How can you tell if a head is cracked on a 1998 Dodge Neon?

Answer 1

Ok here is the deal. Craks in heads sometimes are so small. it could be a hairline crack, and you wouldn't even Know it. Whats it doing? Is it blowing out white smoke? Another way to check Head gaskets or head leaks, is make sure your Radiator resevour is full at cold or warm take off cap and if you see Bubbles popping up in the resevour. Then it's either a head gasket or the head. Most likely it's just the head gasket. But since you have to pull the head off anyways, always a good idea to have the head checked by a Machine shop that specialises in head work. To check it out, should not cost more than 25 bucks. Better safe than sorry. After all just replacing the head gasket will cost you about 100 bucks are so, depending on the set up. i would spend the extra 25 bucks to make sure i don't waste my money. Not a good idea to replace head gaskets if you have no clue what you are doing. The head bolts come off in a certain order. as in loosining before removing one bolt etc. Plus the have to be retightened in a certain way and tourqued down to proper specs. Hope that helps you out some.