Chrysler Repair: Changing fuel rail, dodge neon, average lifespan

Question
Thanks Roland

Just what I wanted to hear!

I am trying to become and expert, hahaha. I most certainly will be in touch again with other questions related to my 1998 Dodge Neon.

For instance: is it easy enough to change a fuel rail?

Thanks in advance...

Ann


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Followup To

Question -
I realize it is hard to determine... every engine is different. I have a 1998 Dodge Neon ATX SOHC. If you had to venture a guess, what is the average lifespan of my engine?

Answer -
Hi Ann,
What does lifespan mean? So long as the block doesn't crack you can by replacing parts keep an engine going almost indefinitely, but the costs of so-doing may outstrip the market value of the car, and the other systems of the car will wear too to the point of no return except at high costs.
I really don't think that the engine is the limiting factor. So it is more a question of what sort of repairs will you need to consider as the mileage mounts. Usually the first part that needs replacement is the head gasket or the valve guides, both of which require removing the cylinder head. That is usually in the range of 150,000 miles give or take 50,000. The piston rings and cylinders usually need attention at 200,000 with the same uncertainty range. So it is not unreasonable to expect to get 300,000 from an engine if you can keep the balance of the vehicle running in the meantime. Other costly repairs to factor are the automatic transmission (longer life if it is the 3-speed rather than the 4-speed electronic transaxle) and the brakes, air conditioning, steering and suspension also being subject to wearout. That all is why it is good to get a shop manual and become an expert in repairing your car. It is the sum of a lot of lesser things that may put an end to the car rather than the engine being unrepairable. Treat it as a delicate piece of machinery and it will give you good service over its lifetime.
Roland


Answer
Hi Ann,
Changing a fuel rail is a detailed process for which you should get a written instruction. I would recommend the Haynes publication as the most practical unless you can find a Chrysler-published manual, but those are much more expensive to start with and don't seem to come up on eBay as used, in an auction sale. There is no heavy mechanical work, but care to avoid breaking delicate parts is needed.
Roland