timing belt

Hey people, I finally got around to changing my headgasket on my '95 neon, I decided to change the timing belt at the same time. It was first time ever doing this; so I had my buddy give me a hand.
So it took a while, but we changed everything, put it all back together.
Now, heres the problem, I started the car, and it sounds like the timings off...the whole engines thrusts and there are occasional backfires.
This is what we did to ensure timing, and correct me if we messed up. First, before taking the timing belt off, we positioned the #1 piston at TDC, then took off the belt, we ensured that the camshaft timing mark was lined up, quadruple checked, its dead on. Like I say, Im still learning, and my buddy didnt mention anything about the crankshaft marking, I think this is the problem, can anyone explain, in simple terms the best way to get it back in line,:frown:
Please and thanks,

I just talked to my buddy, and he's certain that even the crankshaft markings were all lined up, I just dont know anymore. A code 12 is coming up though:12 Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles. Im assuming this is just from having the battery diconnected, but can it affect the computer, and in turn effect the timing?? Let me know , thanks

Do you have a Hayne's manual? It should tell you how to set the timing. The marks on your camgears (if you have DOHC) AND the marks on the crank case and pulley have to line up.

Awesome I got it figured out, my baby's running amazingly well after the headgasket switch, and timing belt change...wow! what a difference!
oh ya, katwoman seriously kicks ass, she has helped me through most of my car problems, you rock, and thanks again!

so what was wrong with your car?

I changed the headgasket and timing belt, and the timing was off. Got it figured out. I didnt align the crankshaft timing mark.:rolleyes:

I have a 95 dodge neon, where should the timing mark be on a SOHC. At the top or at the bottom?:banghead:

I have a 95 dodge neon, where should the timing mark be on a SOHC. At the top or at the bottom?:banghead:Enjoy...
http://jball.neons.org/howto/timing_belt/howto.html

Thanks for the info. This was great who ever did this did a wonderful job on the illustrations

Thanks for the info. This was great who ever did this did a wonderful job on the illustrationsGlad it helped...That would be Jeff Ball, the owner of www.boogerracing.com

do you have anything on reinstalling the head. I ended up finding out I had to pull the head. I have a bent valve. I had a water pump go out at 50,000 miles and took out the timing belt.