1999 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS LOCATION
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings.
All upper bearing shells in the crankcase have oil
grooves. All lower bearing shells installed in the (bed-
plate) main bearing cap are plain. Crankshaft end
play is controlled by a flanged bearing on the number
three main bearing journal (Fig. 79).
NOTE: The upper and lower main Bearing shells
are Not interchangeable. The lower shells have a
revised tab to prevent improper installation.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN JOURNALS INSPECTION
The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring. Limits of taper or
out-of-round on any crankshaft journals should be
held to 0.025 mm (0.001 inch). Journal grinding
should not exceed 0.305 mm (0.012 in.) under the
standard journal diameter. DO NOT grind thrust
faces of Number 3 main bearing. DO NOT nick crank
pin or bearing fillets. After grinding, remove rough
edges from crankshaft oil holes and clean out all pas-
sages.
Fig. 78 Bedplate BoltsFig. 79 Main Bearing Identification
9 - 40 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: With the nodular cast iron crankshafts
used it is important that the final paper or cloth pol-
ish after any journal regrind be in the same direc-
tion as normal rotation in the engine.
Upper and lower Number 3 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 79). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and oiled
before installation. Bearing shells are available in
standard and the following undersized: 0.016 mm
(0.0006 inch), 0.032 mm (0.0012 inch), 0.250 mm
(0.010 inch). Never install an undersize bearing that
will reduce clearance below specifications.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the main bearing shells with the lubri-
cation groove in the cylinder block. Install O-ring
into recess in the block (Fig. 80).
(2) Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil
hole in bearings and bearing tabs seat in the block
tab slots.
CAUTION: Do Not get oil on the bedplate mating
surface. It will affect the sealer ability to seal the
bedplate to cylinder block.
(3) Oil the bearings and journals and install
crankshaft and O-ring in cylinder block.
CAUTION: Use only the specified anaerobic sealer
on the bedplate or damage may occur to the
engine.
(4) Apply 1.5 to 2.0 mm (0.059 to 0.078 in.) bead of
MopartTorque Cure Gasket Maker to cylinder block
as shown in (Fig. 81).(5) Install lower main bearings into main bearing
cap/bedplate. Make certain the bearing tabs are
seated into the bedplate slots. Install the main bear-
ing/bedplate into engine block.
(6) Before installing the bolts oil threads with
clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(7) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts 11, 17 and 20 finger tight. Tighten this bolts
down together until the bedplate contacts the cylin-
der block. Torque bolts to 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.) (Fig.
82).
(8) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (1 ± 10) and torque each bolt to 81 N´m (60 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 82).
(9) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11 ± 20), with baffle studs in positions 12, 13
and 16 and torque each bolt to 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 82).
(10) After the main bearing bedplate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
Fig. 80 Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell
Fig. 81 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Sealing
Fig. 82 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Torque
Sequence
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 41
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(11) Install oil pump. If crankshaft end play is to
be checked refer to service procedures in this section.
(12) Install crankshaft sprocket.
(13) Install oil filter adapter and filter.
(14) Install oil pan and structural collar. Refer to
procedures outlined in the section.
(15) 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.
OIL FILTER ADAPTER
REMOVE AND INSTALL
Ensure O-ring is in the groove on adapter. Align
roll pin into engine block and tighten assembly to 80
N´m (60 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 83).
OIL FILTER
REMOVE AND INSTALL
CAUTION: When servicing the oil filter (Fig. 84)
avoid deforming the filter, install tool band strap
against the seam at the base of the filter. The seam,
joining the can to the base is reinforced by the
base plate.
(1) Turn counterclockwise to remove.
(2) To install, lubricate new filter gasket. Check
filter mounting surface. The surface must be smooth,
flat and free of debris or old pieces of rubber. Screw
filter on until gasket contacts base. Tighten to 21
N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.(2) Remove Timing Belt. Refer to procedure in this
section.
(3) Remove Oil Pan. Refer to procedure in this sec-
tion.
(4) Remove Crankshaft Sprocket using Special Tool
6793 and insert C-4685-C2 (Fig. 85).
(5) Remove oil pick-up tube.
(6) Remove oil pump (Fig. 86) and front crankshaft
seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Make sure all surfaces are clean and free of oil
and dirt.
(2) Apply MopartGasket Maker to oil pump as
shown in (Fig. 87). Install oil ring into oil pump body
discharge passage.
(3) Prime oil pump before installation.
(4) Align oil pump rotor flats with flats on crank-
shaft as you install the oil pump to the block.
NOTE: Front crankshaft seal MUST be out of pump
to align, or damage may result.
Fig. 83 Engine Oil Filter Adapter to Engine Block
Fig. 84 Engine Oil Filter
Fig. 85 Crankshaft SprocketÐRemoval
9 - 42 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Torque all oil pump attaching bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.)
(6) Install new front crankshaft seal using Special
Tool 6780 (Fig. 88).
(7) Install crankshaft sprocket, using Special Tool
6792 (Fig. 89).
(8) Install oil pump pick-up tube and oil pan.
(9) Install Timing Belt. Refer to procedure outlined
in this section.
(10) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 86 Oil Pump and Tube
Fig. 87 Oil Pump Sealing
Fig. 88 Front Crankshaft SealÐInstallation
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 43
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reli-
able ridge reamer before removing pistons from cyl-
inder block.Be sure to keep tops of pistons
covered during this operation. Mark piston with
matching cylinder number (Fig. 90).
(2) Remove oil pan. Scribe the cylinder number on
the side of the rod and cap (Fig. 91) for identification.(3) Pistons will have a stamping in the approxi-
mate location shown in (Fig. 90). 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.
(4) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(5) Remove connecting rod cap boltsDo not use
old bolts if reinstalling connecting rod.Push
each piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.
NOTE: Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(6) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
(7) Piston and Rods are serviced as an assembly.
PISTON RINGÐREMOVAL
(1) ID mark on face of upper and intermediate pis-
ton rings must point toward piston crown.
(2) Using a suitable ring expander, remove upper
and intermediate piston rings (Fig. 92).
(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 I.D. mark fac-
ing up, to the top of the piston (Fig. 93).
CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
a. Oil ring expander.
b. Upper oil ring side rail.
Fig. 89 Crankshaft SprocketÐInstallation
Fig. 90 Piston Markings
Fig. 91 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
Fig. 92 Piston RingsÐRemoving and Installing
9 - 44 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

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. 94).
(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. 93).
(4) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig.
95).
(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 ROD ÐINSTALLATION
(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. 95).
(3) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston
(Fig. 96).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 for SOHC engine. The arrow
should face toward the front of the engine for DOHC
engine (Fig. 90).
(5) Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod
journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Insert
rod and piston assembly into cylinder bore and guide
rod over the crankshaft journal.
Fig. 93 Piston Ring Installation
Fig. 94 Installing Side Rail
Fig. 95 Piston Ring End Gap Position
Fig. 96 Installing Piston
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 45
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(6) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(7) Install rod caps. InstallNewbolts and tighten
to 27 N´m (20 ft.lb.) Plus 1/4 turn.
CRANKSHAFT DAMPER
NOTE: If a gap is found in the crankshaft damper,
in the area where the Poly-V Generator belt rides
this is normal and is acceptable (Fig. 97).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for procedure outlined in that sec-
tion.
(2) Raise vehicle on a hoist and remove right inner
splash shield (Fig. 98).
(3) Remove crankshaft damper bolt. Remove
damper using the large side of Special Tool 1026 and
insert 6827±A (Fig. 99).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install crankshaft damper using M12-1.75 x
150 mm bolt, washer, thrust bearing and nut from
Special Tool 6792. Install crankshaft damper bolt and
tighten to 142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 100).
(2) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System Accessory Drive section for proce-
dure.
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist and install right inner
splash shield.
Fig. 97 Weld Gap
Fig. 98 Right Inner Splash Shield
Fig. 99 Crankshaft DamperÐRemoval
Fig. 100 Crankshaft DamperÐInstallation
9 - 46 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

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. 101).
CAUTION: Oil pump pressure relief valve must be
installed as shown in (Fig. 101) or serious damage
may occur.
(3) Remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 101).
(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. 102).
VALVE SERVICE WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVED
REMOVAL
(1) With cylinder head removed, compress valve
springs using Special Tool C-3422-B or equivalent.
(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
(.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. 103). Refer to Valve Guide Specification
Chart for specifications. Replace guides if they are
not within specification.
(3) Check valve guide height (Fig. 104).
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
Fig. 101 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
Fig. 102 Oil Pump
Fig. 103 Checking Wear on Valve GuideÐTypical
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 47