1999 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

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)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ENGINE MOUNTÐFRONT
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Support the engine and transmission assembly
with a floor jack so it will not rotate.
(3) Remove the front engine mount thru-bolt from
the insulator and engine mount bracket (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove the mass damper. Remove the front
mount nuts and remove insulator assembly.
(5) Remove the engine mount bracket, if necessary.
(6) Reverse removal procedure for installation and
tighten fasteners in this order.
a. If engine mount bracket was removed, tighten
bolt 1 to 3 N´m (20 in. lbs.) and bolts 2, 3 and 4 to
108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 10).
b. If engine mount bracket was removed, tighten
bolts 5 and 1 to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
c. Tighten engine mount bracket to insulator
assembly thru-bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
d. Tighten insulator assembly nuts to the lower
radiator crossmember torque to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
e. Install mass damper and tighten to 54 N´m (40
ft. lbs.).
ENGINE MOUNTÐLEFT
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist and remove left front
wheel.
(2) Remove the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
on manual transaxle model, from battery tray mount
and lay aside.
(3) Support the transmission with a transmission
jack.(4) Remove the thru-bolt access hole cover. Remove
the insulator thru-bolt from the mount (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove the transmission mount fasteners and
remove mount.
(6) Reverse removal procedure for installation.
Tighten fasteners in this order (Fig. 11):
²55 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
²108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.)
ENGINE MOUNTÐRIGHT
(1) Remove the purge duty solenoid from engine
mount bracket.
(2) Remove the right engine mount insulator verti-
cal fasteners from frame rail (Fig. 12).
(3) Remove the load on the engine mounts by care-
fully supporting the engine and transmission assem-
bly with a floor jack.
(4) Remove the thru-bolt access hole cover. Remove
the thru-bolt from the insulator assembly (Fig. 12).
Remove insulator.
(5) Reverse removal procedure for installation.
Tighten engine mount to rail fasteners to 54 N´m (40
ft. lbs.), then tighten engine mount to engine bracket
thru-bolt to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
POWER HOP DAMPER
NOTE: Power hop damper is used on manual trans-
mission vehicle only.
(1) Remove the thru-bolt and nut from the front
suspension crossmember (Fig. 13).
(2) Remove the damper nut and grommets.
Remove the damper.
Fig. 10 Engine MountingÐFront
Fig. 11 Engine MountingÐLeft
9 - 18 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL

(3) Remove the power hop damper bracket, if nec-
essary.
(4) Reverse removal procedure for installation.
Tighten all bolts and nuts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
STRUCTURAL COLLARÐ2.0L
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
NOTE: To remove transaxle dust cover, the front
bending strut must be removed.
(2) Remove structural collar from oil pan to tran-
saxle (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The torque procedure for the structural
collar must be followed, as damage to oil pan or
collar could occur.
(1) Install the structural collar (Fig. 14) using the
following 3 step torque sequence:
²Step 1: Install the collar to oil pan bolts and
tighten to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.).
²Step 2: Install collar to transaxle bolts and
tighten to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
²Step 3: Final torque the collar to oil pan bolts to
54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(2) Lower vehicle.
ENGINE ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer
to Group 14, Fuel System for procedure. Remove fuel
line to fuel rail.
(2) Disconnect and remove battery and tray. Set
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) aside.
(3) Drain cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System for procedure.
(4) Remove upper radiator hose, radiator and fan
module. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for proce-
dure.
(5) Remove lower radiator hose.
(6) Disconnect automatic transmission cooler lines
and plug. If equipped.
(7) Disconnect clutch cable (Manual) and transmis-
sion shift linkage.
Fig. 12 Engine MountingÐRight
Fig. 13 Power Hop Damper
Fig. 14 Structural CollarÐRemoval and Installation
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Disconnect throttle body linkage.
(9) Disconnect engine wiring harness.
(10) Disconnect heater hoses.
(11) Discharge Air Conditioning System. Refer to
Group 24, Air Conditioning for procedure.
(12) Hoist vehicle and remove right inner splash
shield (Fig. 15).
(13) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group
7, Cooling System for procedure.
(14) Remove axle shafts. Refer to Group 2, Suspen-
sion and Driveshafts for procedure.
(15) Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
(16) Remove front engine mount.
(17) Manual transmission: Remove power hop
damper.
(18) Lower vehicle. Remove air cleaner assembly.
(19) Remove power steering pump and reservoir,
Set them aside.
(20) Remove A/C compressor.
(21) Remove ground straps to body.
(22) Raise vehicle enough to allow engine dolly
and cradle Special Tools 6135 and 6710 to be
installed under vehicle.
(23) Loosen engine support posts to allow move-
ment for positioning onto engine locating holes and
flange on the engine bedplate. Lower vehicle and
position cradle until the engine is resting on support
posts (Fig. 16). Tighten mounts to cradle frame. This
will keep support posts from moving when removing
or installing engine and transmission.
(24) Install safety straps around the engine to cra-
dle tighten; straps and lock them into position.(25) Raise vehicle enough to see if straps are tight
enough to hold cradle assembly to engine.
(26) Lower vehicle so weight of the engine and
transmission ONLY is on the cradle assembly.
(27) Remove engine and transmission mount thru-
bolts.
(28) Raise vehicle slowly. It may be necessary to
move the engine/transmission assembly with the cra-
dle to allow for removal around body flanges.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position engine and transmission assembly
under vehicle and slowly lower the vehicle over the
engine and transmission.
(2) Align engine and transmission mounts to
attaching points. Install mounting bolts at the right
engine and left transmission mounts. Refer to proce-
dures outlined in this section.
(3) Remove safety straps from engine and trans-
mission assembly. Slowly raise vehicle enough to
remove the engine dolly and cradle.
(4) Install axle shafts. Refer to Group 2, Suspen-
sion and Driveshafts for procedure.
(5) Install transmission and engine braces and
splash shields.
(6) Connect exhaust system to manifold. Refer to
Group 11, Exhaust System and Intake Manifold for
procedure and torque specifications.
(7) Install power steering pump and reservoir.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System Accessory Drive
Section for belt tension adjustment.
Fig. 15 Right Inner Splash Shield
Fig. 16 Positioning Engine Cradle Support Post
Mounts
9 - 20 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Install A/C compressor and hoses. Refer to
Group 24, Heater and Air Conditioning for procedure.
(9) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System Accessory Drive Section for belt ten-
sion adjustment.
(10) Install front engine mount. Refer to this sec-
tion for procedure.
(11) Manual transmission: Install power hop
damper.
(12) Install inner splash shield. Install wheels and
tires.
(13)Manual Transmission:Connect clutch cable
and linkages. Refer to Group 6, Manual Transaxle
Clutch.
(14)Automatic Transmission:Connect shifter
and kickdown linkage. Refer to Group 21, Transaxle
for procedures.
(15) Connect fuel line and heater hoses.
(16) Install ground straps. Connect engine and
throttle body connections and harnesses. Refer to
Group 8, Electrical for procedure.
(17) Connect throttle body linkage. Refer to Group
14, Fuel System for procedure.
(18) Install radiator and shroud assembly. Install
radiator hoses. Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for filling procedure.
(19) Install battery tray and battery. Set Power-
train Control Module (PCM) into place.
(20) Install air cleaner and hoses.
(21) Install oil filter. Fill engine crankcase with
proper oil to correct level.
(22) 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.
(23) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached.
(24) Adjust transmission linkage, if necessary.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove air cleaner inlet duct (Fig. 17)
(2) Remove ignition coil pack (Fig. 18).
(3) Remove the cylinder head cover bolts.
(4) Remove cylinder head cover from cylinder
head.
INSTALLATION
Before installation, clean cylinder head and cover
mating surfaces. Make certain the cylinder head
cover mating surface is flat.
(1) Install new cylinder head cover gasket.
CAUTION: Do not allow oil or solvents to contact
the timing belt as they can deteriorate the rubber
and cause tooth skipping.
(2) Install cover assembly to head and tighten fas-
teners to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Install ignition coil pack. Tighten fasteners to
23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
SPARK PLUG TUBE
(1) Remove cylinder head cover. Refer to procedure
outlined in this section.
(2) Using locking pliers remove the tube from the
cylinder head (Fig. 19). Discard old tube.
(3) Clean area around spark plug with Mopart
parts cleaner or equivalent.
Fig. 17 Inlet Duct Removal
Fig. 18 Ignition Coil Pack
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Apply MopartStud and Bearing Mount or
equivalent to a new tube approximately 1 mm from
theendina3mmwide area.
(5) Install sealer end of tube into the cylinder
head. Then carefully install the tube using a hard-
wood block and mallet until the tube is seated into
the bottom of the bore.
(6) Install cylinder head cover. Refer to procedure
outlined in this section.
SPARK PLUG TUBE SEALS
The spark plug tube seals are located in the cylin-
der head cover (Fig. 20). These seals are pressed into
the cylinder head cover to seal the outside perimeter
of the spark plug tubes. If these seals show signs of
hardness and/or cracking they should be replaced.
CAMSHAFT
NOTE: TO REMOVE CAMSHAFT THE CYLINDER
HEAD MUST BE REMOVED.
REMOVAL
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs.Refer to Group 14,
Fuel System
(2) Remove the cylinder head cover. Refer to proce-
dure outlined in this section.
(3) Mark rocker arm shaft assemblies so that they
are installed in their original positions.
(4) Remove rocker arm shaft bolts. Refer to proce-
dure outlined in this section.
(5) Remove timing belt, timing belt tensioner, and
camshaft sprocket. Refer to procedures outlined in
this section.
(6) Remove rear timing belt cover.
(7) Remove cylinder head. Refer to procedure out-
lined in this section.
(8) Remove camshaft sensor and camshaft target
magnet.
(9) Remove camshaft from the rear of cylinder
head.
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:
²Mount dial indicator C-3339 or equivalent, to a
stationary point on cylinder head (Fig. 21).
²Using a suitable tool, move camshaft to rear-
ward limits of travel.
Fig. 19 Servicing Spark Plug Tubes
Fig. 20 Spark Plug Tube Seals
9 - 22 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

²Zero the dial indicator.
²Move camshaft forward to limits of travel and
read dial indicator.
²End 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 outlined in this section.
(6) Install cylinder head. Refer to procedure out-
lined 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 outlined in this section.
(10) Install rocker arm assemblies in correct order
as removed. Tighten the rocker arm assemblies in
sequence shown in (Fig. 22) 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 pack and ignition cables.(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 using procedure
outlined 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. 23).
(5) Slide the rocker arms and spacers off the shaft.
Keep the spacers and rocker arms in the same loca-
tion for reassembly.
Fig. 21 Camshaft End Play
Fig. 22 Rocker Arm Shaft Tightening Sequence
Fig. 23 Rocker Arm Shaft Assemblies
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 23
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)