2000 DODGE NEON spark

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)

ENGINE DIAGNOSIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
GENERAL INFORMATION...................8
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS......8
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST . . . 8
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE
LEAKAGE TEST.........................9LASH ADJUSTER (TAPPET) NOISE
DIAGNOSIS............................9
ENGINE OIL LEAK INSPECTION..............9
ENGINE DIAGNOSISÐPERFORMANCE........11
ENGINE DIAGNOSISÐMECHANICAL.........12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
GENERAL INFORMATION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
Refer to the Service DiagnosisÐMechanical Chart
and the Service DiagnosisÐPerformance Chart, for
possible causes and corrections of malfunctions. Refer
to Group 14, Fuel System, for the fuel system diag-
nosis.
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS
An intake manifold air leak is characterized by
lower than normal manifold vacuum. Also, one or
more cylinders may not be functioning.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water (Spray Bottle) at
the suspected leak area.
(3) If engine RPM'S change, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test
can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunc-
tions.
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the
engine starter motor is in good operating condition.
Otherwise the indicated compression pressures may
not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
(1) Check engine oil level and add oil if necessary.
(2) Drive the vehicle until engine reaches normal
operating temperature. Select a route free from traf-
fic and other forms of congestion, observe all traffic
laws, and accelerate through the gears several times
briskly.
(3) Remove all spark plugs from engine. As spark
plugs are being removed, check electrodes for abnor-
mal firing indicators fouled, hot, oily, etc. Record cyl-
inder number of spark plug for future reference.
(4) Disconnect coil wire from distributor and
secure to good ground to prevent a spark from start-
ing a fire (Conventional Ignition System). For Direct
Ignition System DIS disconnect the coil connector.
(5) Be sure throttle blade is fully open during the
compression check.
(6) Insert compression gage adaptor into the #1
spark plug hole in cylinder head. Crank engine until
maximum pressure is reached on gage. Record this
pressure as #1 cylinder pressure.
(7) Repeat the previous step for all remaining cyl-
inders.
(8) Compression should not be less than (689 kPa)
100 psi and not vary more than 25 percent from cyl-
inder to cylinder.
(9) If one or more cylinders have abnormally low
compression pressures, repeat the compression test.
(10) If the same cylinder or cylinders repeat an
abnormally low reading on the second compression
test, it could indicate the existence of a problem in
the cylinder in question.The recommended com-
pression pressures are to be used only as a
guide to diagnosing engine problems. An engine
9 - 8 ENGINEPL

should not be disassembled to determine the
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, 1,379kPa (200 psi) maximum, with 552 kPa (80 psi) rec-
ommended.
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 per cylinder.
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.
ENGINE OIL LEAK INSPECTION
Begin with a thorough 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
PLENGINE 9 - 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

ENGINE DIAGNOSISÐPERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. 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. 3. Test starting system. Refer to
Group 8B, Starting.
4. Faulty coil(s) or control unit. 4. Test and replace as needed.
Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System.
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. Set gap. Refer to Group 8D,
Ignition System.
6. Contamination in fuel system. 6. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
7. Faulty fuel pump. 7. Test fuel pump and replace as
needed. Refer to Group 14, Fuel
System.
8. Incorrect engine timing. 8. Check for a skipped timing
belt/chain.
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.
4. Faulty coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System.
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. 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 coil(s). 9. Test and replace as necessary.
Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System.
PLENGINE 9 - 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
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 SPEED 1. 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.
ENGINE DIAGNOSISÐMECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.1. Check and correct engine oil
level.
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil to correct viscosity.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check and correct 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 guides 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 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. Connecting rod journal
out-of-round.5. Replace crankshaft or grind
surface.
6. Misaligned connecting rods. 6. Replace bent connecting rods.
9 - 12 ENGINEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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 cylinder 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 guide(s). 5. Ream guide(s) and replace
valve(s) with oversize valve(s) and
seal(s).
6. Valve stem seal(s) worn or
damaged.6. Replace seal(s).
9 - 14 ENGINEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (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

(7) Connect CCV hose on cylinder head cover port.
(8) Raise vehicle.
(9) Install new flex joint to manifold flange gasket.
(10) Attach exhaust system to manifold flange and
tighten fasteners to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Install exhaust manifold support bracket (Fed-
eral and LEV) (Fig. 35). Tighten M10 bolt to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.), M12 bolt to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.), and nut
to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(12) ULEV equippedÐinstall support bracket to
cylinder block and exhaust manifold (Fig. 36). Snug
all bolts first then tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install bolt attaching wire harness heat shield
to support bracket (Federal and LEV) (Fig. 34), or
exhaust manifold (ULEV).(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Connect negative cable to battery.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect CCV (Fig. 39) and PCV (Fig. 40)
hoses from cylinder head cover.
(2) Remove ignition coil and spark plug cables
(Fig. 41).
(3) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(4) Remove cylinder head cover.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean gasket surfaces. Inspect gasket and seals
(Fig. 42). Replace as necessary. For replacement of
spark plug tube seals, refer to Spark Plug Tube Seals
in this section for procedure.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to loosen or remove baf-
fle plate attaching screws. The screws are self-tap-
ping, and in the attempt to retighten, thread damage
(stripping) will result.
Fig. 36 Exhaust Manifold Support BracketÐULEV
1 ± MANIFOLD SUPPORT BRACKET
2 ± OIL FILTER
3 ± BOLTS
Fig. 37 Exhaust Manifold Heat Shields
1 ± BOLTS
2 ± HEAT SHIELDS
Fig. 38 Exhaust Manifold Tightening Sequence
Fig. 39 CCV Hose
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 31
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)