We have a 2001 caravan with the 2.4 L engine. The timing belt went. Question 1 Is this engine zero clearance and therefore shot? If it is shot, will a 2002 stratus 2.4 liter engine and transmission fit this vehicle? Thanks Heidi
4 Answers
littlehorn answered 17 years ago
The engine is quite possibly shot, however, the best way to solve this would be to have it checked by a mechanic. You may simply need a new set of valves if the pistons are undamaged. The 2002 Stratus engine should fit but there may be wiring harness differences and PCM/sensor differences to address. I would suggest asking a dealership about the possibility of doing this swap.
guyonearth answered 9 years ago
The 2.4 is NOT an interference engine, and a broken timing belt will not cause pistons and valves to hit.
guyonearth answered 9 years ago
None of the 2.4 DOHC engines used in the Caravan are interference engines. The pistons and valves will never touch in these engines. It is theoretically possible for the intake and exhaust valves to touch, but this is very unlikely in practice, and not likely to cause any real damage if it did happen. If you're using the Gates catalog as a reference it is notoriously inaccurate in this regard. My statements are based on real world experience.
@guyonearth I found several references other than Gates that these are interference engines, but I found several references that they are not. A couple of places I looked say the valves may contact other valves during a timing belt breaking, but they would have to be just in the right spot. You may be correct and I withdraw my earlier post.