2000 DODGE NEON tow

MOPARtGASKET SEALANT
MopartGasket Sealant is a slow drying, perma-
nently soft sealer. This material is recommended for
sealing threaded fittings and gaskets against leakage
of oil and coolant. Can be used on threaded and
machined parts under all temperatures. This mate-
rial is used on engines with multi-layer steel (MLS)
cylinder head gaskets. This material also will pre-
vent corrosion. MopartGasket Sealant is available in
a 13 oz. aerosol can or 4 oz./16 oz. can w/applicator.
FORM-IN-PLACE GASKET AND SEALER
APPLICATION
Assembling parts using a form-in-place gasket
requires care but it's easier then using precut gas-
kets.
MopartGasket Maker material should be applied
sparingly 1 mm (0.040 in.) diameter or less of sealant
to one gasket surface. Be certain the material sur-
rounds each mounting hole. Excess material can eas-
ily be wiped off. Components should be torqued in
place within 15 minutes. The use of a locating dowel
is recommended during assembly to prevent smear-
ing material off the location.
MopartEngine RTV GEN II or ATF RTV gasket
material should be applied in a continuous bead
approximately 3 mm (0.120 in.) in diameter. All
mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a
3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 in.) drop is placed in the
center of the gasket contact area. Uncured sealant
may be removed with a shop towel. Components
should be torqued in place while the sealant is still
wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). The usage of a
locating dowel is recommended during assembly to
prevent smearing material off the location.
MopartGasket Sealant in an aerosol can should be
applied using a thin, even coat sprayed completely
over both surfaces to be joined, and both sides of a
gasket. Then proceed with assembly. Material in a
can w/applicator can be brushed on evenly over the
sealing surfaces. Material in an aerosol can should be
used on engines with multi-layer steel gaskets.
ENGINE GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION
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 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. 1)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. 1)
²Drill motor with 3M RolocyBristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 1)
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.
CRANKSHAFT DAMPER BOLT ACCESS PLUG
An access plug is located in the right splash shield
(Fig. 2). Remove the plug and insert the proper size
socket, extension and ratchet, when crankshaft rota-
tion is necessary.
ENGINE CORE PLUGS
REMOVAL
Using a blunt tool such as a drift or a screwdriver
and a hammer, strike the bottom edge of the cup
plug (Fig. 3). With the cup plug rotated, grasp firmly
with pliers or other suitable tool and remove plug
(Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 ± ABRASIVE PAD
2 ± 3M ROLOCYBRISTLE DISC
3 ± PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
9 - 2 ENGINEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

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)

CRANKSHAFT
A nodular cast iron crankshaft is used. The engine
has five main bearings. The number three main is
flanged to control thrust. The mains and connecting
rod journals have undercut fillet radiuses that are
deep rolled for added strength. To optimize bearing
loading, eight counterweights are used. Hydrody-
namic seals provide end sealing, where the crank-
shaft exits the block. Anaerobic gasket material is
used for parting line sealing. A sintered iron timing
belt sprocket is mounted on the crankshaft nose. This
sprocket transmits crankshaft movement, via timing
belt to the camshaft sprocket providing timed valve
actuation.
PISTONS
The engineDOES NOThave provision for a free
wheeling valve train. Non free wheeling valve train
means, in the event of a broken timing belt pistons
will contact the valves. The engine uses pressed-in
piston pins to attach forged powdered metal connect-
ing rods. The connecting rods are a cracked cap
design and are not repairable. Hex head cap screw
are used to provide alignment and durability in the
assembly. Pistons and connecting rods are serviced as
an assembly.
PISTON RINGS
The piston rings include a molybdenum faced top
ring for reliable compression sealing and a taper
faced intermediate ring for additional cylinder pres-
sure control. Oil Control Ring Package consist of two
steel rails and an expander spacer.
CYLINDER HEAD
The aluminum cylinder head features a Single
Over Head Camshaft (SOHC), four-valves per cylin-
der, cross flow design. The valves are arranged in
two inline banks, with the two intake per cylinder
facing toward the radiator. The exhaust valves facing
toward the dash panel. Rocker arm shafts mount
directly to the cylinder head. It incorporates powder
metal valve guides and seats. The hollow rocker arm
shafts supplies oil to the hydraulic lash adjusters,
camshaft and valve mechanisms.
CAMSHAFT
The nodular iron camshaft has five bearing jour-
nals and three cam lobes per cylinder. Provision for a
cam position sensor is provided on the camshaft at
the rear of cylinder head which also acts as thrust
plate. A hydrodynamic oil seal is used for oil control
at the front of the camshaft.
VALVES
Four valves per cylinder are actuated by roller
rocker arms/hydraulic lash adjusters assemblies
which pivot on rocker arm shafts. All valves have
chrome plated valve stems. Viton rubber valve stem
seals are integral with spring seats. Valve springs,
spring retainers, and locks are conventional design.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
The intake manifold is a molded plastic composi-
tion, attached to the cylinder head with five fasten-
ers. This long branch design enhances low and mid-
range torque.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
The exhaust manifold is made of nodular cast iron
for strength and high temperatures. Exhaust gasses
exit the manifold into an articulated joint connection
and exhaust pipe.
COMPONENT REPLACEMENT
If any of the following parts have been changed or
replaced:
²Camshaft
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²Camshaft Position Sensor Target Magnet
²Cylinder Block
²Cylinder Head
²Water Pump
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Timing Belt and Timing Belt Tensioner
The camshaft and crankshaft timing relearn proce-
dure must be performed. Refer to the component
Removal and Installation procedure in this section.
9 - 16 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
DIAL INDICATOR METHOD
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine, locat-
ing probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 9).
(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 of its
travel and read the dial indicator. Refer to Engine
Specifications in this section for crankshaft specifica-
tions.
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.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
TORQUE STRUTS
UPPER TORQUE STRUT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolts attaching strut to shock tower
bracket and engine mount bracket (Fig. 10).
(2) Remove the upper torque strut.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the upper torque strut into mounting
locations.
(2) Install the mounting bolts and perform the
torque strut adjustment procedure.
LOWER TORQUE STRUT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove right side splash shield.
(3) Remove bolts attaching lower strut to cross-
member and strut bracket (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove lower torque strut.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position lower torque strut into mounting loca-
tions.
(2) Install mounting bolts and perform torque
strut adjustment procedure.
(3) Install splash shield and lower vehicle
TORQUE STRUT ADJUSTMENT
The upper and lower torque struts need to be
adjusted together to assure proper engine positioning
and engine mount loading. Whenever a torque strut
bolt(s) is loosened, this procedure must be performed.
(1) Loosen the upper and lower torque strut
attaching bolt at the suspension crossmember and
shock tower bracket.
(2) The engine position may now be adjusted by
positioning a suitable floor jack on the forward edge
of the transmission bell housing (Fig. 11).
NOTE: The floor jack must be positioned as shown
in (Fig. 11) to prevent minimal upward lifting of the
engine.
Fig. 8 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 9 Checking Crankshaft End PlayÐ Dial
Indicator
9 - 20 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(3) Carefully apply upward force, allowing the
upper engine to rotate rearward until the distance
between the center of the rearmost attaching stud on
the engine mount bracket (point ªAº) and the center
of the hole for the washer hose clip on the shock
tower bracket (point ªBº) is 119 mm (4.70 in.) (Fig.
12).
(4) With the engine held at the proper position,
tighten both the upper and lower torque strut bolts
to 118 N´m (87 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 10).
(5) Remove the floor jack.
ENGINE MOUNTÐLEFT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle approximately 30.5 cm (12 in.) on
hoist
(2) Remove air cleaner assembly (Fig. 13).
(3) Remove battery and tray.
(4) Support transaxle with a suitable jack.
(5) Remove left front wheel.
(6) Remove left splash shield.
(7) Remove through bolt access plug at left side
outer frame rail.
Fig. 10 Torque StrutsÐUpper and Lower
1 ± BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
3 ± TORQUE STRUT BRACKET
4 ± UPPER TORQUE STRUT5 ± CROSSMEMBER
6 ± LOWER TORQUE STRUT
7 ± BOLTS
8 ± RIGHT FENDER
Fig. 11 Floor Jack Positioning
1 ± WOOD BLOCK
2 ± FLOOR JACK
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Discharge air conditioning system, if equipped.
Refer to Group 24, Heating and Air Conditioning for
procedure.
(5) Disconnect the following: air intake duct at
intake manifold, throttle cables, electrical connectors
from throttle body and air cleaner housing.
(6) Remove air cleaner housing assembly.
(7) Remove upper radiator hose and fan module.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for procedure.
(8) Remove lower radiator hose.
(9) Disconnect automatic transmission cooler lines
and plug, if equipped.
(10) Disconnect shift linkage, electrical connectors,
and clutch cable, if equipped with manual transaxle.
(11) Disconnect engine wiring harness.
(12) Disconnect positive cable from Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC) and ground wire from vehicle
body.
(13) Disconnect ground wire from the vehicle body-
to-engine at the right side strut tower.
(14) Disconnect heater hoses.
(15) Disconnect vacuum hose from brake booster.
(16) Disconnect coolant reserve/recovery hose.
(17) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group
7, Cooling System for procedure.
(18) Remove power steering pump and reservoir
and set them aside.
(19) Hoist vehicle and remove right inner splash
shield.
(20) Drain engine oil.
(21) Remove front wheels.
(22) Remove axle shafts. Refer to Group 3, Differ-
ential and Driveline for procedure.
(23) Disconnect exhaust system from manifold.
(24) Disconnect the downstream oxygen sensor
connector.
(25) Remove lower engine torque strut.
(26) Remove structural collar. Refer to procedure
in this section.
(27) Lower vehicle and remove A/C compressor.
(28) Raise vehicle enough to allow engine dolly
and cradle, Special Tools 6135 and 6710 to be
installed under vehicle.
(29) 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. 26). Tighten mounts to cradle frame. This
will keep support posts from moving when removing
or installing engine and transmission.
(30) Install safety straps around the engine to cra-
dle (Fig. 26). Tighten straps and lock them into posi-
tion.
WARNING: Safety straps MUST be used.(31) Raise vehicle enough to see if straps are tight
enough to hold cradle assembly to engine.
(32) Lower vehicle so weight of the engine and
transmission ONLY is on the cradle assembly.
(33) Remove the upper engine torque strut.
(34) Remove right and left engine and transaxle
mount through bolts (Fig. 24) and (Fig. 25).
(35) Raise vehicle slowly until body is approxi-
mately 15 cm (6 in.) above normal engine mounting
locations.
(36) Remove generator, lower bracket, and upper
mounting bolt.
(37) Continue raising vehicle slowly until engine/
transaxle assembly clears engine compartment. It
may be necessary to move the engine/transmission
assembly with the cradle to allow for removal around
body flanges.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position engine and transmission assembly
under vehicle and slowly lower the vehicle over the
engine/transaxle assembly until vehicle is within 15
cm (6 in.) of engine mounting locations.
(2) Install generator, lower bracket, and adjusting
bolt.
(3) Continue lowering vehicle until engine/tran-
saxle aligns to mounting locations. Install mounting
bolts at the right and left engine/transaxle mounts
(Fig. 24) and (Fig. 25). Tighten bolts to 118 N´m (87
ft. lbs.).
(4) Install upper engine torque strut. Refer to pro-
cedure in this section.
(5) Remove safety straps from engine/transaxle
assembly. Slowly raise vehicle enough to remove the
engine dolly and cradle.
(6) Install axle shafts. Refer to Group 3, Differen-
tial and Driveline for procedure.
(7) Install structural collar. Refer to procedure in
this section tightening sequence.
Fig. 24 Right Mount Through Bolt
1 ± BOLT
2 ± RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
3 ± ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
9 - 26 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(27) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached.
(28) Ensure engine is properly positioned. Refer to
Torque Struts in this section for adjustment proce-
dure.
(29) Adjust transmission linkage, if necessary.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
REMOVAL
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES. NEVER SMOKE
WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the inlet air duct from intake manifold
to throttle body.
(3) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs.Refer to Group 14,
Fuel System for procedures.
WARNING: WRAP SHOP TOWELS AROUND FUEL
HOSE TO CATCH ANY GASOLINE SPILLAGE
(4) Disconnect fuel supply line quick connect at the
fuel tube assembly. Refer to Group 14, Fuel System
for procedures.
(5) Remove fuel rail assembly attaching screws
and remove fuel rail assembly from engine. Cover
injector holes with suitable covering.
CAUTION: Do not set fuel injectors on their tips,
damage may occur to the injectors
(6) Disconnect brake booster hose (Fig. 27) and
PCV hose (Fig. 28) from intake manifold.
(7) Disconnect Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
sensor electrical connector (Fig. 29).
(8) Disconnect knock sensor electrical connector
(Fig. 30).
(9) Disconnect wiring at starter.
(10) Remove the intake manifold to lower support
bracket bolts (Fig. 31).
(11) Remove intake manifold screws and washers.
Discard the fasteners. Remove intake manifold.
INSTALLATION
Before installing manifold. Clean all mating sur-
faces. Replace all O-ring gaskets with new gaskets
(Fig. 33). All intake manifold fasteners and washers
are to be discarded andNEWfasteners and washers
are to be used.(1) Install intake manifold onto cylinder head and
tighten fasteners to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) in sequence
shown in (Fig. 32).
Fig. 27 Brake Booster Hose
Fig. 28 PCV Hose
9 - 28 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Slide the rocker arms and spacers off the shaft.
Keep the spacers and rocker arms in the same loca-
tion for reassembly.
NOTE: Inspect the rocker arm for scoring, wear on
the roller or damage to the rocker arm (Fig. 49)
Replace if necessary. Check the location where the
rocker arms mount to the shafts for wear or dam-
age. Replace if damaged or worn. The rocker arm
shaft is hollow and is used as a lubrication oil duct.
Check oil holes for clogging with small wire, clean
as required. Lubricate the rocker arms and spacers.
Install onto shafts in their original position (Fig. 48).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Set crankshaft to 3 notches before TDC
before installing rocker arm shafts. Refer to Timing
Belt System and Camshaft Seal Service of this sec-
tion for procedure.
(1) Install rocker arm/hydraulic lash adjuster
assembly making sure that adjusters are at least
partially full of oil. This is indicated by little or no
plunger travel when the lash adjuster is depressed. If
there is excessive plunger travel. Place the rocker
arm assembly into clean engine oil and pump the
plunger until the lash adjuster travel is taken up. If
travel is not reduced, replace the assembly. Hydraulic
lash adjuster and rocker arm are serviced as an
assembly.(2) Install rocker arm and shaft assemblies with
NOTCH in the rocker arm shafts pointing up and
toward the timing belt side of the engine (Fig. 50).
Install the retainers in their original positions on the
exhaust and intake shafts (Fig. 48).
CAUTION: When installing the intake rocker arm
shaft assembly be sure that the plastic spacers do
not interfere with the spark plug tubes. If the spac-
ers do interfere rotate until they are at the proper
angle. To avoid damaging the spark plug tubes, do
not attempt rotating the spacers by forcing down
the shaft assembly.
(3) Tighten bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 51).
(4) Install cylinder head cover. Refer to procedures
in this section.
Fig. 48 Rocker Arm Shaft Assemblies
1 ± EXHAUST ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY
2 ± PLASTIC SHAFT SPACERS
3 ± INTAKE ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY
4 ± ROCKER ARM SHAFT RETAINERS
Fig. 49 Rocker Arm Assemblies
1 ± EXHAUST ROCKER ARM
2 ± HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS
3 ± INTAKE ROCKER ARM
4 ± ROLLERS
Fig. 50 Rocker Arm Shaft Notches
1 ± NOTCHES FACING UP AND TOWARD THE TIMING BELT
SIDE OF THE ENGINE
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 35
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)