Timing Belt

Tiny
LADYJIRISH
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE STRATUS
I have installed a timing belt for a 2005 Dodge Stratus but the timing is off. The crankshaft and camshaft rotates when I try to tighten it in the right position it needs to be in. What can I do to keep it from moving?
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 AT 7:01 PM

37 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
This guide will help you replace the timing belt

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/dodge/stratus/2005

The crankshaft sprocket will stay where you put it, but the camshaft sprocket will want to rotate due to the valve spring pressure pushing on the cam lobes. The best you might be able to do is to hold the cam sprocket in position while installing the belt, but do that by making the belt tight between the sprockets, and having all the slack on the side by the tensioner pulley. That way when you tighten it, there won't be any slack on the backside so the sprockets won't turn.

If the belt is still off by one or two teeth, just keep moving the belt one tooth at a time on one sprocket, then tighten it again. If it's still off, keep doing that one tooth at a time until it comes out right when it's tight.
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Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
BOBMARLEYJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I was driving on the freeway and my car just died. I thought I was low on gas so I thought it might have just been out of gas so I called AAA.
We added gas and it didn't work. They said it was probably a fuel injector. So we towed it to my mechanic which I don't necessarily trust but don't know anyone else.
He says my timing belt broke on my 2005 Dodge Stratus SXT.
It has a 2.4 engine and 140,000 miles. He says it will be at least $1200 but won't know until he opens it up as he just opened the cover and said it broke.
I have been calling around for quotes. Some say just the timing belt and pump while others are saying likely valve damage.
Some say if there is valve damage it will cost the same to replace the engine as to fix the valves.
I'm getting so many different quotes and suggestions from mechanics that I really don't know who is telling me the truth.
I appreciate any advice. How likely is it the valves are damaged and if so should I replace the engine?
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+1
Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Engine damage is very likely
but also you may be OK
so this is what I would do
have the timing belt put on
and do a compression test
they should be able to do it no problem
out of many I had done 1 was no good
and still every one comes in remove the old belt install new belt and do a compression test
if OK replace pump and other.
Good luck
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOBMARLEYJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So do you think it is likely to be the timing belt? So should I ask to just replace the belt and run the compression test and if the test is ok then replace water pump and ":other"?
Also if the test I not ok what does that mean and what should I do in that case?
Sorry I am just trying to be clear. I appreciate the help.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Not a problem feel free to ask it all

We do many and I ve seen a lot
each case is different the more I think about it the more I cannot remember more than one or two that was with head and valve problems

basically the only way to be sure that your engine is still any good is by replacing the timing belt
and then doing a compression test

if pass the compression test do replace water pump and put it all together

If failed compression test
then head must come of for repair
but know you now which cylinders that was effected and how many valve is needed
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TIMHAHN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2006 DODGE STRATUS
  • 104,000 MILES
My car wont start replaced battery alternator tested good and replaced camshaft position sensor after getting error code p0340. Took off timing belt cover and when cranking timing belt did not turn.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Belts probably stripped at crank pulley
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So the timing belt broke tenisor falied etc your going to have to get in there and see what happened. Also which engine do you have?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TIMHAHN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
2.4L
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Thats a interfernce engine so you may have down some valve damage when the belt let go.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THUNDERCHIEF
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 DODGE STRATUS
Engine Mechanical problem
2004 Dodge Stratus 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

how can I find the difference between the exhaust stroke and the compression stoke?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
If T belt broke while engine running then valve damage has happened. See diagrams for timimg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_387.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Grafic_3_101.jpg

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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GR8PMKN50
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 15,000 MILES
My car started shaking and died on the highway. I had the timing belt replaced about a year ago. My oil pressure and amount was good and it wasn't over heating or running hot and the coolant levels were fine. I checked the timing belt and it is fine. What else could I check? The car cranks but will not start. The check engine light is not on. Also the fuel pumps are running when I turn the key. Help please!
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Check for spark at plugs. Spark color should be Bluish/White.

If no spark check for power at coil pack.

Post finding here in forum.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HEYDENOUT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2004 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,000 MILES
The check engine light on my sons car pops on and the engine is limited to 2200 rpm about every five times you drive it. The mechanic says it is either the timing belt or the cam shaft sensor. Large price differential between the two repairs. Any advice on replacing the timing belt right away? Or is there a cheap test which can be done to pinpoint the problem? Thanks for your help
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Timing belts don't cause a problem and then work normally again.
When they go, you know it.

So if have to pick one of the two, i'll go with the sensor.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HEYDENOUT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you so much for the help, it is by far the less expensive fix and being electrical made more sense to me for the intermittant problem. Having someone else say that makes me much more comfortable.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HEYDENOUT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The guy also says this problem can be caused by the timing belt tensioner. I am hoping the sensor is the problem, as that is what I gave him permission to fix. Could it still be the timing belt? And if so, is it possible to only change the tensioner and make it not so expensive?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
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I very much doubt that it is the tensioner.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGHOPES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
Hi,
I have a water pump leak and they to fix it they are asking for $950(parts and labour). They say it is six hour labour and have to change timing belt too
at the same time.

Is that true?What do I need to do.

Thankyou in advance.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 3:14 PM (Merged)

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