yunginsun

The timing belt went out on my 1999 dodge neon r/t. Since it's an interference motor, what else do I have to replace?

MrOldart2U

It is really dependent on what u mean by "went out" but generally with an interference motor the timing is WHY it doesnt self-destruct. Timing gets off, and motor normally turns to junk. (piston to valve contact etc) If you were "lucky" maybe just a valve or two were bent, but hard to say without head removal.

mr340

His PM to me stated he was going around 95MPH when it "just shut down", I think that motor is toast now.

TVLynn

Ouch ! If you were going that fast It probably is toast. The only thing you could possibly do is install a belt and do a compression test or maybe check the valve for broken rocker arms or ????

yunginsun

my question after that is why didnt it make noise. realized afterwords that going that fast with music going its very easy to miss the piston hitting and toasting? and i mean "went out" as in my car stopped running. next question, if my radiator is cracked, i overheat without realizing it, and my motor siezes up, is that gonna take my timing belt with it.

yunginsun

i think that regardless i'm looking at something pricey here. would i just be better off looking into a new motor. i know of a few for like $100-$150. i'm personally thinking i should just go with that route regardless right? i'm new to cars so i'm trying to know all that i can so tell me how it is if you want.

mr340

Yes! I think you first need to see if the crank will still rotate, if it will , there is some hope for the motor, if not, that won't be good. There is an inspection cover for the timing belt, remove it and have a look. Next step would be removing the head and inspecting the valves and pistons. If the motor is toast, look for a donor car, the R/T and Sport both use the DOHC as did the older ACR.

yunginsun

I know for a fact that my timing belt is gone. ill do that stuff and if ill let you know the results. aint got the time for a day or two

scotts74birds

On these motors, the valves usually dont get broken, destroy the piston, or score the cylinder. Most times, the intake valves are only bent and dont seat. And leave a small ding in the piston. If you can rotate the crank, then you should pull the head and things might not be as bad as you think.
I rebuild the Chrysler 2.7 motors with the "interference" valves. The timing chains come-off and the valves hit the pistons. But I haven't seen a broken valve yet, just bent.

yunginsun

that could be perfect. i am gonna talk to my roommate to figure out specifically what you mean, pretty sure i know what you mean but wanna be sure, and i think i can do that myself with the tools i have on hand, if i get my car to where i'm at. that could save loads. good looking out.