my car just broke and alot of the mechanics are saying that it might cost alot..well the car is a dodge stratus 1996 2.4L 16 valve DOHC ...was wondering if anyone would know if the valves in the car would break too.?
2006-06-29 08:39:51 · 6 answers · asked by slytalker_007 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is my experience with this engine that the valves do not collide with the pistons on a timing belt failure. Replace the belt and do a compression test. If the car is high mileage you may need to do a valve job, but I would just replace the belt first and go from there. Also, a lesson for the future. Never ever exceed the timing belt replacement interval recommended by the manufacturer.
2006-06-29 08:46:26 · answer #1 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddy, I think you are in luck! Check out this web site where I looked up the '96 Dodge Stratus with the 2.4L engine:
http://www.familycar.com/CarCare/GatesFrame.htm
The chart shown on that website shows an asterisk (*) and/or a pound sign (#) at the end of each line. If you check out what each of these mean, the asterisk is of extreme importance to you for it denotes all the engine types that are interference engines, i.e. engines with pistons and valves sharing the same space at a different time all governed by the timing belt.
In interference engines, if the timing belt were to ever break, the pistons would bump into the valves and bend and/or break things. With sixteen valves (four per cylinder) you are bound to see at least a major problem with one cylinder but with problems that big you might as well trash the engine since a complete overhaul is the norm.
In your case (as indicated by the chart I provided) the 2.4L Dodge is NOT an interference engine and when the timing belt breaks it merely stops running. That, my friend, is very good news for you! All you have to do is buy a timing belt, a few gaskets and get to work changing it! I would opt for new drive belts as well and a new water pump is recommended as well.
Good luck!
2006-06-29 16:18:27 · answer #2 · answered by Les 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost all 16 valve engines will break or badly damage valves if the timing belt snaps.
2006-06-29 15:44:37 · answer #3 · answered by mick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Chrysler 2.4L I-4 motor is not an interference motor. Your vavles are fine.
See the reference for more info.
2006-06-29 15:46:09 · answer #4 · answered by Russ K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are in luck .... the 2.4 DOHC engine is not an interference engine ..... your valves should be fine .... like someone else on here said.... from now on change the belt when it is recommended
2006-06-29 19:45:31 · answer #5 · answered by alarebel6920012002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
need more information than that.
2006-06-29 15:41:52 · answer #6 · answered by jls91380 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋