2003 Dodge Neon Possible Headgasket Problem

559NEONMAN

MEMBER
2003 DODGE NEON
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
54,000 MILES

I have a 2003 Dodge neon and I had some starting issues a few weeks back and once I got it started it ran alright, and still had the power. I parked it and went to leave the next morning and it wouldn't start. It is getting fuel and spark, timing belt is not broken. Only problem I can see is it is dry on water and there is no visible exterior coolant leak. I pressure tested the colling system via the rad cap and the tester held the 16lbs that its supposed to and it doesn't seem to have water in the oil but the water is going somewhere. Should I tear it down and check the head for cracks or what should be next step?

1 Reply

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

Hello_

Look inside the radiator cap, it should be rated between 14and 18

Next, pressurize the radiator to (rating) lbs. And wait to see what happens. If there are no leaks, the system should hold pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. If it does not hold pressure, the system is leaking. If you cannot see any visible leaks on the outside, it means the leak is inside (bad head gasket or cracked head or block).
Check the condition of the spark plugs, one at the time.