2002 stratus question?? timing belt

inlaw in Florida.. lost timing belt on 2002 stratus 4.2 non interfing? single cam....how hard of a job is it to change? any special tools ect,est time of repair?

I assume you mean a 2.4L not 4.2....

I replaced the belt in one.... not a huge deal; I did it on a '95 (I assume they are similar).

1. Remove the tire
2. Remove the accessory belt
3. remove the engine pully
4. Remove the harmonic ballancer
5. Remove the covers
6. loosen the belt and remove (take VERY careful note of the location maybe rotate it so it is "lined up".

7. Replace the water pump (NOW IS THE TIME TO DO THIS)
8. Replace the tensioner - this is will wear out before the belt - make sure to get a NEW GOOD one
9. Install the belt - then put everything back togeter.

10. Before everything is back togeter try to start the car and ensure it will idle - if not you are a tooth off...

If the belt broke you have a good chance you bent some valve or broke some pistons... making the above not important.

Not sure how to test this w/o the belt on, but you could try a compression test after you get the belt on - if they read low - you need to rebuild the head.

The 2.4L is an interference motor and will destroy pistons/valves if the timing belt breaks.

From exp. I think you have a 50/50 chance that you bent valves. If it's a 2.4L (two cams) a 2.0L (single cam)odds are better for you.