A friend of mine didn't replace his timing belt, which broke.

Since it is a non-interference engine, i'm pretty sure there is no engine damage (which we will check).

Assuming no engine damage, to replace the timing belt shouldn't we align the cams to TDC and the crank to point to the #2 idle pulley, then mount the belt.

It seems with this plan, the cams and the crank will be set properly and then putting the belt on is just the step to keep them in sync.

Good plan, bad plan?

TIA

96 is interference motor...90-94 is not.

yeah, 96 is an interference motor, and if somehow nothing broke you have the luckiest friend in the world. quick, take him to vegas/horse races/7-11 for lotto tickets/macau/etc.. immediately.

lol...but if ur not lucky. that engine is fubar'd.

so, how many miles were on the belt when it let go?

inquiring minds want to know.

140k

Come to find out it is a 99, not 96. Is this a non-interference engine?

90-94 is non interference....if 96 is, then that means all 95+ engines are interference motors.

Okay, so he may be hosed.

I'll remove the top and take a look at the damage.

Just out of curiousity, when (and if) we get this motor back together or replace it, would setting the timing be as I originally asked?

TIA

95-97 and 98-00 are both Interference motors. if it was a 99 most definitely its going to have SOME damage at least.

can't remember but i'll check over my manual tonight/tomorrow for you.

Would the damage be confined to just the cylinder heads when a belt breaks on an interference engine??

Just curious, I am a non-interference owner.

the valves, seals, guides, and possibly more would be toast
As would the piston and cylinder wall it hit

This is one of the first times I've heard of one actually breaking. Many times I'll hear of someone replacing theirs after 100-120k and it still looking new. because of this I wondered if it ever would actually break, but I guess this is proof that you can't let it go past 100. One time when searching for the car I have now, I looked at one 98 LS400 with 150k miles on it, and when I asked about the timing belt, they had no idea what I was talking about. I wonder how many people have no idea about this and completely ignore it. Considering the rest of the car is so reliable, I figure that a majority of the very few retired LS400's are due to a problem such as this.

wahahahhaha, i know. but seriously, double check everything before you have your friend put anything back on. jst to be sure the motor is still good.

ehh, most of the time i've seen belts let go (all 2 in post 95 UZ engines) it's been due to a pulley or tensioner locking up and destroying the belt.

What is the recommended mileage or time in years for the replacement of the LS400 timing belts? I assume climate plays a part as well. Thanks all.