1996 Dodge Neon Overheated

1996 DODGE NEON
145,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LOCOMARK29
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  • 1 POST
My 1996 Dodge Noen overheated just as I was pulling in my driveway. Since then it kills on me as soon as I give it gas in gear. Looks to me like I had a water line leak to the radiator which caused the overheating to begin with. I see a small amount of white smoke coming out the exhaust but not much more them when in cooler weather. The oil doesnt look beaded up,maybe a little watered down look though. Is the head gasket shot and when repaired will that fix the problem of the car shutting off when I accelerate it?
Nov 20, 2008 at 3:03 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try replacing the thermostat-not it do the following below:

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: ,Pressure test the Rad. cap,Clogged radiator,air lock in the cooling system ,Fan clutch,Radiator electrical fan,collaspe hoses,water pump.
Oct 29, 2018 at 11:08 AM
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