 400-grit wet or dry sandpaper.
(9) The relief valve spring has a free length of
approximately 60.7 mm (2.39 inches) it should test
between 18 and 19 pounds when compressed to 40.5
mm (1.60 inches). Replace spring that fails to meet
specifications.
(10) If oil pressure is low and pump is within spec-
ifications, inspect for worn engine bearings, damaged
or missing oil pick-up tube O-ring, clogged oil pick-up
tube screen, clogged oil filter and stuck open pres-
sure relief valve or other reasons for oil pressure
loss.
CYLINDER BLOCK AND BORE
(1) Clean cylinder block thoroughly and check all
core hole plugs for evidence of leaking.
(2) If new core plugs are installed, refer to Engine
Core Plugs in this section.
(3) Examine block and cylinder bores for cracks or
fractures.
Fig. 131 Measuring Outer Rotor Clearance in
Housing
1 ± FEELER GAUGE
2 ± OUTER ROTOR
Fig. 132 Measuring Clearance Between Rotors
1 ± FEELER GAUGE
2 ± INNER ROTOR
3 ± OUTER ROTOR
Fig. 133 Measuring Clearance Over Rotors
1 ± FEELER GAUGE
2 ± STRAIGHT EDGE
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 65
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

CYLINDER BORE INSPECTION
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 134). If the cyl-
inder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the cylinder
block should be rebored and honed, and new pistons
and rings fitted. Whatever type of boring equipment
is used, boring and honing operation should be
closely coordinated with the fitting of pistons and
rings in order that specified clearances may be main-
tained.Refer to Honing Cylinder Bores outlined
in the Standard Service Procedures for specifi-
cation and procedures.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 134). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
For specifications, refer to Engine Specifications in
this section.
ADJUSTMENTS
ENGINE TORQUE STRUT ADJUSTMENT
The upper and lower torque struts need to be
adjusted together to assure proper engine positioning
and engine mount loading. Whenever a torque strut
bolt(s) is loosened, this procedure must be performed.
(1) Loosen the upper and lower torque strut
attaching bolt at the suspension crossmember and
shock tower bracket (Fig. 135).
(2) The engine position may now be adjusted by
positioning a suitable floor jack on the forward edge
of the transmission bell housing (Fig. 136).
NOTE: The floor jack must be positioned as shown
in (Fig. 136) to prevent minimal upward lifting of the
engine.(3) Carefully apply upward force, allowing the
upper engine to rotate rearward until the distance
between the center of the rearmost attaching stud on
the engine mount bracket (point ªAº) and the center
of the hole for the washer hose clip on the shock
tower bracket (point ªBº) is 119 mm (4.70 in.) (Fig.
137).
(4) With the engine held at the proper position,
tighten both the upper and lower torque strut bolts
to 118 N´m (87 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 135).
(5) Remove the floor jack.
Fig. 134 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
9 - 66 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

Fig. 135 Torque Strut Bolts
1 ± BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
3 ± TORQUE STRUT BRACKET
4 ± UPPER TORQUE STRUT5 ± CROSSMEMBER
6 ± LOWER TORQUE STRUT
7 ± BOLTS
8 ± RIGHT FENDER
Fig. 136 Floor Jack Positioning
1 ± WOOD BLOCK
2 ± FLOOR JACK
Fig. 137 Engine Position Measurement
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 67
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)