Does anybody know what engines/years are non-interference vs. interference?
The 92-93 ES guys are talking about a non-interference engine, but their cars have the old 3VZ-FE. What about the 1MZ-FE on the 94+?
Also, there have been debates over whether certain years of the 1UZ-FE V8 are non-interference and others are not.

 

The ES with VVT-i engine (99 and up) and the 95 and up on the LS will have the interference engine.
All the new models with VVT-i engines are interference engines if the timing belt break.

 

Just to make sure, "interference" is a good thing to have for an engine if the timing belt breaks, correct?

 

No, it's not a good thing. On interference engine, if the belt break , Water Pump locked up, tensioner or idle pulley seized, it will bent the valves. If it break while you driving, the pistons will hit the valves and the cost to repair is $$$, you have to remove the cylinder heads to repair or replacle the bent valves.

 

What about the GS?

 

The 93-97 is non- interference engine, but the 98 and up is interference engine.

 

VVT-i,

So if the timing belt breaks in my '98 LS400 or my '00 GS300, I could be in for a world of hurt, i.e., $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ mucho. Correct?

 

Yes, I would do it at 90k with water pump and check all the tensioner and pulley.

 

i have a 90 LS 400...so that means i can go all tha way until it goes kapoot on me? and nothing will be damaged? and the only thing i would need to change is timing belt and water pump?

 

First generation LS is the best of the bunch.

 

Some of you fellows are talking about belt changes as if they were as easy and cheap as an oil change- they are not. They can cost almost a thousand dollars, and they involve a lot of work on the engine (and we've all seen situations where that much disassembly and reassembly inadvertently screws up something else).

And on a non-interference engine, a broken belt costs you a tow. That's it. How many tows can you buy for a thousand dollars? If your engine's computer, fuel pump or one of several other critical components fail, you're gonna get towed. How come we're not replacing those every few years?

Now, mix in 2 more facts- the general condition of the belt is easily checked by removing a few covers off the engine (at least on my SC400), and the instances of belts actually breaking, at any time on any Lexus, is less than 1%. Ask any dealer mechanic how many he has seen. Sure, he may have seen a "few", but he works on thousands of cars.

So I respect the opinions of those that say it should be changed every 60K or 90K or whatever, but at least admit you are not arguing from a purely economical viewpoint. There is just no way the financials work out in your favor.

But don't worry- you can always use the "peace of mind" tactic.

 

Looked up my car, a 2001 GS300, on the "Gates website", and found that the 2JZT-GE engine, the inline-six, according to the timing belt section, this engine is NOT an interference engine. Look it up...

 

Hey man, I hate to bump up an old thread but I have a 1997 Lexus ES300 and I purchased it used with 143,000 miles on the odometer. I am worried sick about the timing belt because I do not know if it has been replaced/changed yet. If my timing belt breaks/snaps would I be screwed and have to purchase a new engine ? or could i just replace the timing belt and not have to worry about valves and all that other money sucking components being damaged ? Is there a way to check if it has been changed without having to dismantle the alternator side of the engine ?

 

Brother inlaws 90 Ls400 timing belt broke at 144,000 miles so if its not been changed your getting close to what I would call a limit of life.
I'm not sure about that engine but the usual way to check is remove a cover to see the belt, if it looks shiny and cracked its pretty old.

 

When in doubt, change the timing belt.
Even if it is non-interference. Why? Because when the belt snaps, you will lose power steering, vacuum assisted braking (on the 2nd/3th brake application), engine (of course), etc....
Image you are driving on a busy highway and suddenly the belt snaps? You might not get a chance to pull over to the shoulder. Your vehicle might be in the middle of the highway waiting for someone to rear end you!!