checking oil DODGE NEON 2000 Service User Guide

²When checking #2 main bearing shim #1 & #3
main bearing.
²When checking #3 main bearing shim #2 & #4
main bearing.
²When checking #4 main bearing shim #3 main
bearing.
NOTE: REMOVE ALL SHIMS BEFORE REASSEM-
BLING ENGINE
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
The weight of the crankshaft can be supported by a
jack under the counterweight adjacent to the bearing
being checked.
PLASTIGAGE PROCEDURE
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 5). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.
(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the width
of the flattened Plastigage (Fig. 6) with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Refer to Engine Specifications.Plastigage gener-
ally is accompanied by two scales. One scale is
in inches, the other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE
Engine connecting rod bearing clearances can be
determined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. Thefollowing is the recommended procedure for the use
of Plastigage:
(1) Rotate the crankshaft until the connecting rod
to be checked is at the bottom of its stroke.
(2) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(3) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the bearing cap approx-
imately 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from
the oil hole (Fig. 5). In addition, suspect areas can be
checked by placing plastigage in that area.
(4) Assemble the rod cap with Plastigage in place.
Tighten the rod cap to the specified torque.Do not
rotate the crankshaft while assembling the cap
or the Plastigage may be smeared, giving inac-
curate results.
(5) Remove the bearing cap and compare the width
of the flattened Plastigage (Fig. 6) with the scale pro-
vided on the package. Locate the band closest to the
same width. This band indicates the amount of oil
clearance. Differences in readings between the ends
indicate the amount of taper present. Record all
readings taken. Refer to Engine Specifications.Plas-
tigage generally is accompanied by two scales.
One scale is in inches, the other is a metric
scale. If the bearing clearance exceeds wear
limit specification, replace the bearing.
REPAIR OF DAMAGED OR WORN THREADS
Damaged or worn threads (including aluminum
head spark plug threads) can be repaired. Essen-
tially, this repair consists of drilling out worn or
damaged threads, tapping the hole with a special
Heli-Coil Tap, (or equivalent) and installing an insert
into the tapped hole. This brings the hole back to its
original thread size.
CAUTION: Be sure that the tapped holes maintain
the original centerline.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from automotive parts jobbers.
HYDROSTATIC LOCKED ENGINE
When an engine is suspected to be hydrostatically
locked, regardless of what caused the problem, the
following steps should be used.
CAUTION: DO NOT use starter motor to rotate the
engine, severe damage may occur.
(1) Inspect air cleaner, induction system and
intake manifold to insure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(2) Remove negative battery cable.
(3) Place a shop towel around the spark plugs
when removing them from the engine. This will catch
Fig. 6 Clearance Measurement
PLENGINE 9 - 5
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

any fluid that may possibly be in the cylinder under
pressure.
(4) With all spark plugs removed, rotate engine
crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket.
(5) Identify the fluid in the cylinder(s) (i.e., cool-
ant, fuel, oil or other).
(6) Make sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders. Inspect engine for damage (i.e., connecting
rods, pistons, valves, etc.).
(7) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from re-occurring.
CAUTION: Squirt approximately one teaspoon of oil
into the cylinders, rotate engine to lubricate the cyl-
inder walls to prevent damage on restart.
(8) Install new spark plugs.
(9) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(10) Fill engine with specified amount of approved
oil and install new oil filter.
(11) Connect negative battery cable.
(12) Start engine and check for any leaks.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The best time to check engine oil level is after it
has sat overnight, or if the engine has been running,allow the engine to be shut off for at least 5 minutes
before checking oil level.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading. Remove dipstick (Fig. 7) and observe oil
level. Add oil only when the level is at or below the
ADD mark (Fig. 8).
Fig. 7 Dipstick and Engine Oil Fill Locations
1 ± ENGINE OIL FILL
2 ± ENGINE COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER3 ± ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
4 ± COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE CAP
Fig. 8 Oil Level
1 ± ENGINE OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK
9 - 6 ENGINEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

2.0L SOHC ENGINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION..................15
ENGINE COMPONENTS...................15
ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEM.............17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE..........18
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON SIZING........18
FITTING PISTON RINGS...................19
FITTING CONNECTING RODS...............19
FITTING CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS...........19
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY..................20
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
TORQUE STRUTS........................20
ENGINE MOUNTÐLEFT...................21
ENGINE MOUNTÐRIGHT..................23
ENGINE MOUNT BRACKETÐRIGHT..........24
STRUCTURAL COLLAR....................25
ENGINE ASSEMBLY.......................25
INTAKE MANIFOLD.......................28
EXHAUST MANIFOLD.....................30
CYLINDER HEAD COVER..................31
SPARK PLUG TUBE SEALS.................32
SPARK PLUG TUBE.......................33
CAMSHAFT.............................33
ROCKER ARM/HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTER . . . 34
VALVE SEALS AND SPRINGSÐIN VEHICLE....36
CYLINDER HEAD.........................37
CRANKSHAFT DAMPER...................40
TIMING BELT COVERS....................41TIMING BELT............................43
TIMING BELT TENSIONER..................46
CAMSHAFT OIL SEAL.....................46
OILPAN................................47
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEALÐFRONT............48
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEALÐREAR.............50
DRIVE PLATE...........................51
CRANKSHAFT...........................52
OIL FILTER ADAPTER.....................55
OILFILTER .............................55
OIL PUMP..............................55
PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD............57
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
OIL PUMP..............................60
VALVE SERVICE WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVED............................60
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
INTAKE MANIFOLD.......................63
EXHAUST MANIFOLD.....................63
CYLINDER HEAD AND CAMSHAFT
JOURNALS............................63
OIL PUMP..............................64
CYLINDER BLOCK AND BORE..............65
ADJUSTMENTS
ENGINE TORQUE STRUT ADJUSTMENT......66
SPECIFICATIONS
2.0L SOHC ENGINE.......................68
TORQUE...............................71
SPECIAL TOOLS
2.0L SOHC ENGINE.......................72
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
The engine identification number is located on the
left rear of the cylinder block bedplate (Fig. 1).
ENGINE COMPONENTS
CYLINDER BLOCK AND BEDPLATE ASSEMBLY
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 incor-
porates main bearing caps. The rear oil seal retainer
is integral with the block.
Fig. 1 Engine Identification 2.0L
1 ± ENGINE IDENTIFICATION LOCATION
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 15

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.
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 recommended tool C-119 or
equivalent (Fig. 3). The cylinder bore out-of-roundand cylinder bore taper must within service limits.
Refer to Engine Specifications in this section. If the
cylinder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the cylin-
der block should be rebored and honed, and new pis-
tons and rings fitted. Whatever type of boring
equipment is used, boring and honing operations
should be closely coordinated with the fitting of pis-
tons and rings in order to maintain specified clear-
ances.Refer to Honing Cylinder Bores in the
Standard Service Procedures for 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 Engine Specifications in this section for cyl-
inder block specifications.
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 bores
should be measured halfway down the cylinder bore
and transverse to the engine crankshaft center line
shown in (Fig. 3). Correct piston to bore clearance
must be established in order to assure quiet and eco-
nomical operation. Refer to Engine Specifications in
this section for cylinder block and piston specifica-
tions.
DaimlerChrysler engines use pistons designed spe-
cifically for each engine model. Clearance and sizing
locations vary with respect to engine model.
Fig. 2 Engine Lubrication SystemÐ SOHC
Fig. 3 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
9 - 18 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

(2) Apply MopartGasket Sealant (aerosol can) to
both sides of the new cylinder head gasket.
(3) Position a new cylinder head gasket on the
locating dowels.
(4) Position crankshaft sprocket to TDC, then
rotate crankshaft until mark is three teeth before
TDC (Fig. 59). This will ensure that no piston-to-
valve contact occurs upon installation of cylinder
head in the event of camshaft rotation.
(5) Position the cylinder head onto the cylinder
block. Make sure the cylinder head seats fully over
the locating dowels.
(6) Before installing cylinder head bolts, the
threads should be oiled with engine oil. The 4 shorter
bolts 164 mm (6.45 in.), are to be installed in posi-
tions 7, 8, 9, and 10 (Fig. 60).
(7) Tighten the cylinder head bolts in the sequence
shown in (Fig. 60). Using the 4 step torque method,
tighten according to the following values:²First All to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.)
²Second All to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
²Third All to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
²Fourth Turn an additional 1/4 Turn.Do not use
a torque wrench for this step.
(8) Install cylinder head cover.
(9) Install heater hose to thermostat housing con-
nector.
(10) Install heater tube to cylinder head attaching
fasteners.
(11) Connect cam sensor and coolant temperature
electrical connectors.
(12) Connect Crankcase Closed Ventilation (CCV)
hose to cylinder head cover.
Fig. 56 Checking Cylinder Head Flatness
1 ± FEELER GAUGE
2 ± STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 57 Checking Bolts for Stretching (Necking)
1 ± STRETCHED BOLT
2 ± THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 ± THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 ± UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 58 Proper Tool Usage for Surface Preparation
1 ± ABRASIVE PAD
2 ± 3M ROLOCYBRISTLE DISC
3 ± PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 59 Crankshaft Sprocket Position
1 ± TDC MARK
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 39
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

TIMING BELT
CHECKING BELT TIMINGÐCOVER INSTALLED
²Remove number one spark plug.
²Using a dial indicator, set number one cylinder
to TDC on the compression stroke.
²Remove the access plug from the outer timing
belt cover (Fig. 67).
²Check the timing mark on the camshaft
sprocket, it should align with the arrow on the rear
belt cover (Fig. 68).
REMOVALÐTIMING BELT
(1) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for procedures.
(2) Raise vehicle on a hoist and remove right inner
splash shield.(3) Remove crankshaft damper bolt. Remove
damper using Special Tools 1026 three jaw puller
and 6827-A insert (Fig. 69).
(4) Remove lower torque strut.
(5) Lower vehicle and place a jack under engine.
(6) Remove upper torque strut.
(7) Remove right engine mount to engine mount
bracket through bolt.
(8) Remove power steering pump assembly and set
aside.
(9) Remove engine mount bracket (Fig. 70).
(10) Remove front timing belt cover (Fig. 71).
CAUTION: Align camshaft and crankshaft timing
marks before removing the timing belt by rotating
the engine with the crankshaft.
Fig. 67 Timing Belt System
1 ± CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
2 ± REAR TIMING BELT COVER
3 ± TIMING BELT TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
4 ± WATER PUMP
5 ± OIL PUMP BODY
6 ± CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET7 ± TIMING BELT
8 ± BOLT
9 ± CRANKSHAFT DAMPER
10 ± FRONT TIMING BELT COVER
11 ± ACCESS PLUG
12 ± CAMSHAFT BOLT AND WASHER
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 43
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (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)

DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: True bearing turning±torque readings can
be obtained only with the geartrain removed from
the case.
(1) Remove bearing cup and existing shim from
clutch bellhousing case.
(2) Press in new bearing cup into bellhousing case
(or use a cup that has been ground down on the
outer edge for ease of measurement).
(3) Press in new bearing cup into gear case side.
(4) Oil differential bearings with Moparttype M.
S. 9417 Manual Transaxle Fluid. Install differential
assembly in transaxle gear case. Install clutch bell-
housing over gear case. Install and torque case bolts
to 29 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position transaxle with bellhousing facing
down on workbench with C-clamps. Position dial
indicator.
(6) Apply a medium load to differential with Tool
C-4995 and a T-handle, in the downward direction.
Roll differential assembly back and forth a number of
times. This will settle the bearings. Zero the dial
indicator. To obtain end play readings, apply a
medium load in an upward direction while rolling
differential assembly back and forth (Fig. 94). Record
end play.(7) The shim required for proper bearing preload is
thetotal of end play, plus (constant) preload of
0.18mm (0.007 in.).Never combine shims to obtain
the required preload.
(8) Remove case bolts. Remove clutch bellhousing
differential bearing cup. Install shim(s) selected in
Step 7. Then press the bearing cup into clutch bell-
housing.
(9) Install clutch bellhousing. Install and torque
case bolts to 26 N´m (19 ft. lbs.).
(10) Using Special Tool C-4995 and an inch-pound
torque wrench, check turning torque of the differen-
tial assembly (Fig. 95).The turning torque should
be 6 to 12 in. lbs. If the turning torque is too
high, install a 0.05mm (0.002 inch) thinner shim.
If the turning torque is too low, install a
0.05mm (0.002 inch) thicker shim.
(11) Recheck turning torque. Repeat Step 10 until
the proper turning torque is obtained.
Once proper turning torque has been established,
place gear case on the end plate. Draw a bead of
MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet518, or equivalent,
on the flat surface of the case mating flange. Install
clutch bellhousing onto gear case. Install and tighten
case bolts to 29 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 94 Checking Differential Bearing End Play To
Determine Shim Thickness
1 ± T-HANDLE
2 ± DIAL INDICATOR SET
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
Fig. 95 Checking Differential Bearing Turning
Torque
1 ± INCH-POUND TORQUE WRENCH
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
21 - 30 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID
WIRING CONNECTOR
If the solenoid wiring connector is unplugged, the
torque converter will not engage (Fig. 4).
GOVERNOR
The governor can be serviced by removing the
transaxle oil pan and valve body assembly. The gov-
ernor can be unbolted from the governor support and
removed from the transaxle for reconditioning or
replacement.
When cleaning or assembling the governor, be sure
the governor valves move freely in the bores of the
governor body.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
TRANSAXLE PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS
Automatic transaxle malfunctions are usually
caused by the following general conditions:
²Improper fluid level/condition
²Poor engine performance
²Improper engine or transaxle adjustments
²Transaxle hydraulic malfunctions
²Transaxle mechanical malfunctions
Diagnosis of transaxle problems should always
begin with checking the easily accessible variables:
²Fluid level and condition
²Gearshift cable adjustment
²Throttle valve cable adjustment
After verifying or adjusting these variables, road test
the vehicle to determine if the problem has been cor-
rected or that further diagnosis is necessary. If the prob-
lem still exists, refer to the following diagnosis charts to
aid in determining the source or cause of failure.
Fig. 2 Cooler Bypass Valve
1 ± BYPASS VALVE
2 ± TUBE
Fig. 3 Bypass Valve Location (If Equipped)
1 ± TRANSFER PLATE
2 ± BYPASS VALVE
3 ± SEAL
Fig. 4 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Wiring
Connector
1 ± TCC SOLENOID WIRING CONNECTOR
21 - 58 TRANSAXLEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)