RE: Neon problems, and Milky sludge on PCV Valve

From: Bernd D. Ratsch (bernd@dodgetrucks.org)
Date: Wed Apr 16 2008 - 19:31:55 EDT


Nope....sounds like the engine is going south. The 2.0L is also notorious
for letting go of the head gasket if it's not torqued down properly and/or
if the head/block isn't straight.

- Bernd

-----Original Message-----
From: Terrible Tom [mailto:silvereightynine@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:17 PM
To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
Subject: Re: DML: Neon problems, and Milky sludge on PCV Valve

Terrible Tom wrote:

>
> ok - found something on the Neon I dont like. It resembles the stuff
> everyone was finding built up on the underside of the oil filler cap on
> teh 4.7's - however, and keep in mind this might be my inagination
> running wild... it seems to have a slightly greenish tint to it.
>
> Its a gunky build up on the PCV valve and the breather nipple on the top
> of the valve cover. When I changed the head I reinstalled the PCV valve
> a little differently. I put it in-line with the hose running from the
> intake manifold to the valve cover. its located a few inched off the
> top of the valve cover, not down by the manifold port. This was just
> because it was easier.
>
> I suspect I might have an internal coolant leak... head gasket perhaps.
> I've noticed over the last couple of months the engine has been very
> anemic and lacking power. I am going to pull the plugs to see what
> condition they are in. They are about 2 years old and were put in with
> the replacement head in Feb 06. About 16K miles on them.
>
> Anyway - I'm wondering if anyone else had noticed that kind of gunk on
> the PCV valve on their neon 2.0 SOHC... or if this really is an
> indicator the engine is going bad. As it is I suspect problems... the
> motor is really noisy now. Clattering and I have not determined if its
> lash adjusters gone bad, or if its piston slap or whatever. Its over
> 100K miles, on its 3rd cyl head, both previous were subjected to having
> pistons hammer the valves... fuel economy in town is down... mid to low
> 20s...
>
> I think I asked this of our Neon owners before when the head blew
> before... I noticed that the neon engine interchange from salvage yards
> seems to stop around 99? I think jiving with the body style change. Is
> there any reason why a newer Neon 2.0 won't bolt up to my 96 chassis?
> The car is still worth fixing if you ask me. I've been stockpiling
> parts for a rebuild... but I'm weary of the engine and I want to take it
> on the highway this summer. Unless gas prices drop, I'll be attending
> the BBQ with the Neon.
>

Just went out and looked at a couple more things... I pulled the PCV
valve hose off and I have good strong vaccum there... plugging the PCV
valve nipple on the valve cover, and with the oil filler cap removed...
theres pressure puffing from the oil filler cap hole in the valve cover.
  With what is either smoke and/or vapor visible. With the PVC valve
hose reattatched - I can still feel pressure from the oil filler hole.

Not good...

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