I've a 2001 Dodge Neon SOHC with 200k+ miles.

Have you checked the crank sensor?

Yep. Replaced the crank sensor. I've been thinking engine timing as well. This is my daughter's car. It quit on her as she came home from work and wouldn't restart. Since this is an interference engine, would cranking the engine cause mechanical damage?

I should have added....I took the head off and didn't see any damage to the valves... I didn't rotate the camshaft...I was concerned with keeping the sucker indexed. This little engine is driving me nuts.....

Damage. Ok. Would that be valves being smacked by piston heads? I ran a quick compression test. All cylinders tested 45psi or so and were pretty much the same. I only cranked the engine for a couple seconds for each cylinder.

I'm tired. When I had the head off, the piston heads were in great shape. From what we could tell, the head/valves and piston heads were in surprisingly good shape....

Ok. I'll check the compression again Sunday and see what I can get out of them. There was no evidence of any impact when I had the head off. I replaced the timing belt while I was there...it went on exactly as the old one. I assumed I'd be able to tell if the belt had slipped by inspecting the belt itself. It was still in great shape to the point of almost re-installing it. I'll get some sleep and go at it again. I really appreciate your help Jim...

Well, I'm up and worried about this neon. How much trouble is it to replace bent valves? That's not something that I've done before... Cost is definately a main concern here. I broke my back several years ago and haven't had any income since. Thanks again for any help and/or suggestions....

The head was flat, within specs when I replaced the head gasket. The car itself cost my daughter $600. The med bills from breaking my back took all we had. Count your blessings. If I had the money to have someone do the work I'd probably scrap the sucker and find another car for her. Prior to the current condition of the engine, the Neon ran pretty well. She blew a radiator hose and it overheated and quit on the exit ramp. Of course there were bunches of folks upset that she was blocking their way. She was pressured to move the thing and ran it again, blowing the head gasket in the process. It hasn't run since then. I don't know how the timing could have gotten off, but I'll give that a look as well. Point is we're stuck with this car, at least for the time being. If I can't get it running, my daughter will have to keep driving my old Grand Cherokee. Assuming all that's screwed up is the valves, it shouldn't take much to replace those. I guess I just need to yank the head off, again, and take a bit more time evaluating the thing. I have plenty of tools and time.

Ok. I didn't get the head all the way off, but I re-checked the timing and it was spot on... I'll finish yanking the head tomorrow.

10-4, sounds good. This old man is finished for the day... Thanks!

Hey Jim: I removed the head and now have it on my bench. At first glance, it still looks fine. I removed the rocker arm asssemblies (intake and exhaust). Again, nothing appears broken. I reinstalled each assembly separately and turned the cam sprocket....nothing jumped out at me. I'll have to figure out how to remove the springs. My universal spring compressor doesn't fit the bill here. What do I need to check while I'm evaluating the head, valves, etc.?

Ok, finally have it apart. I had to build a tool to compress the valves. The intake side valves appear to be in good shape. The exhaust side is kinda dirty but not that bad. I haven't examined the valve stems very closely but offhand, non appear bent. What's a good way to clean the valves, springs, seats, guides, etc.?

I'm sorry I haven't kept my updates current. I've been nursing a torn r/c and a bad bout of pneumonia. Getting old isn't fun. Hopefully, I'll get the thing back together within the next day or so and see if compression is better. I still appreciate all they help you've given! Bill

OK. I've had the head resurfaced. I still have the same problem. The car will crank, spark to plugs, noid light on injectors is OK. I finally found a copy of the Service Manual. Within it was the following paragraph: (12) Perform camshaft and crankshaft timing relearn procedure as follows: - Connect the DRB IIIt scan tool to the data link (diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in the passenger compartment; at the lower edge of instrument panel near the steering column. - Turn the ignition switch on. - Access “Engine” diagnostics. - Select “Miscellaneous” option. - Select “ReLearn Cam Crank” option and follow directions on DRBIII screen. Is there a way of performing this "relearn" procedure without the scan tool? I'm also up for any additional ideas on solutions for this vehicle... B