2000 DODGE NEON check engine

make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(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 24 km (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:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (makeup air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
²Gradually 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 provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and CCV hose. Proceed to next step.
(7) 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 theengine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following 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 previously described.
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 Crank-
shaft Oil SealÐRear for proper replacement proce-
dures.
9 - 10 ENGINEPL
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
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. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect, clean,
or replace.
8. Oil pump suction tube loose. 8. Remove oil pan and install new
tube or clean, if necessary.
9. Oil pump cover warped or
cracked.9. Install new oil pump.
10. Excessive bearing clearance. 10. Measure bearings for correct
clearance.
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.
PLENGINE 9 - 13
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

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)

NOTE: Pistons and cylinder bores should be mea-
sured at normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
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
positioned below normal ring travel in the cylinder
bore. Check gap with feeler gauge (Fig. 5). Refer to
Engine Specifications in this section for piston ring
specifications.
(2) Check piston ring to groove side clearance (Fig.
6). Refer to Engine Specifications in this section for
piston ring specifications.
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 Engine Specifications in this
section for connecting rod 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 Engine Specifications in
this section for connecting rod specifications.
FITTING CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS
Refer to Measuring Main Bearing Clearance in
Standard Service Procedures. Refer to Engine Speci-
fications in this section for crankshaft specifications.
Fig. 4 Piston Measurements
1 ± PISTON O. D. MEASUREMENT LOCATION
Fig. 5 Piston Ring Gap
1 ± FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 6 Piston Ring Side Clearance
1 ± FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 7 Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 19
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)