Isn't that awesome? Anyways, I was told I have a 50/50 chance of my pistons being dented? or something I was too mad to follow what the mechanic said. I know someone who can take it apart to check to see if "they" are dented or what have you, and if they're not, all I need is a new timing belt. Now, my question is, if the engine happens to still be operable and only needs a new timing belt, has it hurt anything else in the process of breaking? If the engine is NOT operable, where is a good place to find an engine? I've checked local junk yards, and they're just non existent for some reason. I want an engine that runs just so I can have an easier time selling the car, sadly :/. It's a 1999 R/T. Does anyone have any tips/advice they could share? That would be greatllyyyy appreciated. Thanks, Matt.

 

I also had the happen this past jan. but I was on the highway when it happened. I know how you feel, I heard the whole thing happen too. I knew the car didn't feel right, right before it happened. Heard a Pfoop sound, almost as if a hose came off. Engine stopped dead, luckly I was right at a exit anyways. After popping the hood I saw steam pouring out of the timing belt casing, and noticed the fluid on the ground from my water pump exploding. OOOH good times, I replaced the pump and belt before I checked the valves, and well the car started but it was running really rough. SO, after a week of on and off, working on the thing, i replaced 8 out of the 16 valves because the engine only finished one cycle before it cut out. If you were on a back road doing 30mph you might be lucky and have no damage except for the timing belt. If you were driving down the highway well, your going to need either engine work or you could get a new engine i suppose but its probably cheaper to do the work. While I was in there I shaved the head and checked my pistons and rings. Found a crack on the underside of the manifold too(cold weather and sudden heat).

Basically, I am not sure where you would find a engine except for the junkyard, and even if you do, no telling what condition its in. Atleast you have a idea on the condition of yours.

Best of luck

 

That is an "interference "motor, you will have some bent valves at the very least. As for a replacement motor, either a junkyard, chrysler or a remanufacturer like Jasper.

 

alright thanks guys. ya i was on the highway as well except i didnt have the smoke coming out of the timing belt i had smoke coming out of my throttle body, and nothing was leaking. it makes me mad to know that if i had only replaced the timing belt i could have avoided this thanks a ton.

 

it isnt the pistons being dented that you have to worry about, its the valves bending...
but it is usually cheaper to find just a head or to replace a few valves then a whole motor.....

i had my timing belt brake a few years ago on my 1st neon...sitting at a stop sign ideling...ended up bending a few valves

 

Don't forget to put in a new water pump and idler pulley as well. Cheap insurance.