95 Dodge Neon, probable bent valves? (Page 1/4)
Khw JUL 21, 03:31 PM
So, I had to replace the headgasket on a 95 Neon SOHC. I replaced it and it ran fine, but when I drove it after the gasket set up run it stalled and wouldn't start again. I started to tear it down again and when I got to the cam sproket, I found the alignment pin had broken and the cam was about 180o out of time. I replaced the pin and put it back together. It runs, but it sounds like a lawnmower and if you let it go down to idle it will stall out. I did some searching and wouldn't you know, it's a interference engine. So, I'm thinking the valves are bent. Could the engine still run with bent valves?

I'm going to go to the auto parts store and rent a compression tester. If I find that I'm not getting good compression I figure I'll have to pull the head and have the valves replaced. Any idea how much that will run? I've searched E-bay and they have a rebuilt SOHC head there for $270.00. If it is going to cost more then that to have the valves redone, I think I'll just order one of those. Oh, and it's a 16 valve head, since I'm sure that will impact the cost.

Thanks all!

[This message has been edited by Khw (edited 07-21-2012).]

Tstang429 JUL 21, 04:01 PM
My dohc ecotec cost me 600 to get the head rebuilt. U may run with bent valves it all depends on how many where bent. if you just did one cylinder than its just down one and will run but run like crap.
Khw JUL 22, 11:38 AM
I got around 150 PSI on 1 and 2 but 3 and 4 didn't move the needle on the compression gauge. I called a few machine shops and was quoted $150 - $500 depending on how many valves need replaced. Local parts places have the valves at about $15 each so that'd be $240 if I replaced them all and lapped them in myself. Maybe I'll check local wreckers and see if any of them have a head they want to gaurantee is good... If not I think I'll order one from E-bay.
outlawfiero17 JUL 22, 12:09 PM
Had the same thing happen after a timing belt snapped on me. Your best bet is to find a used head. In my case the valves that bent messed up the valve seat and guides. It ran but not as it should. Its a great time to do a new belt and water pump. Since you're already there.
Khw JUL 22, 11:43 PM
Yeah, I did a new pump and belt when I changed the head gasket. Figured since I already had the belt out and the pump was just another couple of bolts... I'll call around the wreckers and see if I can find a used head. I could probably pick-a-part one, but honestly, the tools needed to get it off are just more then I want to take, especially with the harmonic balancer removal tool I'd have to rent to do it.

Atleast while it's down I can do the other things I wanted to. I have a 97 Neon with excellenct interior and the body is in better shape. The motor in the 97 is shot, so I swapped the body today and started stripping down the interior to swap it. Once done, I'll have to paint it since it will be mostly purple with a little bit of blue, LOL. Then I'll put the 97 back together and scrap it.
88fieroduke JUL 29, 01:03 PM
I race neons in a hornet dirt track class, and if the timing belt breaks, or the timing is off, it WILL BEND VALVES.
Khw JUL 29, 09:41 PM

quote
Originally posted by 88fieroduke:

I race neons in a hornet dirt track class, and if the timing belt breaks, or the timing is off, it WILL BEND VALVES.



Thanks! The belt didn't break, but like I said, the pin for the cam gear did break and when I pulled the timing gear off is was about 180 out of time.

I spent the last 2 weekends swapping the body and interior from the 97 to the 95. I'll be looking into a replacement head this week as the few machine shops I called said with bent valves I'd be looking $500+. I'm going to call a wrecker and have them pick up the 97 (with the 95 interior and body swapped onto it) and hopefully that will offset the cost of a replacement head a little bit. Once I have the head replaced it will be time to start prepping for paint. Thinking a midnight blue as far as color goes, haven't decided metallic or not. I'm thinking not because our Mazda is a real dark metalic blue so I think the solid color will be better. I'll make the final decision though when I order the paint.

[This message has been edited by Khw (edited 07-29-2012).]

Khw AUG 08, 12:28 AM
The replacement head came in today. Gaskets should be showing up by next Monday. Looks like it's time to move it back into the garage and start pulling it apart again .
Tstang429 AUG 09, 12:12 AM
THIS THREAD IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICS
Khw AUG 10, 03:55 PM
I'll get some pics soon as I can.

I decided on a Midnight Blue paint. Figured I've seen several people post asking about the paint sold on the Trinity 1945 website, so I bought some so I can report back on if it's any good or not. http://www.paintforcars.com...rfire_midntblue.html

[This message has been edited by Khw (edited 08-10-2012).]