Changing the head gasket is by far not an easy task. Alas, many neons, including mine, came out of the factory with a leaky head gasket.
This jobs entails actually exposing the guts of the motor, and is complicated thanks to Chrysler's philosophy of cramming everything in a small space.
Unless you have a great endurance and the right tools, you're better off going to a mechanic.
Replacing the head gasket on any vehicle is a long and complicated process, however if you wish to see basic step-by-step instructions go to the related question on the right side of the page "How do you replace a head gasket?"
how to change head gasket on 1997 acura
its inside the fule tank drive safe
How much should it cost to replace the airbags on a 1997 dodge stratus?
replace the head gasket
It is not possible to repair the actual head gasket. Repair of a blown head gasket is to replace the gasket.
you go to a Machanic.
Head Gasket to replace
It is in between the cylinder head and the block.
A 1997 Dodge Dakota does not have an EGR Valve.
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Replace if failed.
The gasket for a 1997 pickup was around $40.00-$50.00, if i remember right and that was at NAPA.