Timing belts, chains. Interference, non-interference engines.

[sakoluvr]

Generaly, do non-interference engines use timing belts and interference engines use chains? Where is it documented that my '97 5VZ is non-interference? :noidea:


I am pretty sure that my belt was replaced 40,000 miles ago, but still want peace of mind that nothing more than a tow truck and a new belt will get me going again in case it breaks!:car:

 

[the great him]

we just made a 50/50 guess that it was a noninterference motor and so far we have been right...


with a question like that your always gonna be skeptical, i mean they way you worded that gives me the impression that you dont trust anyones word on the matter, even a toyota tech...

chains are not being used much anymore in most motors, meaning that most new motors are going to belts, now older motors that do have chains and the few new ones that are not convert-able to belt(with a few exceptions). most of the chain driven motors you will find now a days are in large equipment, but even some caterpillar and other motors have gone to belts.

now when it comes to your motor, if the timing belt does fail, its best to replace a the water pump and thermostat at that point/time, as you already have the motor torn down to that point. and water pumps seizing have been known to cause belts to fail, so that could of been the source of the belt failure in the first place...

 

[LittleCaesar]

There have been a few posts of members on YT whose belt has snapped and taken out a few things in the front of the engine, but the main internals have been fine.

If you really want to know if the engine is/isn't interference, cut the TB, rotate the crank slowly without moving the cam(s).

I have found that most Japanese car auto engines have gone to using chains due to customers griping about TB replacement costs. Toyota now uses a chain, not a belt, in their 4cyl Camrys. My mother is on her 4th Camry, and the 2.4L engine used is awful. Hondas have ridden themselves of most belts too. I just helped a neighbor replace a TB/H20/pulleys/ignition on a 94 civic and at 317,000 miles, it idles so darn well with a TB.

Give me a belt driven engine any day.

 

[Singtoe]

The 5.7 toyota V8 is chain driven and it is an interference motor.

Nascar motors are the push rod V8's and originally, those motors came with timing chains and the teams are retrofitting them with a belt.

Honda made a v-twin that had no belts or chains. It used gears to operate the camshafts. Very noisy engine though.

 

[BlackCat914]

The 5.7 toyota V8 is chain driven and it is an interference motor.



Honda made a v-twin that had no belts or chains. It used gears to operate the camshafts. Very noisy engine though.

ya, they're called gear drives, and you're right, they're noisy as all get out.

and to answer the OP's original question, no, a lot of interference motors use belts still.

 

[sakoluvr]

Good stuff. Thanks guys.