What's wrong

[edednon]

Hi,

My 1999 SOHC Plymouth Neon has no power. I already changed the air filter, spark plugs and engine oil, added engine treatment and fuel system cleaner.

No matter when it's running or just sitting idle, the engine makes "knocking" noise that sounds louder when it's still cold (when it gets warm, the noise become softer, but not gone).

When it's running, 'clicking' noise comes from engine (I don't know which part), specially during gear shifting (shifting gear is not smooth, particularly from first to second).

I sent it to garage once, but they said nothing's wrong with it (????).

Does it need to be tuned up ? If so, how much is the est. cost ?

Are there any signs before the timing belt fails ?


Thanks for any helps.


Edednon

[Laveryt]

There is no clear sing that the belt needs changing.
Mileage is the only easy determining factor.
Ive put 3 of them on my 95 each around 75K except for the third one
which I replaced at 110K when I lost the cylinder head gasket.
All of them hardly looked used, no cracking or signs that they looked bad.
I just did it because if one fails its a real bad thing. its a $40 dollar insurance pollicy if you do it yourself. Which isn't easy.

[edednon]

It has 76K now, it was 74.5 when I got it from dealer. I have no idea if the timing belt has been changed before, neither the dealer guy. According to manual, it should be changed every 60K if I'm not mistaken.
Some garages said it would cost around $350.00 for parts and labor.
I am more concerned about the engine performance actually (knocking and clicking), if it is repairable for a reasonable cost, I will have it repaired and timing belt changed.

Looks like I have to do it anyway....

Thanks Laveryt...

[drag1320neon]

did you ever run the car low on oil, blow the head gasket maybe, water couldve gotten inot the cylinders. that or you trans might be going out

[edednon]

Not any of those during in my possesion.
Second gear to third is just fine (no 'clicking') and runs well in the third gear.

I really hope that it only needs to be tuned up. Will they do something with the valves during tuning up ? How much is it gonna cost ?


Thanks a lot.

[FuriousMachine95]

The clicking you hear is probably just the normal neon valve clicking. Most every one that I have ever heard run has the same clicking and slight nock. It's hard to get a smooth shift out of these cars no matter what gear you are going into. I have found my smoothest shift from 1-2 at 10 or 15 mph. 1st gear isn't very tall so you have to stay low rpm's and ease the clutch out to try to stay smooth with it. I don't know what to tell you about no power. Have you thought about changing your fuel filter?

[edednon]

Maybe you're right, maybe it's just the way neon is.
After inspecting this car prior to buying it, I asked the sales person about the gear shifting. He said that I wasn't buying Mercedes, it's neon. PT Cruiser's also like that. Not smooth.
I didn't believe him that time. Even though it's a cheap car, there's no reason to make it that way.

Now your explanation reminds me of what the sales person said.

I'll try the filter.


Thanks a lot.

Edednon

[drag1320neon]

Originally Posted by edednon

Not any of those during in my possesion.
Second gear to third is just fine (no 'clicking') and runs well in the third gear.

I really hope that it only needs to be tuned up. Will they do something with the valves during tuning up ? How much is it gonna cost ?


Thanks a lot.

neons tend to knock loudly when they are cold or when they shut off., i work as a tech at a dodge dealership and one of the master techs told me it was to to the abnormally large piston/wall gap.

to answer you question, neon dont get valve adjustments

[edednon]

It's relieving to know that 'the abnormal things in my neon' is normal.

BTW, Nice seat covers you have in your car.


Thanks a lot.