Replacing timing belt, water pump and head gasket.

Timing belts on Chrysler Neon vehicles are recommended to be changed every 100,000 to 120,000 km. I was "lucky" and used it for 200,000 km before it broke, please do not think that this is the lifetime for these belts as you might not be as “lucky” as I was. Neon engine has what they call an interference engine. This means that if your timing belt breaks your engine can get damaged and simply replacing the belt will not bring it back to life. Belt keeps everything synchronized in your engine, crankshaft controls at what position your pistons are and top head camshaft controls what position your valves are in. All this stays in harmony with the use of timing belt. If it snaps there is not enough clearance between the piston and the valves and they simply collide (hitting each other) In my case I changed the timing belt and found out that one of my cylinders had no compression in it and it was time to take it apart.

Taking the engine apart.

So, let’s get the obvious out of the way. We remove the battery, top radiator connection, all air ducts, air filter and electrical plugs going into the head. Remove the head cover (10 bolts), middle back bolt is a pain if you don’t have the right tools. We also remove the air intake in front and exhaust in the back. Exhaust bolt are usually in a rough shape. They are the closest to the head where all the exhaust comes out from your engine, they take a lot of heat (so be very careful not to strip the head). Although it would be much better if you can raise the engine on both sides I actually got away raising it on the left passenger side only (there were couple of parts that I had a hard time squeezing in, the engine mount was the worst, but with a lot of moving back and forth it finally gave in).

It is also recommended to replace the water pump (see Picture 1), since you have everything removed already and simply leaving it would make no sense (dealer cost for the pump $70).

Crankshaft damper (bottom of the engine) was not an easy thing to remove either. You need a wheel puller (3 legged) and even with the use of the puller it did not want to come off easy. Camshaft sprocket (top of the engine) (see Picture 2) also needs to be removed, this is so you can remove the rear timing belt cover and access the water pump.

There is a tensioner on the timing belt (see Picture 3) which is loosened by inserting an allen key and pushing it down, this will give you enough slack for the belt to be removed. You must inspect the tensioner and look at the bearings, if needed replacing this will run you about $450 at the dealer (you’re better off visiting your local used parts location).

Now you’re ready to loosen the head bolts, there’s 10 of them, 6 long (center bolts) and 4 short (corner bolts). You will need to remember which bolts go where when it comes to putting everything back. Although one person can lift the head it is easier if you have someone helping you lifting the head. Carefully remove it and place it on your bench. We recommend that you place is on “soft” surface to avoid any damage. If your bench is hardwood or metal big cardboard piece will do the trick.

Next page, head gasket

Picture 1 - New water pump in place

Picture 2 - Camshaft sprocket removed

Picture 3 - Rear timing belt cover and tensioner installed