Timing Belt

If she has the 2.4L 4 cylender, it is a non-interferance engine. Basically, that means the head doesn't need to be touched. If the mechanic has any experience, he can tell by cranking the engine if the belt has broken. So, I can give him that. The belt cost around 40.00 and according to my book, it calls for 3.6 hours labor X their labor rate. (NOTE: An timing belt from Chrysler us 100.00 I'm sure you can get one from a parts store for much less.) I just looked one up for a price, 43.99 at a nationally recognized parts store. As far as the mileage, check the owner's manual. I would think replacement is aroung 100K

Remember, if you have the 2.4L, and I believe you do, tell the mechanic 2.4L Chrysler engines have valve relief notches in the head, so a failed timing belt shouldn't result in piston or valve damage. That should shut them up. I would take it to a different shop if it was mine.

Let me know what they say and how you make out with this issue.

Joe

Will the vehicle start and run, now? If not does it crank ok? When it died, did it cough and sputter or did just drop dead completely, all at once?

There's no tool like you might find for some GM engines. The easiest thing to do, as long as the old belt isn't broken, is to set the crankshaft sprocket at top dead center and leave it there. Valve spring pressure might cause the cams to turn when you loosen the belt, but when the opening valves hit the pistons, the cams will stop rotating without causing valve damage. Turning the crank is what will damage the valves, and since you're starting with it already at TDC, nothing will happen. When you turn the cams to line up the timing marks, you'll be moving the valves away from the pistons, not into them.

The older single cam 2.4 was an interference engine. I don't know about a 2005, if they changed the design or not, and I've never really heard anything about the double cam engines.

Once the new belt is installed, run a compression test to check the valves. Another test is a cylinder leakage test. I can describe that if you've never heard of it. The compression test will tell you if there is leakage. The cylinder leakage test will let you determine where the leakage is occurring.

What is the 8th digit of your VIN?

Hi there,

Engine timing belt set up as per pic.

Mark (mhpautos)

There's a whole page of instructions and warnings. Unfortunately I can't copy and paste them. For a job like this you should consider getting a copy of the manufacturer's service manual. They're pretty easy to find on eBay.

You may have not backed off auto tension-er and pinned in place. See instructions and recheck your work to it.