Captain57

Does anyone know if a 1996 LS400 has a none-interference engine? The engine model is 1UZ-FE . Also how about the engine in a 1993 SC300? It's model is2JZGE. I am wondering if the timing belts should break before I have them changed, would the engine be damaged on either of these cars? Any information would be appreciated.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

do a search. theres a HUGE discussion on teh 1UZ interference and non-interference issue. the 2jz info may be found in the SC or GS forum and def available on google.

97LS400

Captain,

The shop manuals and timing belt manufacturers all quote the 1990-1997 engines as non-interference. I did a search for "LS400 bent valve timing belt" and get no hits of actual bent valve incidents.

That said, when I was changing my 1997 timing belt, I had to rotate the crank to line things up and had a passenger side piston come up against a valve! Had to rotate that cam before I could continue rotating the crank.

That was a bit scary since I had waited until the belt started craking (105k miles) before replacing the t-belt.

So the books say non-interference and I always argued against those that claimed they were interference. But personal experience says otherwise. Better safe than sorry.

hyperopt

Where in the shop manual does it say non-interference? Cause I have been trying to search for that info in the shop manual without success, not to mention a huge error on the part of Lexus.

97LS400

I subscribed to the All-Data shop manual for my 1997 LS. You can check the Gates and other T-belt manufacturers, they all display lists of interference and non-interference engines.

All say the same thing. The old Corolla FE 4-cylinder and the new variable valve timing V-8s are the only Toyota with interference engines.

But despite that, I KNOW that a piston on my 1997 LS made contact with a valve. I heard and felt it hit. The crank would not rotate any further until I rotated the passenger camashaft. No damage was done because I was turning the engine by hand to line up the timing marks.

JDMUSCLE

iTrader: (1)

well...the 2jzge( not 2JZGTE) are interference motors but im not sure about the 1UZ, im pretty sure they are interference motors.

JBrady

90-94, 10.0-1 compression, non-interference.
95-97, 10.4-1 compression, interference.
98-00, 10.5-1 compression, interference.

Lvangundy

Try www.gates.com

There's SOMETHING on that website which lists engine belt types ,..

97LS400

You found it. Download the T-belt replacement guide (pdf format) and "interference" engines are indicated with a *

It has been updated since I last looked and more Toyota engines are marked as interference now.

It still has no * next to the 95-97 LS but my engine obviously had contact. I am the second owner but the first owner (a lease) obviously did no modifications (or any other maintenance to speak of.)

hyperopt

OK, look like the third parties made the errors and not Lexus. Now we have first hand evidence that the 2nd gen LS engine is interference.

Captain57

I thank you all for the information about the not-interference and interference engines. So from my understanding of the replys I have gotten, I guess I had better get both of my belts changed. I have 105K on the 1996 V8 and 122K on the 1993 in-line six. The 1993 SC300 is a black 5-speed manual transmission which I love driving. From what I have read on different posts on this forum I can expect to pay any where from $800 to $1000 or more for this work at the Lexus dealership. Of course I would replace the water pump, serpentine belt and any other worn parts at the same time. I might get it done for some less if I can find a independent shop that can work on these cars. Although they probably buy their parts from the dealership, so I expect the cost to be close to a dealerships. Thanks guys.

P.S. the wife wants me to sell or trade both of these cars for one newer or new one altogether. I'm still thinking about taking this action. I would definitely miss the 5-speed.