Is 1996 ES300 an interference engine?
03-22-15, 10:56 PM
#1
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Is 1996 ES300 an interference engine?
Is 1996 ES300 an interference engine? My last timing belt/water pump change was 5 yrs and 83k miles ago with Toyota OEM timing belt (13568-09080). Is it time to change belt now or xx miles later?
03-23-15, 02:39 AM
#2
The non-VVTi engine is listed as a non-interference motor.
Toyota gives time and mileage change intervals; believe yours is 90k miles. OK, found this reference for Lexus V6's:
So it seems even the severe service qualification is waivered on the ES300 (vs the RX, etc using the same 1mz-fe). The estimate is conservative and in my experience, I view the mileage interval as indicative much more than the time one - e.g., I'd go 9 years if it took that long to rack up 90k miles, vs. replacing a belt at 6 years if the car had only 30k miles on it.
There are people who get 50k out of a set of shocks, others who get 200k. It varies on driving habits, roads, climate, length of average trip, average speed, maintenance habits, etc. So many variables. The one-size fits all timing belt interval is conservative to prevent failure and you can follow it strictly (not a bad idea), or shorten or lengthen it based on your own use and estimate if you feel capable of doing so. If you don't feel capable of doing that, don't second guess it.
Toyota gives time and mileage change intervals; believe yours is 90k miles. OK, found this reference for Lexus V6's:
On 1996-98 models except ES300 replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months under normal service, or every 60,000 miles in severe service. On 1996 & later ES300 replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months.
There are people who get 50k out of a set of shocks, others who get 200k. It varies on driving habits, roads, climate, length of average trip, average speed, maintenance habits, etc. So many variables. The one-size fits all timing belt interval is conservative to prevent failure and you can follow it strictly (not a bad idea), or shorten or lengthen it based on your own use and estimate if you feel capable of doing so. If you don't feel capable of doing that, don't second guess it.
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