2004 Chrysler Sebring Timing belt

When you have an engine-related question, please list the engine size. Also tell me how many camshafts the engine has. One of the possible engines is of the "interference" design. You have to be careful with that one to prevent doing serious damage to the valves.

That is an interference engine, so be absolutely sure the timing marks are right. Once the belt is on, turn the engine two complete revolutions by hand and stop right away if you feel any binding. It is normal for it to slowly get harder to turn as a piston comes up on its compression stroke, but it will turn easier after a few seconds as that compression leaks out. If the belt is off by three teeth, you'll feel the sudden "clank" as it comes to a stop. If that happens, back up a little, then reset the belt.

The tensioner has to be removed from the engine to be reset. Place it in a vise to compress the push rod into the body. Once it's compressed far enough, you'll see a small hole where you can stick a small cotter pin or piece of heavy wire. That will hold it compressed so you can reinstall it. Once the timing belt is on and you've verified the marks are lined up, pull that pin out to release the tensioner. Check the timing marks again before trying to crank the engine. When you turn the engine by hand, always do that with a socket on the crankshaft pulley, never on a camshaft sprocket. Also, always turn it in the direction of normal operation. That puts the slack on the backside of the engine. If you turn the engine backward, releasing the tensioner will pull the slack the wrong way and turn the camshaft sprockets a little. That will mess up the timing marks.