I have a 97 SOHC ATX, and this morning I started my car and let it warm up. After about 5 min the car would just shut off for a brief second, then start running like normal. I was like WTF was that? Any way i let it continue for about 5 min more then is did it again. I bought the car bout 3 weeks ago. I dont know if the head gasket was replaced with the MLS one, tomorrow im going to replace the O2 sensors and fuel filter and also (thanks to DAS2123) im to replace my ****ty valve cover and gasket. A compression test will be done tomorrow as well.

Is it a blown headgasket? Electrical? Just would like some input. thanks guys

 

is your SES light illuminated? if so it could be your EGR solenoid circuit. if its real bad, it could cause your engine to cut off and on at times.

 

This is my first experience with a neon, can you please explain. thanks

Also I just have a check engine light on that states that im running lean (the fix new fuel filter) , and my O2 sensor is malfunctioning (fix, new O2 sensors).

 

i would lean towads the 02 sensor being the problem.....i bad head gasket usually wont cause the car to die after a few minuites...then work fine for a while

 

Thanks for the info. I hope after I replace the fuel filter and O2 sensors everything would be all good.

 

Replace the upstream O2 sensor on the exhaust manifold.

 

as far as the mls gasket goes , i believe its winsettz that has a link to a page on how to identify it... its pretty easy , if you look on the front of your motor , in between exuast tube 1&2 , you will see a rounded tab with a rivet thru it.. as far as i undertand this is only on the mls... if you dont see a little tab , youre in for a hg pretty soon id guess...


hova

 

^^^You look behind the intake manifold, not the exhaust.

 

Ill take a look at that today. I did a compression test last Sunday and the compression was good. 210, 205, 205, 210 So I dont think its leaking, but The HG is going to probably be replaced in the next week or so.

 

Yeah, intakes front, exhaust rear. I mixed em up the first time posting here because the only other car I do maintenance on (Geo Metro) has the exhaust manifolds on the front.