Hi guys & gals,

Just got a '95 Neon that's leaking coolant from the head gasket. Searching the forum tells me that 1st Gen Neons seem to have frequent problems due to poor gasket design. Ok.. so I'll replace it.

How often do you need to machine the heads when doing a gasket replacement? Valve adjustment? Any other major concerns?

Are any of the aftermarket service manuals better than others?

TIA,

 

when replacing the head, you may not even need to get the head machined at all.. it all depends on how pitted and/or warped the surface is. check it for pitting and flatness before doing any machine work.
no valve adjustment needed yeah, while changing the head gasket, its recommended to change the head bolts, timing belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, tensioner pulley, and idler pulley (dohc only on the idler pulley)
if the timing belt has been changed within 5k miles, id say go ahead and reuse it, but if more change it.yeah, the FSM (factory service manual. about $100) just blows the haynes and chiltons right out of the water. no comparison.