just installed timing belt aIt cranks fine but seems to have no compression . I rechecked the timing mark they are right on.

Asked by tiredwrench Jan 07, 2016 at 01:10 PM about the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser LX Wagon FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

After many hours I finally got to the broken belt.  I installed a new one, double
checking the marks 3 times.  decided to crank it with the  starter to see if it
would start.  Engine cranks but seems to have no compression and has some
exhaust pops, so I presume there must have been some damage when it
broke. I hand turned it again, timing marks are right on.  Any suggestions?

3 Answers

34,745

It sounds like your timing is still off. These engines are kind of tricky to replace the timing belt because when you have the timing marks perfectly aligned, they move after you install the tentioner so the trick to is to leave your marks about one half tooth off. See attached video that I found. Let me know if it helps. https://youtu.be/msat8GMAyso

14 people found this helpful.

Well I have turned it over enough times by hand and with the starter, and the timing marks always come back to the correct position, so I think it is one of those 50% that do valve damage when the belt breaks. Thanks for your help, I'm taking it to a Chrysler dealer and let them finish it.

34,745

The PT 2.4L is a non-interference engine, meaning valve will not hit the pistons, Sometimes we do things over and over but keep doing it wrong. Start from scratch and make sure your timing marks are not only aligned but make sure you are using the correct marks, they have 2 and that can be throwing you off but if everything is correct then I guess there was internal damage. Good luck

5 people found this helpful.

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