97-4xFunner
New member
Hey motorheads, I am just wondering if anyone out there can tell me if the 22R or 22RE is an interference motor or not?
Interference Motor?
- Thread starter 97-4xFunner
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
97-4xFunner
New member
Not being a smart a**, but does anyone know what it means to have an interference motor?
ovrrdrive
New member
The rumor mill states that in stock form it is not an interference engine but I can tell you for certain that after the head has been milled at least that it is. An interference engine means that the valves stick into the combustion chamber far enough that if the timing jumps they can hit the pistons. I had a guide fall apart and cause my timing to jump and bent all 4 intake valves in mine. It wasn't fun...
Look at the line on the valves in the pic below. That's where they hit the pistons.
Look at the line on the valves in the pic below. That's where they hit the pistons.
97-4xFunner
New member
Wow thanks for the info Overrdrive. I helped a friend replace timing chain and all associated components. It seemed like a straight forword job, but when he tried to start the engine it made some pretty freaky noise. It sounded like it involved more than one piece of metal. I just can't imagine whats going on. It seems pretty hard to screw up the timing. Between the keyed crank and cam shafts, and making sure #1 is at tdc compression. On top of that when we got it all back together he added fluids and before even trying to start it, the water pump leak all around the new gasket.:bash: :bash: :bash:
By the way the truck is the same year as yours. As well, I think he has had some head work done. Now I'm really freakin.
Very nice truck by the way.
By the way the truck is the same year as yours. As well, I think he has had some head work done. Now I'm really freakin.
Very nice truck by the way.
97-4xFunner
New member
Thanks for the input guys. It looks like I may be gong back into the motor possibly this evening. I'll be sure to post what I find in case anyone is interested in what I find.
ovrrdrive
New member
slacker said:
On your recommendation, a quick search turned up this thread that confirms it:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16041&highlight=interference
And in that thread they give this link that also confirms it.
http://www.gates.com/part_locator/index.cfm?location_id=3598
What exactly am I supposed to be looking for?
the_dingman
New member
Interesting development, two of the most helpful and knowledgeable posters with different information... 
I'm pretty sure that the chain vs. belt information is correct. It would make sense for them to only use chains on engines that can be damaged if the timing gets off, as belts are more likely to break.
I'm pretty sure that the chain vs. belt information is correct. It would make sense for them to only use chains on engines that can be damaged if the timing gets off, as belts are more likely to break.
97-4xFunner
New member
Interesting posts everyone. Well, like I said, I would be working on the truck again. Fortunately I got it running. After double checking the timing marks and pulling the valve cover off to help confirm timing. I reassembled and pulled the coil wire to see if the truck would make the before mentioned horrid noise when cranked. It did not. So I plugged the coil wire back in and turned her over. Fired right up. I'm thinking the noise I heard was perhaps from the starter or the valve cover being tightened down too tight. As there were marks on the underside from the chain that were not noticed before.??? So I think with the combo of the mystery noise and the timing being off it just created allot of doubt. Anyway pulled the belts off to remove water pump and used silicone to seal around the pump and today I'll reassemble after work . Once running for a while thought I'm sure I'll know for sure if any valves were bent. I am starting to think that won't be the case. Need to perform a rebuild on mechanics confidence.
97-4xFunner
New member
Last Post.
Well, like said fired up the pickup. Didn't run all that well. Drove it to work. Put a heli coil in timing chain cover. This was due to the guy I was helping over tightening an oil pan bolt. Replaced a bolt in the timing chain cover that was lost in the process. Hooked up a timing light and dialed in the timing at about 6 degrees BTC. Truck runs Great. Since the timing marks were dead nuts and the truck runs great, I'm not going to perform a compression test. I think the before mentioned horrid noise was a result of the timing being waaayyyy off. Thanks again for the input guys. Oh one more piece of advice on this process is that you don't necessarily have to remove the drive shafts to drop the oil pan. You can just drop th pan the inch or so that it will go down. Just leave the drain plug out during the process. Put it back in only when the whole thing is back together. This will prevent coolant from collecting in the pan.
Well, like said fired up the pickup. Didn't run all that well. Drove it to work. Put a heli coil in timing chain cover. This was due to the guy I was helping over tightening an oil pan bolt. Replaced a bolt in the timing chain cover that was lost in the process. Hooked up a timing light and dialed in the timing at about 6 degrees BTC. Truck runs Great. Since the timing marks were dead nuts and the truck runs great, I'm not going to perform a compression test. I think the before mentioned horrid noise was a result of the timing being waaayyyy off. Thanks again for the input guys. Oh one more piece of advice on this process is that you don't necessarily have to remove the drive shafts to drop the oil pan. You can just drop th pan the inch or so that it will go down. Just leave the drain plug out during the process. Put it back in only when the whole thing is back together. This will prevent coolant from collecting in the pan.
slacker said:
Nice to know this.
But is it the same with the diesel ones? I suppose tho'.
I've been worryin' bout my 1KZ-T which has an timin' belt, not chain (I miss the ol' chains
) that if it goes over on time or the belt brakes.Edit: Meh, seems like most diesels (includin' 1kz-T) are interference engines... Better get that timin' belt replaced soon!
Last edited:
97-4xFunner
New member
Happen to be looking at some info on the 3.4 V6 today at work on the shop computer. As soon as Timing belt replacement task is accessed, there is a Caution notice posted that the engine is an interference motor. I tried to cut and paste the info, but wouldn't be allowed to for copyright issues. Sort of breaks the thumb rule. The source for the info is called Mitchell on Demand, thought I would site the source so you guys don't think Im blowin smoke.slacker said:
97-4xFunner
New member
Hey Slacker, you could be right. I just found more contradicting info on the 3.4 stating it is not Interference. Maybe someone should start the official website Interferenceornot.com :bigok: