Engine miss after replacing timing belt

Tiny
N8NATHAN8
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
After replacing broken timing belt, engine starts up and no "check engine light". However engine has a miss while at idle. At around 3000 rpm it smooths out. #2 intake runner on the intake manifold is alot hotter than the rest, and I hear something that sounds like an air leak or something that hisses upon that stroke. #2 spark plug is just a little wet. Cant really tell if its oil or gas. All other plugs are dry
Monday, December 21st, 2015 AT 11:38 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Everything seems to point to either the timing being wrong or a valve damaged in the process of the job.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015 AT 5:28 AM
Tiny
N8NATHAN8
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Today the MIL appeared on dash. Code was P0202 - Open or shorted condition detected in control circuit for injector No. 2. I checked injectors with Ohm meter and all read 12ohms. Upon acceleration the miss dissappears. At idle I pulled the #2 spark plug boot from plug and fire was present, and no change in idle speed. I fastened #2 back and pull #1 with same result. Definite change in idle when #3 & #4 were pulled. Next, I put a long screwdriver to my ear to listen for injector pulses for each cylinder. All 4 injectors seemed to be clicking.

None of this makes sense. The owner said car ran fine until it just died traveling 70 mph. I am almost certain that these engines are "safe" in case of timing belt failures. I've replaced atleast 4 timing belts on same make and model Neon, as well as many other makes in the past and never experienced anything like this. Injector wiring harness appears fine, and were never disturbed upon repair.

Thanks so much for your advice and suggestions.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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The 2.0 engine is most definitely an interference engine.
If you are getti8ng and injector circuit code, something is definitely going on there.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015 AT 3:10 PM
Tiny
N8NATHAN8
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  • 5 POSTS
Prior to the MIL. I unplugged #2 injector while engine was running. That had no affect: just as removing spark plug boot. The battery was low and had to be boosted upon the initial start up. Removed battery and left unplugged for the night. I assumed this would erase and clear the MIL for #2 injector. This morning cranked up with new battery and MIL remained.

I feel as if Im just chasing my tail. In the morning I plan to swap #2 & #3 injectors to see if it sets a different code, and or runs differently. Next will be removing timing belt cover, mount and dampener pulley again to check the timing, again. Is it possible that if I was off by one notch the #1 & #2 cylinders are dead while idling, yet kick in at high rev? Because that's what's going on!

Thanks for your time
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015 AT 12:12 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
If you never actually cleared the codes with a scan tool after unplugging the injector, then you are just chasing your tail. Don't rely on disconnecting the battery to clear the code.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015 AT 2:00 AM

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