need help neon owners

[2003mach1]

I have to install a head gasket and timing belt on a 97 neon ,single overhead , and need torque specs for head ,sequence for removal of head bolts and what puller is needed for crank pully, I dont own a neon but im trying to help a friend , so any help you can give I would be thankful for .

[RadarLove]

There are 10 bolts. The FSM doesn't actually give a sequence for removal, I just use the opposite of install... Looking at the engine with the intake in front, exhaust in back, the sequence is the same as the intake manifold, oddly enough (just flipped upside-down):

10 - 6 - 2 - 3 - 7
9 - 5 - 1 - 4 - 8

Four-step torque method:
1 - 25 ft-lbs
2 - 50 ft-lbs
3 - 50 ft lbs again
4 - additional 1/4 turn (not with a torque wrench)

I always recommend using new bolts as the old ones have stretched. Don't forget that the short ones go in holes 7, 8, 9 and 10.

The easiest way for the crank pulley is with a 3-jaw 5-ton gear puller (available at Autozone). There are notches on the backside of the pulley (inner ring next to the crank, not the outer ring with the belts) specifically for this. The proper insert (for the crankshaft hole) is available from Miller Special Tools, but I forget the part number offhand. Sometimes the parts store will have it, but usually not. You can use the passenger side motor mount bolt, just thread it in all the way and maybe punch the center so the gear puller doesn't slide around. There have been some people that have used a 1/4" 6" long socket extension, but if it gets stuck, it's stuck for good...

Best of luck!

[2003mach1]

thanks for all the info, it worked out well he is up and running again.