cdnewton

This has been posted before by moderator salimshah: Lexus Variable valve engines (i.e. the 3.3L VVTi) are interfering and depending on circumstances (relative position of piston and valves as controlled by VVTi) you may or may-not be in interference mode.

The bottom line: you may get lucky and not do any damage, then again, you may be in for an expensive repair.

Koolaid54

There is no such term in the automotive world called non-Interference mode in engines. Non interference means when either intake or exhaust valves are fully open and the piston is DTC. At no point will the valve head be in any position to where the piston head can be.

As for VVTI causing it. It's not going to happen.

mylexbaby

I'm adding to this because of a recent timing belt change: the belt looked ok, but bearings in one of the pulleys/tensioners was starting to go. That failure can still cause damage even if the belt is ok, so don't only focus on it.

TroyRX330

My original timing belt lasted 250,000 kms. Belt was shredded to half the original width, mechanic said he'd never seem anything like it.

Car is now at 280,00 and the belt has broken again.. permanent damage or dodgy install? Water pump is still original.