I need some help in what to do with my 1998 Neon. My car broke down while on vacation. I had it towed to a Dodge dealership in that city. Apparently the water pump went, and while replacing the water pump, they had to take the timing belt off. While taking the timing belt off, they found out the timing belt broke. The timing belt was shredded. After replacing these two parts, the car according to the dealership still couldn't get the car started, so they said they would have to take the heads off. At this point I was already at 600 dollars in parts and labor with just the timing belt and water pump replacement, then they wanted to charge me to take the heads off. At this point I couldn't afford anymore to be done, so I had to tow it back to Nevada. Do you think this can be fixed as to why it won't start, or does the motor need to be replaced? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have a 98 as well DOHC sounds like you got took for the water pump and timing belt job, that happend to me too. can you start it at all? It could be an electrical probably. I had a fusable link go out on me before and shut my entire car down no start no nothin I would take it to a shop that deals with chyrsler cars a lot I wouldnt say you need a new engine just yet

 

when the timing belt breaks, it will most likely bend all of the valves. That means you get to rip apart the head anyways and say hello to 16 new valves. Depending on how much the valves were knocking around by the time they finished moving, you might need to survey the damage that they did to the head. Any nicks or scratches will cause you some problems. The valves themselves run about $250 US, plus the cost of having them installed by a shop, unless you want to do it yourself. It may seem intimidating, but it's possible as long as you can afford to take it slow with some instructions or a person who can help you through it.