2000 DODGE NEON tow

(6) Using Special Tool 6771, remove front crank-
shaft oil seal (Fig. 86). Do not damage the seal con-
tact area on the crankshaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position seal into opening with seal spring
towards the inside of engine. Using Special Tool
6780-1 (Fig. 87), install seal until flush with cover.
(2) Install crankshaft sprocket key (Fig. 85).
(3) Install crankshaft sprocket (Fig. 88) using Spe-
cial Tool 6792.
NOTE: Make sure the word ªfrontº on the sprocket
is facing outward.NOTE: Use of Special Tool 6792 is required to set
proper crankshaft sprocket depth for proper timing
belt tracking.
Fig. 85 Crankshaft Key
1 ± CRANKSHAFT KEY
Fig. 86 Front Crankshaft Oil SealÐRemoval
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6771
Fig. 87 Front Crankshaft Oil SealÐInstallation
1 ± PROTECTOR
2 ± SEAL
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6780±1
4 ± INSTALLER
Fig. 88 Crankshaft SprocketÐInstallation
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6792
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 49
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Install timing belt and cover. Refer to proce-
dures in this section.
(5) Install crankshaft damper. Refer to procedure
in this section.
(6) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for procedure.
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEALÐREAR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle. Refer to Group 21, Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(2) Remove drive plate. Refer to procedure in this
section.
(3) Insert a 3/16 flat bladed screwdriver between
the dust lip and the metal case of the crankshaft
seal. Angle the screwdriver (Fig. 89) through the dust
lip against metal case of the seal. Pry out seal.
CAUTION: Do not permit the screwdriver blade to
contact crankshaft seal surface. Contact of the
screwdriver blade against crankshaft edge (cham-
fer) is permitted.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: If burr or scratch is present on the
crankshaft edge (chamfer), cleanup with 400 grit
sand paper to prevent seal damage during installa-
tion of new seal.
NOTE: When installing seal, no lube on seal is
needed.
(1) Place Special Tool 6926-1 on crankshaft. This is
a pilot tool with a magnetic base (Fig. 90).
(2) Position seal over pilot tool. Make sure you can
read the wordsTHIS SIDE OUTon seal (Fig. 90).
Pilot tool should remain on crankshaft during instal-
lation of seal. Ensure that the lip of the seal is facing
towards the crankcase during installation.
CAUTION: If the seal is driven into the block past
flush, this may cause an oil leak.
(3) Drive the seal into the block using Special Tool
6926-2 and handle C-4171 (Fig. 91) until the tool bot-
toms out against the block (Fig. 92).
(4) Install drive plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten bolts to 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install transaxle. Refer to Group 21, Transaxle
for procedure.
Fig. 89 Rear Crankshaft Oil SealÐRemoval
1 ± REAR CRANKSHAFT SEAL
2 ± ENGINE BLOCK
3 ± ENGINE BLOCK
4 ± REAR CRANKSHAFT SEAL METAL CASE
5 ± PRY IN THIS DIRECTION
6 ± CRANKSHAFT
7 ± SCREWDRIVER
8 ± REAR CRANKSHAFT SEAL DUST LIP
9 ± SCREWDRIVERFig. 90 Rear Crankshaft Seal and Special Tool
6926-1
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6926±1 PILOT
2 ± SEAL
9 - 50 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Pistons will have a stamping in the approxi-
mate location shown in (Fig. 108). 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.
(5) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(6) Remove connecting rod cap bolts.Do not use
old bolts if reinstalling connecting rod.
(7) To protect crankshaft journal and fractured rod
surfaces, install Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides onto connecting rod (Fig. 110). Carefully push
each piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
fractured rod and cap joint surfaces, as engine
damage many occur.
(8) Remove Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides and re-install bearing cap on the mating rod.
NOTE: Piston and rods are serviced as an assem-
bly.
PISTON RINGÐREMOVAL
(1) The identification mark on face of upper and
intermediate piston rings must point toward piston
crown.
(2) Using a suitable ring expander, remove upper
and intermediate piston rings (Fig. 111).
(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 identification
mark facing up, to the top of the piston (Fig. 112).CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
a. Oil ring expander.
b. Upper oil ring side rail.
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. 113).
(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. 112).
(4) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig.
114).
Fig. 109 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
Fig. 110 Connecting Rod GuidesÐTypical
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 8189 CONNECTING ROD GUIDES
Fig. 111 Piston RingsÐRemoving and Installing
9 - 58 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(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 RODÐINSTALLATION
(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. 114).
(3) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston(Fig. 115).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 (Fig. 108).
(5) Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod
journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Lubri-
cate connecting rod journal with clean engine oil.
(6) Position upper bearing half and install Special
Tool 8189, connecting rod guides onto connecting rod
(Fig. 110).
(7) Insert rod and piston assembly into cylinder
bore and carefully guide rod over the crankshaft jour-
nal.
(8) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(9) Remove Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides.
Fig. 112 Piston Ring Installation
1 ± NO. 1 PISTON RING
2 ± NO. 2 PISTON RING
3 ± SIDE RAIL
4 ± OIL RING
5 ± SPACER EXPANDER
Fig. 113 Installing Side Rail
1 ± SIDE RAIL END
Fig. 114 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 ± GAP OF LOWER SIDE RAIL
2 ± NO. 1 RING GAP
3 ± GAP OF UPPER SIDE RAIL
4 ± NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
Fig. 115 Installing Piston
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 59
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CYLINDER BORE INSPECTION
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 134). If the cyl-
inder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the cylinder
block should be rebored and honed, and new pistons
and rings fitted. Whatever type of boring equipment
is used, boring and honing operation should be
closely coordinated with the fitting of pistons and
rings in order that specified clearances may be main-
tained.Refer to Honing Cylinder Bores outlined
in the Standard Service Procedures for specifi-
cation and procedures.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 134). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
For specifications, refer to Engine Specifications in
this section.
ADJUSTMENTS
ENGINE 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 (Fig. 135).
(2) The engine position may now be adjusted by
positioning a suitable floor jack on the forward edge
of the transmission bell housing (Fig. 136).
NOTE: The floor jack must be positioned as shown
in (Fig. 136) to prevent minimal upward lifting of the
engine.(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.
137).
(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. 135).
(5) Remove the floor jack.
Fig. 134 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
9 - 66 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

(3) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-
mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
(4) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 6). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember mounting bolts to
a torque of 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the
front two crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the lower control arm front pivot bolts
to a torque of 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Attach the steering gear to the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 4). Install the four power
steering gear mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting
bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(7) Remove the wire or cord suspending the power
steering gear to the underbody.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, install the two screws securing the cooler
to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler.
(9)
Install each ball joint stud into the steering
knuckle aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with
the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
(10) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and
nut (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(11) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right
forward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 5). Follow the procedure
described in the ENGINE service manual group to
properly align and tighten the torque strut and it's
mounting bolts.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 7).(12)
First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each cush-
ion must point toward the front of the vehicle and sit
directly on top of the raised beads formed into the
stamping on the crossmember. Next, install the cush-
ion retainers, matching the raised beads formed into
the cushion retainers to the grooves formed into the
cushions. Install the cushion retainer bolts, but do not
completely tighten them at this time.
(13) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing. Do not fully tighten
the link assemblies at this time.
(14) Install the tire and wheel assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(16) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(17) Tighten the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts to a torque of 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.).
(18) Check the front wheel alignment on the vehi-
cle. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPEN-
SION service manual group.
Fig. 7 Downward Curve
1 ± STABILIZER BAR
2 ± LINK
3 ± DOWNWARD CURVE
4 ± CUSHION RETAINER
13 - 8 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

FUEL TUBES/LINES/HOSES AND CLAMPS
OPERATION
Also refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CON-
STANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF).
BEFORE SERVICING ANY FUEL SYSTEM HOSES,
FITTINGS OR LINES, THE FUEL SYSTEM PRES-
SURE MUST BE RELEASED. REFER TO THE FUEL
SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE IN
THIS GROUP.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps, cou-
plings and fittings to make sure they are secure and
leaks are not present. The component should be
replaced immediately if there is any evidence of deg-
radation that could result in failure.
Never attempt to repair a plastic fuel line/tube.
Replace as necessary.
Avoid contact of any fuel tubes/hoses with other
vehicle components that could cause abrasions or
scuffing. Be sure that the plastic fuel lines/tubes areproperly routed to prevent pinching and to avoid heat
sources.
The lines/tubes/hoses used on fuel injected vehicles
are of a special construction. This is due to the
higher fuel pressures and the possibility of contami-
nated fuel in this system. If it is necessary to replace
these lines/tubes/hoses, only those marked EFM/EFI
may be used.
If equipped:The hose clamps used to secure rub-
ber hoses on fuel injected vehicles are of a special
rolled edge construction. This construction is used to
prevent the edge of the clamp from cutting into the
hose. Only these rolled edge type clamps may be
used in this system. All other types of clamps may
cut into the hoses and cause high-pressure fuel leaks.
Use new original equipment type hose clamps.
Tighten hose clamps to 3 N´m (25 in. lbs.) torque.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDURE
(1) Remove Fuel Pump relay from Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). For location of relay, refer to label
on underside of PDC cover.
(2) Start and run engine until it stalls.
(3) Attempt restarting engine until it will no
longer run.
(4) Turn ignition key to OFF position.
CAUTION: Steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 must be performed to
relieve high pressure fuel from within fuel rail. Do
not attempt to use following steps to relieve this
pressure as excessive fuel will be forced into a cyl-
inder chamber.
(5) Place a rag or towel below fuel line quick-con-
nect fitting at fuel rail.
(6) Return fuel pump relay to PDC.
(7) One or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
may have been stored in PCM memory due to fuel
pump relay removal. The DRB IIItscan tool must be
used to erase a DTC.
INJECTOR CONNECTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connectors at the fuel
injectors. To remove connector refer to (Fig. 8). Pull
the red colored slider away from injector (1). While
pulling the slider, depress tab (2) and remove connec-
tor (3) from injector. The factory fuel injection wiring
harness is numerically tagged (INJ 1, INJ 2, etc.) for
injector position identification. If harness is not
tagged, make note of wiring location before removal.
Fig. 6 Plastic Quick-Connect Fittings
1 ± CASING
2 ± WINDOW
3 ± RETAINER TAB
4 ± NIPPLE
5 ± O RINGS
6 ± WINDOW
7 ± RETAINER ªEARº
14 - 8 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

being serviced. The plastic retainer will remain on
component being serviced after fitting is discon-
nected. The O-rings and spacer will remain in quick-
connect fitting connector body.
(5) Inspect quick-connect fitting body and compo-
nent for damage. Replace as necessary.
CAUTION:
When the quick-connect fitting was dis-
connected, the plastic retainer will remain on the com-
ponent being serviced. If this retainer must be
removed, very carefully release the retainer from the
component with two small screwdrivers. After removal,
inspect the retainer for cracks or any damage.
(6) Prior to connecting quick-connect fitting to
component being serviced, check condition of fitting
and component. Clean parts with a lint-free cloth.
Lubricate with clean engine oil.
(7) Insert quick-connect fitting to component being
serviced and into plastic retainer. When a connection
is made, a click will be heard.
(8) Verify a locked condition by firmly pulling on
fuel tube and fitting (15-30 lbs.).
(9) Connect negative cable to battery or auxiliary
jumper terminal.
(10) Start engine and check for leaks.
PLASTIC RETAINER RING TYPE FITTING
This type of fitting can be identified by the use of a
full-round plastic retainer ring (Fig. 11) usually black
in color.
CAUTION: The interior components (O-rings, spac-
ers, retainers) of this type of quick-connect fitting
are not serviced separately. Do not attempt to repair
damaged fittings or fuel lines/tubes. If repair is nec-
essary, replace the complete fuel tube assembly.
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CON-
STANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF).
BEFORE SERVICING ANY FUEL SYSTEM HOSES,
FITTINGS OR LINES, THE FUEL SYSTEM PRES-
SURE MUST BE RELEASED. REFER TO THE FUEL
SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE IN
THIS GROUP.
DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer
to Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in this section.
(2) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery
or auxiliary jumper terminal.
(3) Clean fitting of any foreign material before dis-
assembly.
(4) To release fuel system component from quick-
connect fitting, firmly push fitting towards compo-nent being serviced while firmly pushing plastic
retainer ring into fitting (Fig. 11). With plastic ring
depressed, pull fitting from component.The plastic
retainer ring must be pressed squarely into fit-
ting body. If this retainer is cocked during
removal, it may be difficult to disconnect fit-
ting. Use an open-end wrench on shoulder of
plastic retainer ring to aid in disconnection.
(5) After disconnection, plastic retainer ring will
remain with quick-connect fitting connector body.
(6) Inspect fitting connector body, plastic retainer
ring and fuel system component for damage. Replace
as necessary.
(7) Prior to connecting quick-connect fitting to
component being serviced, check condition of fitting
and component. Clean parts with a lint-free cloth.
Lubricate with clean engine oil.
(8) Insert quick-connect fitting into component
being serviced until a click is felt.
(9) Verify a locked condition by firmly pulling on
fuel tube and fitting (15-30 lbs.).
(10) Connect negative battery cable to battery or
auxiliary jumper terminal.
(11) Start engine and check for leaks.
Fig. 11 Plastic Retainer Ring Type Fitting
1 ± FUEL TUBE
2 ± QUICK CONNECT FITTING
3 ± PUSH
4 ± PLASTIC RETAINER
5 ± PUSH
6 ± PUSH
7 ± PUSH
8 ± PUSH
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 11
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)