Just boughta 98 Neon

[nuwt]

I am not familar with dodge, but workd on gm's all there life. I paid $400 for this car and its go t116,000 miles on it and it has the 2.0 sohc. It runs and drives ok. I hear the lifters on acceleration, as if timing to low or high. is there a way to check the timing? Also the turn signals do not turn off by themseles, is this normal? The car needs shocks, but handles good, the only thing is I have a 99 Saturn with a 1.9sohc that will run rings around this car with 112,000 miles on it. There are no codes being thrown. So I'm hoping the Neon is just in need of a tune up. Any ideas where to start would be appreciated.
thanks

[theFREAKnasty82]

you paid $400 for that car? What's wrong w/ it? Even in "fair" condition according to kbb.com, it should be worth $1800. Something is serious wrong w/ that car if you got it for that low. Well, with 116,000 miles on the motor, I hope you don't have the original timing belt b/c if you do, and it snaps you're going to be in serious hurt, this little motor is an interference engine and you'll end up spending more money to fix it than you did to buy it. There is no way for you to check the timing on this engine, it's distributorless so, if the timing's off, only the computer can compensate for that. The turn signals not cancelling when you turn the wheel, that means the turn signal switch is bad and needs to be replaced.

[das2123]

A tune up would be a good idea. Spark plugs (stock champion coppers only), spark plug wires, PCV valve, air filter, and fuel filter. I believe in preventative maintenance. Also as mentioned, the neon timing belt is a 100,000 mile belt so you may want to ask the person you bought it from has had it changed. If not, you will want to change that, the water pump, and tensioner all at the same time. This can all be done by yourself for minimal money. You got a real good deal for only $400, but you may need to add another $600 in maintenance to get it running real good. The lifter noise could be due to low oil levels, so make sure your levels are correct. Also, I have heard that switching to synthetic, will help the noise go away.

The 2.0 SOHC is rated at 132HP and 132 ft/lbs. of torque, just a little FYI for you. The neon can be modded if you are interesetd at all.

[nuwt]

the car was backed into by an individual with no insurance( will try to get some pics) and the woman(girl) that owned wanted another since it was "wrecked" and parents bought her a new one. that was my luck for this deal!!! i was told it had 2800 dollars worth of work done on engine about 25,000 miles ago( a short block put in). My wife is driving car now and has put close to 2000 miles on it. I stopped an oil leak and a reans. leak, tightened a couple hoses and bolts. it has consumes/lost 2 quarts during this time. The first thing I did was change oil when I got home and put a hose on the pcv valve. The car runs good, just trying to get my moneys worth from the car
The car WAS NOT well maintained, I can see that in the car. but it is solid and sound.
BTW
the Wreck was a crease in fender over back drivers side wheel. got to be close up on car to see it.

[nuwt]

Originally Posted by nuwt

the car was backed into by an individual with no insurance( will try to get some pics) and the woman(girl) that owned the car wanted another since it was "wrecked" and parents bought her a new one. that was my luck for this deal!!! i was told it had 2800 dollars worth of work done on engine about 25,000 miles ago( a short block put in). My wife is driving car now and has put close to 2000 miles on it. I stopped an oil leak and a Trans. leak, tightened a couple hoses and bolts. it has consumes/lost 2 quarts during this time. The first thing I did was change oil when I got home and put a hose on the pcv valve. The car runs good, just trying to get my moneys worth from the car
The car WAS NOT well maintained, I can see that in the car. but it is solid and sound.
BTW
the Wreck was a crease in fender over back drivers side wheel. got to be close up on car to see it.

sorry for the typos
try again

[das2123]

Originally Posted by nuwt

i was told it had 2800 dollars worth of work done on engine about 25,000 miles ago( a short block put in).

Find out what work was performed. That will help in figuring out what you need to do, if anything.

[nuwt]

Originally Posted by das2123

Find out what work was performed. That will help in figuring out what you need to do, if anything.

I was told too kto mechanic and a short block put in ti, didn't know details or mechanics name.
may be a story all togethr, not sure.
how many quarts of oil does this car suppose to hold?
changed oil and put 6 quarts in it and it was just below full mark.with new filter

[theFREAKnasty82]

6 quarts is too much, this car only holds 4. The only way it could hold that much is if it had a different oil pan than the OEM.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by theFREAKnasty82

6 quarts is too much, this car only holds 4. The only way it could hold that much is if it had a different oil pan than the OEM.

I can get about 4.5 quarts in there, but no way can I get 6

[nuwt]

Originally Posted by das2123

I can get about 4.5 quarts in there, but no way can I get 6

called Dodge dealer here in town, was told 4.5 quarts was the recommended level. Ordered a new dipstick for $12 and change. Should be here within a week. I hope that solves the oil consumption prob, since it was 1.5 quarts overfull. and corrects the level on the stick for an accurate read of oil level.
It's been to cold, rainy or I've been just to busy to do tune up. What is the average gas mileage for a neon. No racing, hotrodding, just daily driving (mostly city) with some country hiway driving.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by nuwt

What is the average gas mileage for a neon. No racing, hotrodding, just daily driving (mostly city) with some country hiway driving.

For an ATX 25-30mpg in the city and 30-35 on the highway is about average, on an MTX anywhere from 30-35 in the city and as much as 40-50 mpg on the highway. This all depends on the condition of the engine and its components of course.

[nuwt]

New Dipstick and still showing about 1.5 quarts low with 4.5 quarts in pan. Ben driving it with it showing 1.5 quarts low and running fine.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by nuwt

New Dipstick and still showing about 1.5 quarts low with 4.5 quarts in pan. Ben driving it with it showing 1.5 quarts low and running fine.

Are you sure its an OEM oil pan? It maybe aftermarket?!?!

[nuwt]

Originally Posted by das2123

Are you sure its an OEM oil pan? It maybe aftermarket?!?!

I thought of that, but it smokes and the oil dissappears until it gets about a quart and a half low and then it stays the same after that.
I checked and the dipstick tube is seated. If a wrong tube was used maybe, but I don't know. I am gonna keep a check and drive it for awhile and see what happens.

[Ilovemyneon]

Originally Posted by das2123

For an ATX 25-30mpg in the city and 30-35 on the highway is about average, on an MTX anywhere from 30-35 in the city and as much as 40-50 mpg on the highway. This all depends on the condition of the engine and its components of course.

WHY DID I GET STUCK WITH THE DEFECTIVE ONE?!?!!?