Thinking About Buying 1997 Neon - Help!

[vanilla8807]

Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone could help me. My daughter is looking to buy her very first car, a 1997 Dodge Neon from my neighbor, he says it overheats but NEVER BOIL OVER - I guess he means temp. gauge, it shows hot, but then it shows it cooling down. Does anybody have a clue to what this may be? And if you had a blown head gasket, how would you know? Going to look and check out the car tomorrow so quick answers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[das2123]

Originally Posted by vanilla8807

I guess he means temp. gauge, it shows hot, but then it shows it cooling down. Does anybody have a clue to what this may be?

Could be a few things. DO the fans kick on? Thermostat may need to be replaced, radiator may need to be flushed. Is the check engine light on?

Originally Posted by vanilla8807

And if you had a blown head gasket, how would you know?

Coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant. Take the radiator cap off (while it's cool) and look at the color.