Engine Rattle, Loss of Power -- Timing Belt?

[pymm54]

I bought my 95 neon in June, and since it has been rife with problems! Its got about 130,000 miles on it. I've had to replace a fuel injector, the fuel pump, and completely clean out the fuel rail. Thnigs have been fine on it until two days ago, when it started making a rattling noise. Its not the exhaust system, becuase thats always rattled a bit. I seem to have located it in the plastic cover for what I think is the timing belt right next to the engine.

It seemed to run fine at first, but now its getting worse. I've noticed a loss of power overall, and the loud noise, and when I accelerate, the engine seems to hesitate and studder a bit, but then the noise dissapears for about 3 seconds and it runs great, until the RPMs go back down and the noise starts again. I'm completely at a loss. Does anyone know what might be wrong? Oh, the code comes up as 11 - slipped timing belt. Is that a hard repair, or expensive repair if i can't do it myself? Thanks!

-Dave

[Anaudiophile]

Replacing the timing belt on a SOHC is not too bad to do yourself, but if it's a DOHC it can be trying!! Be sure to check the tensioner and idler pulleys when it's apart. You may have a bad bearing in one or the other!!!
About the only special tools you would need is a harmonic balancer puller with a special insert to go into the crankshaft, and an inch pound torque wrench to properly adjust the timing belt tensioner!!

[cyber_lord]

Originally Posted by Anaudiophile

Replacing the timing belt on a SOHC is not too bad to do yourself, but if it's a DOHC it can be trying!! Be sure to check the tensioner and idler pulleys when it's apart....... and an inch pound torque wrench to properly adjust the timing belt tensioner!!

I'm not sure if it is all neons, but my sohc has what seems to be some kind of hydraulic tensioner. (which was a bitch to compress)

[lilblackneonrt]

Its All Neons Man If U Dont Have A Vise The Tensioner Sucks To Compress

[cyber_lord]

I found out the hard way in the parking lot of my apartments. I hillbillified it and used the car jack in a reverse manner. Dumb, I know. But, it got the job done.