Timing Belt

You don't HAVE to replace the timing belt, but the mechanic is looking out for you in the long run. Replacing it is a big job that, based on the mileage, will be necessary in a few years. The belt must be removed to replace the water pump, so to replace it with a new one doesn't require any additional labor, just the cost of the new belt.

Your car was definitely not designed for ease of service, however, I looked up the labor times on Chrysler's web site, and was real surprised to see that they only allow 2.3 hours to replace the water pump. That's warranty time which is tight even under ideal conditions. Out-of-warranty times are always a little longer to include such things as broken or rusty bolts.

I didn't look for the cost of a remanufactured water pump, but I would guess it is less than $100.00. A timing belt is typically around 50 bucks. Figure another 50 bucks for antifreeze, gasket sealers or other incidentals, and that still leaves $750.00 for labor. Even if you allowed 3.0 houurs, that's $250.00 per hour for labor. Due to the vey high cost of updating test equipment and leasing service information, most shops have to charge $100.00 to break even. I don't know of any shop that's worth $250.00 per hour.

The 2.3 hours seems way too little time, but to be safe, I would suggest calling a couple of different shops for a second opinion. Be sure to include everything on the itemized estimate if you have one.

Caradiodoc

Unless the belt is stretched or damaged then it wouldn't need replaced with just the 45k miles you put on it. With the faulty pump, it may have damaged the timing belt though and that is why the repair shop says it needs replaced as well. Since they are replacing water pump, should go ahead and replace timing belt anyway because it must be removed in process of replacing water pump

I show a chain for the 2.7L in an Intrepid. Don't have the service manual for a Stratus. If you have a belt, look for a hydraulic tensioner and pulley. Most likely that tensioner has to be removed, squeezed in a vise, then there will be a small hole to stick a cotter pin or small nail to hold it retracted while you install it. You can pull that pin out once the belt is installed.

Hi
Well if belt you have an interference engine. That means when belt goes pistons hit valves bending them. So head comes off and valves replaced new belt. And it will be a little pricey.
Sorry to bring bad news
Thanks for donate

No need for new engine remove cylinder heads replace the bent valves, new belt and your back on the road. Not all valves will be bent just the cylinders that valves wher open at the time belt broke

Can't remember about the 6 cylinder engine but yes, the 4 cylinder is an interference engine. The belt can be replaced without removing the engine. I only show a single cam for the 2.0L engine but I only have a 2000 service manual. My suggestion is to install the belt but do a compression test before you put everything back together. If compression is good on all cylinders, the dohc might not be an interference engine.

The DOHC is a free wheeling engine but it can make valve to valve contact if the cams are rotated independently. It can be done in the car but it's tight.

Thank you for your service.

Yes, valve damage occurs when the belt breaks, but it is usually much more severe than simply running roughly. The compression readings suggest the valves aren't the problem. Did the belt really break or just jump a tooth or two?

If you had the battery disconnected, the Engine Computer will have to relearn minimum throttle. To meet the conditions for that to occur, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.

Caradiodoc

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