Hi, i have 85,xxx miles on the car.(1999) Wondering if the rx's are non-interference motors like some camrys i hear about. Just wondering. Let me know. Thanks.

 

Oh no, here we go again!

It seems that if you have the VVT-i kicked in the answer is yes it is an interference motor. This gets debated a lot though. If it was me I would let it go another 20k or so. The age does not concern me as much as mileage does.

 

It is definitely, absolutely and without any doubt whatsoever interference. Or, maybe it isn't. No, I'm absolutely sure it is non-interference. Or, maybe it is interference. Oh-oh, now I am only sure of one thing. It is definitely interference or non-interference. Yes, without a doubt it is one or the other.

 

Here's an idea, 99rx - you run yours till it breaks, then let us know!

 

It's interference because it's vvt-I, with the I being the difference here.

 

Probably not worth the risk of assuming non-interference, but the timing belts are pretty robust so I wouldn't be paranoid about approaching the magic 90,000 miles!

 

Greetings!

Just had the local Toyota dealer replace the TB and accessory belts; $425. He said that they never have to change the pullys and the water pump only rarely and then only if it shows leaks/damage. No oil or coolant leaks, shaft seals all good. I checked out the TB and it looked fine (125,000 miles), flexible and no obvious damage/fraying. The accessory belts each had missing rib sections, but the TB looked AOK.

Merry Christmas!

 

Well i thought the I meant Intelligence in this case? VariableValveTiming-Intelligence??

 

Yes it is. I am talking about the fact that having the I (Intelligence) is a way to know its interference.

 

oh ok thanks a bunch!

 

Art- does your wife know you're a troublemaker or are you able to keep that to yourself ?... I bet not!

 

Welcome back Roger! Happy New Year!!

 

WHY, WHY, WHY did you not have the pulleys, tensioners, and water pump changed? I made this horrible mistake on my ES (see some of my other postings) and a few months after the belt change, the pulleys went bad (everything was perfect when I did the belt change). I had to pay for the entire job again! Luckily my ES is non-interference so when the pulley seized and the skipped 4 teeth, I was not out an engine. If it was my RX, I would not take the gamble and had the pulleys done. If the same happened on my RX, it would have destroyed the engine.

NOTE TO EVERYONE: Replace all pulleys, tensioners and water pump when your replacing the timing belt! It WILL save you time, money, and possibly an engine in the long run!

 

absolutely! It's only $250-$300 more to have all the other stuff done. would make it much easier to sell the car later too.

 

Thanks Art- Happy New Year to you (and all the rest on this terrific forum). Spent a couple weeks in Nashville with SIL&BIL and went to GD's Nurses pinning and graduation from college as well as CE & Christmas with all the mid-south states family. Had a great time. Great to see everyone. Back for GD's wedding in May. Hope your Christmas was great and that your family is all doing well.

Roger