So I have a 2001 neon that I bought not running. Got it home and found out that the timing belt was broke. While I was there a replaced the water pump and tensioner. Did all the alignment marks when installing the belt and so on. My problem is I tried starting the car and no go, I have spark and fuel. I Haven't checked compression with a tester but when I turn the engine over I can feel a compression stroke on each piston. So my question is, is there a special way to time the motor or just by lining up the marks? Any help would be greatly helpful, thanks.

 

If the timing belt breaks the pistons usually meet the valves in an unfriendly way.

 

Yeah normally it would bend the valves, depending on if they were in the open or closed position when the belt broke. But I'm pretty sure you'd hear the pistons smash into the valves every time you crank it.

 

interferance moter,,, Broken timing belt = bad motor

 

Ok been awhile posting but yes the valves did meet the pistons and bent all 16, not a cheap fix. But I have the car back together and I know for a fact that the car is in time cause the crank and cam marks line up every time and I took the valve cover off and watch the rocker arms to double check. But when I crank the motor over it still acts like it wants to back fire and is out of time. My question is what other sensors or whatever else would cause the car to not start or even make it back fire. Been pulling my air out on these one and any info would be greatly appreciated. And also the car sat for a year before I bought it and found out it was the timing belt.

 

Did you replace all the valves and have them lapped or did you replace the head or what?

 

I took it down to a machine shop, he shaved the head replaced all he valves grinded down the seats, not what else he did but was basically a brand new head when he was done.

 

-I know this may be a stupid reply, but are the plug wires on in the correct order?

L8R,
Matt

 

Well I finally figured out my problem, my camshaft sprocket had two timing marks on it. I had it on the wrong mark and was 90 degrees ahead of the crankshaft. Lined the correct marks together and the car fired right up!

 

Lucky you didn't rebend any valves