What is the significance of the timing belt? Are the engines an interference design?
Yes. Both the SOHC and DOHC engines are an interference design, meaning that the valves if open will conflict with the piston in its highest position. This only happens if the timing belt fails, since the valves are normally closed when the piston is at top dead center and the cylinder is firing. The Neon has a 100,000 mile timing belt; however, it should be inspected periodically. Failure of the timing belt will lead to collisions between pistons and valves, causing extensive (and expensive) engine damage. Diagnostic code 11 indicates possible timing belt problems, and should be taken seriously. Have the car towed to your mechanic if encountering this problem. The timing belt can be easily inspected by removing the plastic cover over the passenger side of the engine (driver’s side for you UK and down under folks). Look for any frayed or worn areas. Turning the engine over with the coil wire removed will allow you to inspect the whole belt one section at a time.
Yes. Both the SOHC and DOHC engines are an interference design, meaning that the valves if open will conflict with the piston in its highest position. This only happens if the timing belt fails, since the valves are normally closed when the piston is at top dead center and the cylinder is firing. The Neon has a 100,000 mile timing belt; however, it should be inspected periodically. Failure of the timing belt will lead to collisions between pistons and valves, causing extensive (and expensive) engine damage. Diagnostic code 11 indicates possible timing belt problems, and should be taken seriously. Have the car towed to your mechanic if encountering this problem. The timing belt can be easily inspected by removing the plastic cover over the passenger side of the engine (driver’s side for you UK and down under folks). Look for any frayed or worn areas. Turning the engine over with the coil wire removed will allow you to inspect the whole belt one section at a time. 2.5.
Yes. Both the SOHC and DOHC engines are an interference design, meaning that the valves if open will conflict with the piston in its highest position. This only happens if the timing belt fails, since the valves are normally closed when the piston is at top dead center and the cylinder is firing. The Neon has a 100,000 mile timing belt; however, it should be inspected periodically. Failure of the timing belt will lead to collisions between pistons and valves, causing extensive (and expensive) engine damage. Diagnostic code 11 indicates possible timing belt problems, and should be taken seriously. Have the car towed to your mechanic if encountering this problem. The timing belt can be easily inspected by removing the plastic cover over the passenger side of the engine (driver’s side for you UK and down under folks). Look for any frayed or worn areas. Turning the engine over with the coil wire removed will allow you to inspect the whole belt one section at a time.
