I have a 97 dodge neon SOHC automatic. The motor is shaking and it is smoking. The smoke is white but when you drive it down the road it quits smoking. It smells like gas comming out of the exaust pipe. I have changed the plugs, plug wires, air filter, computer, coil pack, motor mounts, and checked the gas line. There is no water in the oil, and the motor runs good when you give it gas. I would like to know what could be causing this and how I could fix it. I do not waunt to sell the car. And please dont tell me that neons sux. I like the car and waunt to fix it. Thanks
2007-02-05 10:27:00 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
I have seen this many times in the Neons. I hate to say but you may need a head gasket. It is either that or a dribbling or inoperative fuel "infector".
The white smoke (steam) coming out of the exhaust smells like gas because the water in the combustion chamber is probably causing a "lean miss" meaning raw fuel is being exhausted and not burned. If you do take it somewhere and find it is a head gasket, make sure you/they use the MLS gasket.
There were issues with the earlier 2.0 (usually the DOHC's) head gaskets and they changed them (around 1998, I think) to the multi layered steel style, and solved many of the problems.
You can tell by looking at one, it looks like three layers of steel gaskets.
The motor runs fine at RPM because the cylinder is generating enough pressure to keep the water from leaking into it.
Good luck
2007-02-06 18:43:26 · answer #1 · answered by konstipashen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based upon the experience of Neon owners, the head gasket, engine block or intake manifold gasket is probably the culprit. Taking your car to someone who has seen this problem before would be better. I would do a compression and pressure test of all the cylinders and measure the intake manifold vacuum at idle. White emission from the tailpipe is water vapor. If the water vapor is actually coolant, this would indicate a leaking head gasket or cracked block. Considering all you have done, I would consult a professional. If you already have, get a second opinion.
I own/have owned four Neons, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I have never had to replace a head gasket in any of them.
2007-02-05 11:13:19 · answer #2 · answered by db79300 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure with out seeing it. but did you check to see if the hard gasket is leaking. If its leaking you will get white smoke but it will smell sweet. The shaking part may be if it jump its timing. If it did this is not good can cause other problems. Not sure if this will help but it is an idea.
2007-02-05 10:39:27 · answer #3 · answered by nasotangs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since you say it smells like gas coming out of the tailpipe it sounds like you have a leaking fuel injector this would cause the engine to shake and the smoke
2007-02-05 12:08:12 · answer #4 · answered by choclab 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
White smoke indicates oil burning. If it smokes when you accelerate, it may be the valve guides have worn out. If it's shaking, it may be that the timing belt has slipped. Check the timing belt first.
2007-02-05 10:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by mcmustang1992 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my best bet would be the headgasket or head neons with the 2.0 are known for head gaskets escpecially with over 70,000 miles if this is the problem best bet is to have the head checked for cracs and have it planed and replace the head gasket
2016-05-24 19:37:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be anything from moisture in the exhaust, crack in the block or head . It could also be coolant and/or water seeping into the cylinders or exhaust.
2007-02-05 10:44:27 · answer #7 · answered by migu3lski 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your head gasket could be starting to go , have it checked , an early repair will save you grief and expense
2007-02-05 10:36:59 · answer #8 · answered by sterling m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋