I bought a 99 Neon Highline 2.0 DOHC 5 spd 113k. thought it was a great deal until I drove it for a week. got a pretty bad oil leak but it is leaking from the transmission inspection cover. its a cable driven clutch so I know that its not clutch fluid. First Question: is it most likely the rear main? can I replace it in the car or do I have to pull the motor? Second question: a knock happens on both left and right front tires when they hit a bump, so would that be the struts or the control arm bushings? noise sounds pretty high in the car but I could be wrong. third question: I know I need to replace the valve cover gasket, #3 plug had oil around the top when I changed the plugs and wires but do I need any special tools to do it? fourth question: when the motor is cold it takes longer than normal to start, like it struggles to start at first but once it warms up, I can shut it off and it fires right away. did the plugs and wires, but do you think a coil pack is the problem or something else?
Little frustraited, but willing to do what it takes. Thanks for your help!!!

 

1)Sounds like the rear main seal. You have to pull the tranny to get to it.
2)Could be strut mounts. Inspect them to see if they are cracked.
3)No special tools required, just a 10 mm socket I think.
4)Have the battery checked. After that, it may have a thick oil in there that makes it hard to crank while cold. Try draining and replacing with a 5w30 oil.

 

Thanks for your feed back, kinda what I was thinking. Just thought I would ask some people who know the neon a little more tha I do.