03 dodge stratus changed timing belt old belt was still on the car timing marks were lined up now have no comp.2.4 DOHC VIN X 8TH DIGIT HELP

It's an interference engine. If it blew a timing belt, expect damage to the valvetrain and possibly the pistons as well.

If the engine is an interference type then moving the crank or camshaft with the belt off is likely to bend some valves if any but the most delicate touch is used.

Positioning the timing marks or even making some new temporary marks before removing the old belt and then without moving anything fitting the new belt - if that is what you did and the engine had compression before it will have compression now.

Clearly you did something different or perhaps you failed to tension the belt correctly and it jumped some teeth when you began trying to start the engine.

Sometimes manufacturers provide a number of marks for different purposes and perhaps you used the wrong marks, maybe the right marks are absent.
I suggest you verify the marks you used by positioning the crank and camshaft(s) the old fashioned way - setting number one piston to TDC and number one valves to the compression (or overlap) position would usually find the marks somewhere near alignment if they are good.

It is possible Dodge did something unconventional so model-related information would be helpful, often that is provided with the new belt. Check and double check and proceed cautiously is the rule regarding timing belts.

Well, there are actually two different 3.0L engines used in a 2003 Mercury Sable. One is an Overhead-Valve (OHV) type engine. The other is a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) 24-valve engine. You can tell the difference by just looking at the engine or by checking the 8th digit in your VIN. For the OHV engine the 8th digit of the VIN will be a "U" and the DOHC engine will be an "S".

This is important information when it comes to getting parts or information for your vehicle.

Anyway, I have provided belt routing diagrams below for BOTH of these engines.

Whether your Malibu is:
(a) 4 cylinder 2.4L SFI DOHC Vin "T", or
(b) 6 cylinder 3.1L SFI OHV Vin "M"

SFI = fuel injected
DOHC = dual overhead camshaft
OHV = overhead valves
Vin = 17-digit unique car identifier - the 8th digit identifies the engine (not the transmission), and
as you can see, your engine will be identified by the 8th digit = "T" or "M"

your car has the Chevrolet 4T40E automatic transmission (aka "automatic transaxle")
Here are some specifications:

2.4, 2.7v6, 2.4 4cy, 2.0 You need to find the 8th number in your vin number. Match it to these I will give you the letters and you can match them up. J, R, X, Y. J is for 2.4 pzev, R is 2.7 V6 DOHC, X 2.4 DOHC, Y 2.0 DOHC

2003 Dodge Stratus Coupe 2.4 liter SOHC L4 VIN "G"




2003 Dodge Stratus Sedan 2.4 liter DOHC L4 VIN "X"



I really hope help with this (remmeber comment and rated this post).

Click on the following direct, free Link. It has the Timing Belt + Mark Diagrams for your 2005 Dodge Stratus (with the unspecified: SOHC (Coupe) and DOHC (Sedan)) 2.4L In-Line 4-Cylinder Engine. Is also has additional - very helpful Instructional and Directional Diagrams.

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/2005/make/dodge/model/stratus/2005_dodge_stratus_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

Click on the following direct Free Link. It has the correct Timing Belt Diagrams, including the one for the 2.4L. Scroll down that Page to the Diagram with the 2.4L Camshaft Timing Marks. As you can see there is a 1/2 notch difference. There are also additional Diagrams that will be very useful to you. I've worked alot on the 2.4L and trying to line these up 'perfectly' can cause problems.
Note: That Link Page contains: the 2.4L SOHC, 2.4L DOHC, 2.7L DOHC, and the 3.0L SOHC Engine Diagrams.
http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/2001/make/dodge/model/stratus/2001_dodge_stratus_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

It usually helps to provide which engine you have and the 8th VIN digit. The valve is located in the cyl head, towards the rear of the head, left side.

timing belt, and drive belt. the timing belt needs special tools to replace, if its a 2.0 DOHC VIN "P" 8th digit. if its a VIN "3" SOHC no special tools are needed