I have a 2002 Neon that needs it’s timing belt changed. My question is: If the timing belt breaks on this engine does it wreck the engine or this one of the kind where a belt breaking doesn’t damage anything?
The car has a 2.0 liter 4 cyl.
Your engine is an interference engine. This means if the belt breaks you will most likely suffer valve damage. I would also recommend a water pump replacement at the same time. Chrysler also had a problem with the cam gear alignment pin. It wears out and can break. In my shop I include replacement of this line up pin ($1.69) as part of the job.
~Michael
Thanks for the info. My last car was a Gallant and it had 2 timing belts. I’ve been told the one on this Neon is harder to get to than the Gallant.