Replaced timing belt on Dodge caravan, now it won't start.

CHRYSLER VAN
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EDP
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I replaced the timing belt on 97 Dodge caravan, now it won't start. While changing the belt, i didn't rotate either the cam shafts or crankshaft. I put the new timing belt on and tried to start the caravan. It fires, and sputters, but doesn't run. It sounds like the timing is off. What do you think I should do? Thanks
Jan 14, 2006 at 5:56 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

For a similar problem immediately after timing-belt work, have the installed timing alignment checked against the procedure for the exact engine before further starting attempts. The forum account is not an installation procedure.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: Original question and visible replies. Owner reports and other participants' experiences are distinguished. Next steps are editorial guidance for obtaining diagnosis or clarifying the reported findings; they are not a verified repair procedure or an independently confirmed component diagnosis.

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EDP
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i forgot to mention that i am trying to start it without putting all the accessories back on. i have the timing belt on, and the hoses all connected, but haven't put the sepentine belt on to the alternator. This way I can check for leaks before I have to dissassemble everything. Will it start without the alternator?
Thanks
Jan 14, 2006 at 6:02 AM
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TWAINATIC
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Did you make sure the timing marks were lined up between the crank and cam before putting the belt on?
Jan 14, 2006 at 10:22 AM
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Van still won't start only sputters. I have taken the timing belt off again. This time when I put it on I pulled it over the front cam pulley counter clockwise. Each time I do that and then put the spring on the tensioner, it pulls the cam pulley a slight degree counterclockwise or clockwise depending on where the slack in the belt is. I am guessing that the timing is off, since the car sputters and tries to start, but isn't running on all cylinders. It was running fine when I took it apart to fix the leak in the water pump. I put a new timing belt on while I was in there. I did put the serpentine blet on this time when I tried to start it, yet it still just sputters.
Suggestions are welcomed. The distributor on this model appears not to turn to adjust the timing.
Jan 14, 2006 at 10:24 AM
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EDP
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The problem wa that the timing marks were not lined up right. one of th ecams had jumped when I put the tensioner spring on the timing belt. Darn thing wanted to turn 1/4 turn with the lightest nudge. i finally put the blet on that cam and turned it to the mark, then I put the belt on the other cam and crankshaft. Car runs fine now. Thanks
Jan 16, 2006 at 11:52 AM

Discussion summary

Replaced timing belt on Dodge caravan, now it won't start.

A 1997 Dodge Caravan sputtered but would not run after a water-pump repair and timing-belt replacement. The owner later found that a camshaft had moved when the tensioner spring was installed.

Reported outcome: The owner reported that the engine ran normally after correcting the timing-mark alignment.

The discussion does not identify the engine or provide verified timing diagrams, tensioning instructions or torque specifications. The successful outcome is the owner's report for this vehicle.

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AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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