this female could really use some help! the timing marks are not visible and need help on how to properly set timing

 

Welcome to DF Mic, I move this over to the 1st Gen Neon Section for better input for ya. Good luck and I hope you get it figured out!

 

Sohc or Dohc? The lower timing mark is part of the oil pump itself, the other mark is lined up with the little magnet, I am pretty sure there is a arrow or mark on there also. Haynes manual actually has pictures of the marks to help identify them. The upper timing mark is the pin hole on the cam pulley or a slit on the edge, the mark on the motor is on the plastic timing cover casing (the inner one). It would be to hard to time without the marks. Just clean the parts. Be sure after you set the timing and release the tension. Spin the motor and make sure the mark are lined up.