Chrysler Repair: 1997 Dodge Neon oil leak, dodge neon sport, head gasket problems

Question
I purchased a 1997 Dodge Neon Sport Cpe with only 34,000 miles on it. The cars runs superb, but I noticed an oil leak near dripping down near the front (passenger) wheel. I placed a mat underneath and it didn't catch anything, thinking the leak only occurs while the engine is running. My local mechanic says these cars are known to have head gasket problems. But wouldn't it then leak oil all the time, not just when the car is running?

Answer
Hi Sven,
It it were the head gasket it would not leak when the engine is off because it requires oil pressure to ooze out of the crack in the gasket and that is not present unless the engine is running. It might be a valve cover leak which similarly has a limit as to how much build up at the seam there would be at the time you shut it off. I would wipe the area of the suspected leaks on the engine at the location where it runs down/drops on the ground and look again after idling it for a few minutes. You can even put a dye in the oil to help visualize the site of the leak. If it were the head gasket you might be able to re-torque the headbolts after loosening them one step from full tight. Let me know which engine specifically and I can give you the torque setting. I have had leaks due to loose head bolts that were cured that way.
Roland
Roland