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1997 Dodge Neon Head Gasket - READ ONLY

139 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2001 at 7:04 PM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Neon

Messages Page 6 of 14

#51 of 139 1995 Neon Head Gaskets by glennk

Aug 15, 2000 (11:22 pm)

I bought one of the very first Neons sold here and currently have 212,000 plus miles on it. All told I'm pretty happy with it but the head gasket problem is a pain. I replaced the first one at 110,000 and 2 years later at about 160,000 replaced another one. Both done at Dodge dealers and no offer of payment was made by either. I think I am close to blowing another gasket but at the age of the car, will probably get rid of it this time. It's about an $800 dollar repair where I live and I don't think the rest of the car is worth putting that much into it.

#52 of 139 My Neon Experience by plannerboy

Sep 02, 2000 (3:30 pm)

After rebuilding the engine (myself) last year, and replacing the waterpump and timing belt (not to mention having my machine shop repair the head and add new valves this year), it is finally time to trade the Neon monster in.
Some of the things I learned about it in my 5 years of ownership:
--only use chrysler/mopar parts. I had the accessory belt break 5 times in one month because I used another brand.
--keep an eye on all systems. I have replaced everything at sometime or another over the past five years, including the the rebuilt parts of the engine.
--I put 126,000 miles on this car. Most of the time it was a good car (except the aforementioned repair times). Just takes a little extra care.

#53 of 139 My Neon by moonchld42

Sep 08, 2000 (9:27 am)

Well I'm glad to hear that this head gasket thing is common. Well I'm not glad, but you know what I mean. Now If I'm not mistaken this is why the oil leaks in your car right? 'Cause this is my problem. I say that I should just keep adding the oil as i need to b/c it seems to be cheaper in the long run. By the way I've got a `95 Dodge Neon (71,000 mi) in the "nitro-yellow green" color. Very Rare. Anyone else have this color PLEASE E-Mail me! I'd love to hear from you!

#54 of 139 HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE by stevearino

Sep 09, 2000 (2:45 pm)

Here is how I got mine replaced at no charge - and I was calm throughout the whole thing (key).
1995 Neon, leaking at 50,000. Finally got it in around 65,000. Call Chrysler and explain head gasket failures are common and local mechanics told you to call chrysler for warranty replacement. Customer service person will start a file and make 'no claim' as to what Chrysler will do for you. He/she will inform you to take it to local dealer for inspection. SAVE YOUR FILE NUMBER! Now, service person checks it and says 'yep shes a leakin' and says Chrysler will pay for gasket you pay labor 400-600$. You say that is unacceptable and tell THEM to contact Chysler with your file number and get it taken care of under warranty. They will call their regional service manager. You should receive a return call stating that Chrysler stands behind its product and will cover it. They may recommend a timing belt change and will only bill you for the part and can install it at gasket change time. Take advantage of this! ~$92.00 So for $92.00 you will be taken care of. The key is to remain calm, stay in control of each situation and always direct the conversation in the way you want it to end up. Do not accept less. You will walk away a happy Neon customer.


Good luck!

#55 of 139 1998 Head Gasket Leak by sump

Sep 20, 2000 (2:39 am)

Same problem. 37,000 miles and head gasket was shot along with water pump, oil filler(?) and assorted other problems. We have changed the oil
every 3000 miles religiously and think this spells
poor quality. We are (unfortunately) going back to Japanese.

#56 of 139 Head gasket replaced at 39k by bryertons

Sep 22, 2000 (7:17 pm)

Dodge Neon 98, head gasket went at 39K, called local 5 star dealer and to my surprise EVERYTHING was paid for 'under warranty' even though I exceeded the 36k base warranty. They did it no questions asked. I was fully prepared for a battle, what a pleasant surprise...

#57 of 139 2 Head Gaskets later by webbcat

Sep 29, 2000 (4:30 am)

Well, I sure wish I had known this site existed prior to purchasing our 1996 Neon. I had the head gasket replace in Feb. and need to have another one replaced now. The thing that bothers me is that the working people who don't have a lot of money to sink into a car get stuck with the cars with the most problems. My friend says it is called Failure engineering. The automobile companies know that they can make more money by having a part fail than by having a car last. Remember when appliances lasted 20+ years now they only last 5+ years. If it lasts you don't sell as many. The problem is, is that they hurt the ones who can afford it the least.

#58 of 139 another word for it is... by gladichecked

Sep 29, 2000 (9:24 pm)

planned obsolesence...or even a better word... Chrysler...lol.

#59 of 139 Head Gasket 1997 Neon by tamura2

Oct 04, 2000 (8:03 am)

My Neon's warranty just ran out in August 2000. During the warranty period I found oil in the #3 and #1 spark plug tubes. Could this be from the head gasket problem. I had to take it back two times to have it fixed. The second time, they gave it back to me and said that the oil that I found was left from the last spark plug tube oil problem. Aha!

#60 of 139 neon head gasket by mrsparkle

Oct 09, 2000 (8:46 pm)

i have a 97 neon and i just found out the head gasket is starting to leak.
my warranty has expired, but i was wondering if chrysler will fix this problem for me, since it seems to be a recurring one with neons.
other than the gasket the car has been great, but i don't have the $600+ to fix it.
please let me know what options i have, other than selling the car.
thanks

Messages Page 6 of 14

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