1996 Dodge Caravan timing belt

Tiny
CRYWOJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 111,000 MILES
I own a 96 Dodge caravan with 111,000. One morning came out to van and it turned over but wouldn't start. I have replaced the fuel pump, and coil pack. I have had the dealer look at it who is a mechanic and they believe it is the timing belt. He informed me that on some vehicles when the timing belt goes it can fry the engine. Is that possible with this type of vehicle?
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 12:03 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Yes, your vehicle has an "interference" design engine, meaning if the timing belt breaks during operation that the valves and pistons will most likely be damaged. When cranking the engine, does it seem to crank over faster than it normally did?
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
CRYWOJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No it don't seem to crank faster it sounds the same but don't if you know what I'm trying to say. It don't sound like it cranking faster it just won't start. As long as i'm turning the key it will continue to crank but no start and it doesn't seem to be cranking faster then normal
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
CRYWOJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No it don't seem to crank faster it sounds the same but don't if you know what I'm trying to say. It don't sound like it cranking faster it just won't start. As long as i'm turning the key it will continue to crank but no start and it doesn't seem to be cranking faster then normal[/quote:8407fdec83]

It didn't break I think while I was driving it. The night before I did alot of driving and seemed to be running fine. Then the next morning I came out to take the kids to school and it wouldn't start. Does this help with my first question.
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Well the only way to tell for sure if the engine is OK is to go in and replace the timing belt then do a compression test on the cylinders. If the compression is good after timing belt replacement then you're good to go. If the compression is low, however, you will need to have the engine overhauled.
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 5:06 PM

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