1998 Dodge Neon water pump failure or worse?

Test the motor compression. That will tell you the condition of the cylinders. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovvXnd7AhiU

even without doing a compression test i can tell you the water pump def died, probably broke the timing belt, in which case it most likely bent valves. if you want to do a leakdown test, take the valve cover off and loosen the rocker shaft bolts all the way up. then perform the leakdown test.

you can't do any of those tests without the timing belt in place, the cam needs to turn in order to do a compression test or a bleed down test. First thing would be to replace the belt and water pump. the 2.4L is not an interference engine in that case you will be okay. The 2.0 L SOHC & DOHC are interference engines. Good luck but all the bulletins point to bent valves, good thin is there are no reports of pistons being damaged. Get a good head from the salvage yard or your local auto parts store along with the timing kit that includes the water pump. Then follow the manufacturers recommended replacement interval for the timing belt and water pump. It is allot cheaper than replacing or re working the head.

What kind of timing belt goes on a 1999 dodge neon sport car