Well, today my wife was driving her neon home from work when the water pump froze. It shredded the timing belt and broke off about 20 teeth from the belt. it also wore through the plastic cover. She said that it was a lot of clunking and grinding as the car died. I got it taken apart but now I'm worried that I might be underestimating the damage. I know that you guys are nutz with these and will be the help I need.

I have heard that there are "kits" that come with everything you need for this. I have heard that the tensioner pulley needs to be replaced and that the 2004 pulley is the way to go because its better and cheaper. Do I need to replace all of the pulleys that touch the timing belt as well as the seals? and, does anyone know the timing technique or should I just get a Haynes Manual??? I also know that I need to do a compression test but what is the normal pressure?

Any help would be a life saver as money is tight and My wife needs the car for work. I am having to take time off work to fix it and don't want to do it wrong or twice!

Thanks guys!
Nathan

 

You might want to save yourself the time and money and pull the head first to make sure the valves didn't say hello to the pistons.

 

Pulled the cylinder head and it looks like the 2 intake valves of the far left cylinder slightly touched the piston. The carbon is gone but the piston doesn't look like it has dents. I am headed to get some cleaner to make sure.

Anyone know about the timing kits or a list of everything that I should replace???

Thanks a ton,
Nathan

 

you need to tell us more info about the car and i will be more than glad to help you find the kit

 

I found you a kit for about $180 and it includes the whole set camshaft tensioner pulley, timing belt, water pump and actuator.
This set is for all Dodge Neon 2000-05 SE,RT 2001-02, ACR 2002,
Engine: 2.0L SOHC

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...330592-1711034

When the page load its the very last item on the list i have bought that before for my neon it works perfect

 

Here's where I got my complete kit:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

 

ok. Got the head off and 2 of the intake valved grazed the first piston and 2 of the exhaust valves smacked the third piston pretty good. However, while trying to pull the crank pullys with a basic claw type puller, I broke both of them. Now I need to get the bolt type puller and make a trip to the junk yard. I have everything else that I need, including the crank and cam seals. Just need to get to the junk yard but I have to work all week. Thats if the valves arn't bent! Fun Fun Fun!!!

Nathan

 

got to the junk yard and found the timing belt sprocket. Found a serpentine belt pulley from a 2004 neon but its a bit bigger. I am hoping that I can just get the belts for a 04 that are a little longer to allow for the bigger pulley. I also found a complete cylinder head from a 04 neon and it should fit my 01 because mine is the "F" code engine. Got it for $50 and the thing was like new.

I have to order the damn 6792 crankshaft sprocket installer to get the thing back on. I guess that I should have left the old front crank seal alone! oh well!

Any tips where to get the 6792??? I found it for $48.15 at toolsource.com. Looks like the best I can find.

Nathan

 

Have you tried checking to see if any local parts stores/shops will rent you one?

 

Yes I did but only 1 even knew what I was talking about. I am calling the local big dodge dealer in the morning. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

Nathan