I have a 1997 neon sport with the 2.0 and duel overhead cams I just bought this car 2 weeks ago and I was on my way to work when my check engine light came on then it died. It would only start back up when you had your foot on the gas pedal. I figured out the codes and found out it misfired I changed the plugs and wires and the valve cover gasgets and spark plug boots cause they were leaking oil. That fixed the problem for a couple days now there is no check engine light on but when you go to start it it just sputters a little then dies unless you have your foot on the gas pedal. The funny thing is it runs great while driving. I think it may have the plastic fuel tank because when I bought a fuel filter for it the one NAPA gave me had 3 hoses but the one I have only has 2 hoses. The people at NAPA looked up the part and told me that there was 2 different types for my car the 2 hose and 3 hose but the 2 hose was an unserviceable part. I went to NAPA and they didn't know I called mechanics they didn't know soo I was thinking maybe it was the fuel filter? injector? or fuel pump? but I am not sure any ideas would be very helpful THANKS!!!

p.s. The plugs I put in it were the NGK power plus not platinums. According to hood specs the plugs are suppose to be gapped at .035 is this true? I noticed that the car is running rich because the plugs are blackish and I am getting very pour gas mileage!!! I also tried gapping to .039 and the plugs turned white. HELP!!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!

 

the dealers say the fuel filter is not servicable. the filter is in the pump. it is all one unit. but if you go to a good dealer they will pull up a diagram of the pump with all the part numbers and then they can give you a price. but if you just tell them what you need then they wont be bale to help you. sounds kinda confusing but i had to do it.