1998 Neon 2.0 SOHC

Thanks for the previous answer.

I am trying to trace an oil leak somewhere in the region of the head. It
appears to be emanating from around the driver's side (USA) end of the head,
where the CPS and EGR units are located. It is difficult to see exactly
where, though. What I would really appreciate is a picture (photo or
diagram) of this end of the head, so that know what I am taking off!

I can just say that there are three units. At the back, is the EGR valve
unit. Next to that is something on a square base, retained by four
nuts/bolts, and it has a rectangular black plastic electrical plug attached
to its centre. Then to the left and down towards the front corner of the
head is a round electrical plug-in of some sort.

Could anyone please help me identify these, either verbally or with
pictures? Which ones are prone to leaking, and how can they be repaired?

Thanks again.


Brian

 

Brian there are 2 places that will leak and are prone to leak on that
vehicle, the first would be the cylinder head gasket, and that's the most
common to leak. The second would be the cam sensor o-ring, it is to the left
side (drivers) and will leak from that area to the block. Its the black
square looking sensor with the connector.

If you google any oil leak on this vehicle, Im sure you will find many
pictures and what ever other questions you are asking

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

Glenn - thanks for that. I now understand where the Cam sensor is. Believe
it or not, though, I haven't found any useful pictures of it with Google.

Regarding the head gasket, I had that replaced (twice) two years ago,
before they realised it was not leaking in the first place. This time
around, the bottom of the CPS square baseplate is oily. I have oil running
down the bell housing and finishing up on the floor just below the subframe
member (near oil plug).

I guess that could be it. Can you please tell me what components I need in
order to fix it?

thanks again.


Brian

 

If you have that much oil leaking I don't think it is the cam sensor o-ring,
This could be a rear main oil seal or a faulty head gasket.
Just curious, was the head gasket repaired at the dealer? Do you know if the
new style multilayered gasket was used?
The correct way to diagnose an oil leak is to have it dye tested with dye
and a black lite

 

Glenn-

It isn't a great amount of oil - just two or three spots per day in the
drive.

I just looked at the CPS area and took off the electrical connector from the
centre of the "black square thing" , which I presume is the CPS as you were
referring to it. There was oil under the rim of the square base plate, but
also inside the electrical connector! Is that where it would be if the
O-ring was leaking?

I wish I had a diagram of this!!

Brian

 

Sorry - I missed the other part of your message. Yes, it was repaired at the
dealers, and lasted for about eighteen months without a drip. A "plug-in"
turned out to be the real source of the leak then, but I don't know which
one. I also don't know whether the new type of head gasket was used, but
judging by the price (about $200) it should have been!

The O-ring. I am guessing that it seals the square baseplate to the head.
Yes? So what is oil doing in the electrical connector?

Brian

 

If oil is in the connector, the sensor is bad also, replace it and the o
ring. The oil could cause drivability problems or cause the vehicle to shut
down

 

The O-ring. I am guessing that it seals the square baseplate to the
head.

OK - thanks again Glenn. I'll try that and see whether it is the whole
problem. I hope so.

Brian