DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

cause of low compression unless some malfunc-
tion is present.
(11) Clean or replace spark plugs as necessary
and adjust gap as specified in Group 8, Electrical.
Tighten to specifications.
(12) Test resistance of spark plug cables. Refer to
Group 8, Electrical Ignition System Secondary Cir-
cuit Inspection.
(13) Test coil output voltage, primary and second-
ary resistance. Replace parts as necessary. Refer to
Group 8, Electrical Ignition System.
(14) Check fuel pump pressure at idle and differ-
ent RPM ranges. Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for
Specifications.
(15) The air filter elements should be replaced as
specified in Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance,.
(16) Inspect crankcase ventilation system as out
lined in Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance. For
emission controls see Group 25, Emission Controls
for service procedures.
(17) Inspect and adjust accessory belt drives refer-
ring to Group 7, Cooling System, Accessory Drive
Belts for proper adjustments.
(18) Road test vehicle as a final test.
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE
TEST
The combustion pressure leakage test provides an
accurate means for determining engine condition.
Combustion pressure leakage testing will detect:
²Exhaust and intake valve leaks (improper seat-
ing).
²Leaks between adjacent cylinders or into water
jacket.
²Any causes for combustion/compression pressure
loss.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP
WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
Check the coolant level and fill as required. DO
NOT install the radiator cap.
Start and operate the engine until it attains nor-
mal operating temperature, then turn the engine
OFF.
Clean spark plug recesses with compressed air.
Remove the spark plugs.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Remove the air cleaner.
Calibrate the tester according to the manufactur-
er's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1 379
kPa (200 psi) maximum and 552 kPa (80 psi) recom-
mended.Perform the test procedures on each cylinder
according to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the radiator coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
LASH ADJUSTER (TAPPET) NOISE DIAGNOSIS
A tappet-like noise may be produced from several
items. Check the following items.
(1) Engine oil level too high or too low. This may
cause aerated oil to enter the adjusters and cause
them to be spongy.
(2) Insufficient running time after rebuilding cylin-
der head. Low speed running up to 1 hour may be
required.
(3) During this time, turn engine off and let set for
a few minutes before restarting. Repeat this several
times after engine has reached normal operating
temperature.
(4) Low oil pressure.
(5) The oil restrictor pressed into the vertical oil
passage to the cylinder head is plugged with debris.
(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Faulty lash adjuster.
a. Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head. Depress part of rocker
arm over adjuster. Normal adjusters should feel very
firm. Spongy adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
b. Remove suspected rocker arms (sohc) or lash
adjuster (dohc) and replace.
INSPECTION (ENGINE OIL LEAKS IN GENERAL)
Begin with a through visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
9 - 8 ENGINEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(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 24km (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:
(6) Disconnect the fresh air hose (makeup air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
(7) Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
(8) Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and
regulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
(9) Gradually 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 provide the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
(10) If the leakage occurs at the rear oil seal area,
refer to the section, Inspection for Rear Seal Area
Leak.
(11) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air sup-
ply and remove the air hose and all plugs and caps.
Install the PCV valve and breather cap hose. Proceed
to next step.
(12) 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 the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. Thefollowing 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 outlined in the, Inspection (Engine oil Leaks
in general)
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 Rear
Crankshaft Seals, for proper replacement procedures.
PLENGINE 9 - 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

ENGINE DIAGNOSISÐPERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT
START1. 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. Test starting system. Refer to Group 8B, Starting.
4. Moisture on ignition wires. 4. Remove moisture from wires.
5. Faulty ignition cables. 5. Replace any cracked or shorted cables.
6. Faulty coil or control unit. 6. Test and replace as needed. Refer to Group 8D,
Ignition System
7. Incorrect spark plug gap. 7. Set gap. Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System.
8. Contamination in fuel system. 8. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
9. Faulty fuel pump. 9. Test fuel pump and replace as needed. Refer to
Group 14, Fuel System.
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. Refer to Group 11, Exhaust System
and Intake Manifold.
4. Incorrect ignition wiring. 4. Install correct wiring.
5. Faulty coil(s) 5. Test and replace as necessary. Refer to Group
8D, Ignition System.
ENGINE LOSS OF
POWER1. 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 ignition cables. 9. Replace any cracked or shorted cables.
10. Faulty coil(s). 10. Test and replace as necessary. Refer to Group
8D, Ignition System.
ENGINE MISSES ON
ACCELERATION1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs. 1. Clean spark plugs and set gap. Refer to Group
8D, Ignition System.
2. Contamination in Fuel System. 2. Clean fuel system and replace fuel filter.
3. Burned, warped, or pitted valves. 3. Replace valves.
4. Faulty coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary. Refer to Group
8D, Ignition System.
ENGINE MISSES AT
HIGH SPEED1. Dirty or incorrect spark plug gap. 1. Clean spark plugs and set gap. Refer to Group
8D, Ignition System.
2. Faulty coil(s). 2. Test and replace as necessary. Refer to Group
8D, Ignition System.
3. Dirty fuel injector(s). Test and replace as necessary. Refer to Group 14,
Fuel System.
4. Contamination in fuel system. 4. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
9 - 10 ENGINEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

ENGINE DIAGNOSISÐMECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in crankcase. 1. Check for correct oil level.
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil to correct viscosity.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check engine oil level.
4. Dirt in tappets/lash adjusters. 4. Replace rocker arm/hydraulic lash adjuster
assembly.
5. Worn rocker arms. 5. Inspect oil supply to rocker arms.
6. Worn tappets/lash adjusters. 6. Install new rocker arm/hydraulic lash adjuster
assembly.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. Ream and install new valves with oversize
stems.
8. Excessive runout of valve seats on valve faces. 8. Grind valve seats and valves.
9. Missing adjuster pivot. 9. Replace rocker arm/hydraulic lash adjuster
assembly.
CONNECTING ROD
NOISE1. Insuffient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil pump relief
valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Measure bearings for correct clearance. Repair
as necessary.
5. Connecting rod journal out-of-round. 5. Replace crankshaft or grind surface.
6. Misaligned connecting rods. 6. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil pump relief
valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Measure bearings for correct clearance. Repair
as necessary.
5. Excessive end play. 5. Check thrust bearing for wear on flanges.
6. Crankshaft journal out-of-round or worn. 6. Replace crankshaft or grind journals.
7. Loose flywheel or torque converter. 7. Tighten to correct torque.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Install new sending unit.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check sending unit and main bearing oil
clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace worn parts or pump.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Excessive bearing clearance. 7. Measure bearings for correct clearance.
8. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 8. Remove valve and inspect, clean, or replace.
9. Oil pump suction tube loose. 9. Remove oil pan and install new tube or clean, if
necessary.
10. Oil pump cover warped or cracked. 10. Install new oil pump.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated gaskets. 1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous metal part. 2. Tighten, repair or replace the part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or threaded plug. 3. Replace as necessary.
OIL CONSUMPTION
OR SPARK PLUGS
FOULED1. PCV system malfunction. 1. Check system and repair as necessary. Refer to
Group 25, Emission Control Systems.
2. Worn, scuffed or broken rings. 2. Hone cyinder bores. Install new rings.
3. Carbon in oil ring slots. 3. Install new rings.
4. Rings fitted too tightly in grooves. 4. Remove rings and check grooves. If groove is
not proper width, replace piston.
5. Worn valve guides. 5. Ream guides and replace valves with oversize
valves and seals.
6. Valve stem seal unseated or faulty. 6. Repair or replace seal.
PLENGINE 9 - 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

2.0L SOHC ENGINE
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
ENGINE COMPONENTS.................. 14
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION................. 12
ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEM............ 13
GENERAL SPECIFICATION................ 12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE......... 14
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY................. 16
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON SIZING....... 14
FITTING CONNECTING RODS.............. 16
FITTING CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS.......... 16
FITTING PISTON RINGS.................. 16
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CAMSHAFT OIL SEAL.................... 28
CAMSHAFT............................ 22
CRANKSHAFT DAMPER.................. 46
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEALÐFRONT........... 37
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEALÐREAR............ 38
CRANKSHAFT.......................... 39
CYLINDER HEAD COVER................. 21
CYLINDER HEAD........................ 25
ENGINE ASSEMBLY...................... 19
ENGINE MOUNTÐFRONT................. 18
ENGINE MOUNTÐLEFT................... 18
ENGINE MOUNTÐRIGHT................. 18
OIL FILTER ADAPTER.................... 42OILFILTER ............................ 42
OILPAN ............................... 36
OIL PUMP............................. 42
PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD........... 44
POWER HOP DAMPER................... 18
ROCKER ARM/HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTER . . 23
SPARK PLUG TUBE...................... 21
STRUCTURAL COLLARÐ2.0L.............. 19
TIMING BELT COVER.................... 27
TIMING BELT TENSIONERÐMECHANICAL.... 36
TIMING BELTÐWITH HYDRAULIC TENSIONER . 28
TIMING BELTÐWITH MECHANICAL
TENSIONER.......................... 33
VALVE SEALS AND SPRINGS IN VEHICLE.... 24
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
OIL PUMP............................. 47
VALVE SERVICE WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVED........................... 47
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CYLINDER BLOCK AND BORE............. 51
CYLINDER HEAD AND CAMSHAFT JOURNALS . 50
OIL PUMP............................. 50
SPECIFICATIONS
2.0L SOHC............................. 52
TORQUE CHART 2.0L SOHC............... 54
SPECIAL TOOLS
2.0L SOHC............................. 55
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
The engine identification number is located on the
left rear of the cylinder block behind starter (Fig. 1).
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
Type ..............In-Line OHV, DOHC & SOHC
Bore......................87.5mm (3.445 Inch)
Stroke.....................83.0mm (3.268 inch)
Compression Ratio.....DOHC - 9.6:1 SOHC - 9.8:1
Displacement..........2.0 Liters (122 Cubic Inch)
Firing Order.........................1,3,4,2
Compression Pressure............1172-1551 kPa
(170 - 225 psi)
Maximum Variation Between Cylinders.......25%
Lubrication. . . .Pressure Feed - Full Flow Filtration
(Crankshaft Driven Pump)
Engine Oil Capacity............Refer to Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance
Fig. 1 Engine Identification SOHC
9 - 12 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL

ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEM
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance for
recommended oil to be used in various engine appli-
cation. System is full flow filtration, pressure feed
type. The oil pump is mounted in the front engine
cover and driven by the crankshaft. Pressurized oil is
then routed through the main oil gallery, running the
length of the cylinder block, supplying main and rod
bearings with further routing. Rod bearing oil throw-
off lubricates the pistons from directed slots on the
side of the connecting rod assemblies. Camshaft and
valve mechanisms are lubricated from a full-length
cylinder head oil gallery supplied from the crankcase
main oil gallery.
PRESSURE LUBRICATION
Oil drawn up through the pickup tube is pressur-
ized by the pump and routed through the full flow fil-
ter to the main oil gallery running the length of the
cylinder block. A cylinder head restrictor, located in
the block, provides increased oil flow to the main oil
gallery (Fig. 2).
Engine Lubrication Components
Fig. 2 Engine Lubrication SystemÐ SOHC
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 13
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

MAIN/ROD BEARINGS
A diagonal hole in each bulkhead feeds oil to each
main bearing. Drilled passages within the crankshaft
route oil from main bearing journals to connecting
rod journals.
CAMSHAFT/HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS
A vertical hole at the number five bulkhead routes
pressurized oil through a restrictor up into the cylin-
der head. The rocker shafts route oil to the rocker
arms/hydraulic lash adjuster assemblies.
SPLASH LUBRICATION
Oil returning to the pan from pressurized compo-
nents supplies lubrication to the valve stems. Cylin-
der bores and wrist pins are splash lubricated from
directed slots on the connecting rod thrust collars.
ENGINE COMPONENTS
CYLINDER BLOCK AND BEDPLATE ASSEM-
B LY:A partial open deck is used for cooling and
weight reduction with water pump molded into the
block. Nominal wall thickness is 4 mm. The bedplate
incorporates main bearing caps. Rear seal retainer is
integral with the block.
CRANKSHAFT:A nodular cast iron crankshaft is
used. The engine has 5 main bearings, with number
3 flanged to control thrust. The 52 mm diameter
main and 48 mm diameter crank pin journals (all)
have undercut fillet radiuses that are deep rolled for
added strength. To optimize bearing loading 8 coun-
terweights are used. Hydrodynamic seals provide end
sealing, where the crankshaft exits the block.
Anaerobic gasket material is used for parting line
sealing. A sintered iron timing belt sprocket is
mounted on the crankshaft nose. This sprocket trans-
mits crankshaft movement, via timing belt to the
camshaft sprocket providing timed valve actuation.
PISTONS:The SOHC EngineDOES NOThave
provision for a free wheeling valve train. Non free
wheeling valve train means, in the event of a broken
timing belt Pistons will contact the Valves. All
engines use pressed-in piston pins to attach forged
powdered metal connecting rods. The connecting rods
are a cracked cap design and are not repairable. Hex
head cap screw are used to provide alignment and
durability in the assembly. Pistons And Connecting
rods are serviced as an assembly.
PISTON RINGS:The piston rings include a
molybdenum faced top ring for reliable compression
sealing and a taper faced intermediate ring for addi-
tional cylinder pressure control. Oil Control Ring
Package consist of 2 steel rails and a expander
spacer.
CYLINDER HEADÐSOHC:It features a Single
Over Head Camshaft, four-valves per cylinder cross
flow design. The valves are arranged in two inlinebanks, with the two intake per cylinder facing
toward the radiator. The exhaust valves facing
toward the dash panel. Rocker arm shafts mount
directly to the cylinder head. It incorporates powder
metal valve guides and seats. The hollow rocker arm
shafts supplies oil to the hydraulic lash adjusters,
camshaft and valve mechanisms.
CAMSHAFTÐSOHC:The nodular iron camshaft
has five bearing journals and 3 cam lobes per cylin-
der. Provision for cam position sensor on the cam at
the rear of cylinder head which also acts as thrust
plate. A hydrodynamic oil seal is used for oil control
at the front of the camshaft.
VALVESÐSOHC:Four valves per cylinder are
actuated by roller rocker arms/hydraulic lash adjust-
ers assemblies which pivot on rocker arm shafts. All
valves have 6 mm diameter chrome plated valve
stems. The valve train has 33 mm (1.299 inch) diam-
eter intake valves and 28 mm (1.10 inch) diameter
exhaust valves. Viton rubber valve stem seals are
integral with spring seats. Valve springs, spring
retainers, and locks are conventional design.
INTAKE MANIFOLD:The intake manifold is a
molded plastic composition, attached to the cylinder
head with ten fasteners. This long branch design
enhances low and mid-range torque.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD:The exhaust manifold is
made of nodular cast iron for strength and high tem-
peratures. Exhaust gasses exit through a machined,
articulated joint connection to the exhaust pipe.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
(1) Remove oil pressure switch and install gauge
assembly C-3292 with adaptor.
(2) Run engine until thermostat opens.
CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, Do Not per-
form the 3000 RPM test in the next step.
(3) Oil Pressure:Curb Idle25 kPa (4 psi) mini-
mum3000 RPM170-550 kPa (25-80 psi).
(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle. Shut off engine,
check for pressure relief valve stuck open, a clogged
oil pick-up screen or a damaged oil pick-up tube
O-ring.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON SIZING
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 3). The cylin-
der bore out-of-round is 0.050 mm (.002 inch)
maximum and cylinder bore taper is 0.051 mm (0.002
9 - 14 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

inch) maximum. If the cylinder 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 maintained.Refer to
Honing Cylinder Bores outlined in the Stan-
dard Service Procedures for specification and
procedures.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 3). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 inch) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 inch.) up from bottom of bore.
Refer to Cylinder Bore and Piston Specifications
Chart.
SIZING PISTONS
Piston and cylinder wall must be clean and dry.
Piston diameter should be measured 90 degrees to
piston pin about 17.5 mm (11/16 inch) from the bot-
tom of the skirt as shown in (Fig. 4). Cylinder boresshould be measured halfway down the cylinder bore
and transverse to the engine crankshaft center line
shown in (Fig. 3). Refer to Cylinder Bore and Speci-
fications Table. Correct piston to bore clearance must
be established in order to assure quiet and economi-
cal operation.
Chrysler engines use pistons designed specifically
for each engine model. Clearance and sizing locations
vary with respect to engine model.
NOTE: Pistons and cylinder bores should be mea-
sured at normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
Fig. 3 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON
SPECIFICATION CHART
Standard Bore Maximum
Out-of-RoundMaximum Taper
87.5 mm
(3.445 in.)0.051 mm
(0.002 in.)0.051 mm
(0.002 in.)
Standard Piston Size
Federal Emission: 87.463 - 87.481 mm
(3.4434 - 3.4441 in.)
Low Emission
Vehicle (LEV):87.456 - 87.474 mm
(3.4432 - 3.4439 in.)
Piston to Bore Clearance
Federal Emission: 0.012 - 0.044 mm (0.0004 - 0.0017 in.)
Low Emission
Vehicle (LEV):0.18 - 0.050 mm (0.0008 - 0.0020 in.)
Measurements Taken at Piston Size Location
Fig. 4 Piston Measurements
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 15
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

FITTING PISTON RINGS
(1) Wipe cylinder bore clean. Insert ring and push
down with piston to ensure it is square in bore. The
ring gap measurement must be made with the ring
positioning at least 12 mm (0.50 inch) from bottom of
cylinder bore. Check gap with feeler gauge (Fig. 5).
Refer to Piston Ring Specification Chart.
(2) Check piston ring to groove side clearance (Fig.
6). Refer to Piston Ring Specification Chart.
FITTING CONNECTING RODS
(1) Follow the procedure specified in the Standard
Service Procedures Section for Measuring Main Bear-
ing Clearance and Connecting Rod Bearing Clear-
ance (Fig. 7). Refer to Connecting Rod Specification
Chart for specifications.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the Plasti-
gage may be smeared.
NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should not be reused.
(2) Before installing theNEWbolts the threads
should be oiled with clean engine oil.
(3) Install each bolt finger tight than alternately
torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
(4) Tighten the bolts to 27 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (20
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn)Do not use a torque
wrench for last step.
(5) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 8). Refer to Connecting Rod Specifica-
tion Chart for specifications.
FITTING CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS
Refer to Measuring Main Bearing Clearance in
Standard Service Procedures. Refer to Crankshaft
Specification Chart for specifications.
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
DIAL INDICATOR METHOD
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine, locat-
ing probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 9).
Fig. 5 Piston Ring Gap
Fig. 6 Piston Ring Side Clearance
PISTON RING SPECIFICATION CHART
Ring Position Ring Gap Ring Gap Wear
LimitGroove Clearance Maximum Groove
Clearance
Upper Ring 0.23 - 0.52 mm
(0.009 - 0.020 in.)0.8 mm (0.031 in.) 0.025 - 0.065 mm
(0.0010 - 0.0026 in.)0.10 mm (0.004 in.)
Intermediate Ring 0.49 - 0.78 mm
(0.019 - 0.031 in.)1.0 mm (0.039 in.) 0.025 - 0.065 mm
(0.0010 - 0.0026 in.)0.10 mm (0.004 in.)
Oil Control Ring 0.23 - 0.66 mm
(0.009 - 0.026 in.)1.0 mm (0.039 in.) Oil Ring Side Rails Must Be Free To Rotate After
Assembly
Fig. 7 Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
9 - 16 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. Refer to Crankshaft Specifi-
cation Chart for specifications.
FEELER GAGE METHOD
(1) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel using a lever inserted between a main bearing
cap and a crankshaft cheek, using care not to dam-
age any bearing surface. Donotloosen main bearing
cap.
(2) Use a feeler gauge between number three
thrust bearing and machined crankshaft surface to
determine end play.
CRANKSHAFT SPECIFICATION CHART
Crankshaft End-PlayNew Part: 0.09 - 0.24 mm (0.0035 - 0.0094 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.37 mm (0.015 in.)
Main Bearing ClearanceNew Part: 0.022 - 0.062 mm (0.0008 - 0.0024 in.)
Connecting Rod Bearing
ClearanceNew Part: 0.026 - 0.059 mm (0.001 - 0.0023 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.075 mm (0.003 in.)
Main Bearing Journal DiameterStandard: 52.00060.008 mm (2.047260.0003 in.)
1st Undersize: 51.98360.008 mm (2.046660.0003 in.)
Connecting Rod Journal
DiameterStandard: 48.00060.008 mm (1.889760.0003 in.)
1st Undersize: 47.98360.008 mm (1.889160.0003 in.)
Fig. 8 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
CONNECTING ROD SPECIFICATION CHART
Connecting Rod Bearing Oil Clearance
New Part: 0.026 - 0.059 mm
(0.001 - 0.0023 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.075 mm (0.003 in.)
Connecting Rod Side Clearance
New Part: 0.13 - 0.38 mm
(0.005 - 0.015 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.40 mm (0.016 in.)
Fig. 9 Checking Crankshaft End PlayÐ Dial
Indicator
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 17
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)