Yello, I was wondering if someone could help me? I just bought a 1998 neon, had to replace rear main oil seal, now I have few questions. I need to replace the timing belt and I have looked online at belts kits and so on. does anyone have a recomendation on what kit and brand to use and all that needs to be replaced. Also when i first start up the car after it sits for a while i think i hear lifter noise but it goes away after a couple minutes. some one told me it maybe a weak oil pump not getting oil through fast enough. I realy would like to talk with someone or get an email so I could ask my questions, sometimes I have some stupid ones. I have not worked on cars too much but I have learned as i go. I appreciate any info on this year of neon regarding performance maint noise or links to them.
Thanks
rhemi347
HoodooGuru
05-04-2006, 10:28 PM
Replace the timing belt and tensioner pulley and water pump.
I got my napa belt off an ebay supplier for $22!
Neon engines are generally a bit noisy when u first start up. But get the pump checked out anyway. You don't wanna waste money on a pump if its not required.
Cheers.
dodgeneonACR98
05-04-2006, 10:36 PM
Do you have a manuall for the car? Did you replace your axle seals too? If not you might want to check them for leakage!
As for the lifter or what ever you hear clicking when it starts up. If it's not obnoxiously loud and is just a light tick, it is normal. Mine does it, been doing it since about 80K. Almost 130 Now.
I got my new timeing belt and things from Dodge. Alot of people rebuild their water pump when the time belt is changed since their in there and it's a cheap way to insure alot more miles. Think about it and price the kit for that.
I didnt get a kit for my belt, I used the old hardwear and just payed a little over 100 bucks for the belt. Autozone is a heck of alot cheaper but you arent going to get the same quality as you would at Dodge.
Hope that helps some. Oh yeah! Try Allpar.com or neons.org. They have alot of reading material on Neons. You might find something there.Good luck
rice_eater
05-05-2006, 03:39 PM
The clicking noise you hear when you first start the engine is the hydraulic lifters. They have a "less than perfect" design, so to say... They arent well aerated, so it takes a little longer than what most people consider "normal" for them to pump up with oil. You'll notice how long they click depends upon temperature, and if the car has been run recently. The warmer it is, the thinner the oil, the quicker the lifters will pump up. Its normal, but if you want to get rid of it you'll need to swap in the PT spec lifters.
rhemi347
05-06-2006, 09:06 AM
thanks for the advice everyone. I realy appreciate it.
