Hello again,

Q1: I have been informed that the head gasket doesnt last long on the early Neons. mine is on 60k miles and am contemplating doing it anyway when I do the timing belt. Can you guys source a gasket set over there cheaply, if so, got any on-line contacts. Costs best part of £100 over here thats without the new bolts.

Q2: Are the head bolts stretch bolts??

Cheers

Mick

 

Can anyone confirm then that 1st generation Neons head gasket fails quite early. Mine hasnt gone (yet) but if im doing the cam belt, i might as well do it before it goes whilst it is off the road.

 

If there is a tab on the headgasket with a MLS on it you have the good gasket and your fine.

 

Is it possible to find this without tearing it apart?

 

yeah you are able to see the tab without tearing it apart, you have to look for it though, i think it is in the front of the motor, but it could be in the back, I never had to look for mine yet but there is more info on this web site on finding the tab.

 

And to answer your original question, yes 1st gen Neons are known for failing head gaskets!

 

Yeah you should be able to see it sticking out between the head and block. And if you do the head gasket, replace the head bolts.

 

Cheers for that, i'll have a look over the weekend

 

Look between the intake runners (like where the oil dipstick is), where the head meets the block. May need a flashlight...

Best of luck!

 

Will it have any noticeable colors or do you just look for a tab sticking out somewhere in there?