3.4 - Non Interference confirmed
 

So, Ive heard it from several people on here the 3.4 is a non-interference engine. YEPPIE, thats always a relief to know if the belt pops you wont due any damage.

BUT WAIT!

Gates - pretty reputable company in terms of info clearly states it is an interference engine??

SO anyone on here who ACTUALLY knows..works at a dealer? Not someone simply talking out their butt cause they heard it from someone who heard it from the Lorax?

Just really curious. Im not saying theres no way Gates is wrong..just would like a clear response.

the 5vz is a non interference motor. i know this because i have done my research. the worst that can happen to you, is that you would get stranded and call for a tow if the belt was to snap.

Next time you get curious try using :google: This information is ALL over the place and clearly this is a non interference motor. :D

:guitar:

AH HA. See theres what im talking about. I goggled the hell out of it. And what do I come to? GATES, a pretty reputable company telling me its an interference.

SO THERE! :)

Don't make me hurt you. :hillbill:

:guitar:

nah. I believe you..just wanted to make sure. Sure its just a mess up on Gates part..but wanna make sure.

I checked out the Gates site and the comments section for cam belts
does NOT say interference. so the Gates info is correct. non interference.

I don't know where you find that info on Gates site...cuz I can only find correct info

http://www.gates.com/part_locator/in...cation_id=3598

Hijacking the thread now - With all the reading we've all done on here regarding the 3.4/interference/non-interference/"miles-on-your-timing-belt" questions & answers, there doesn't seem to be a single person, not one, that's told us what happened when their timing belt snapped.

So, I now ask of 3.4 owners - Have you ever experienced a complete timing belt failure? If you haven't, do you know someone who has?

Maybe we're all such maintenance nuts that we actually do the right thing with the 3.4's maintenance.

But isn't it strange that people post far more often with problems than when things go right, yet there don't seem to be any stories about a snapped timing belt in a 3.4? That first hand experience would be the story that would answer the interference/non-interference question absolutely (even though we already know the answer), and would probably be an interesting read at the very least.

Tell those stories of snapped timing belts in the 3.4, if you have 'em, please!

When a timing belt on a 3.4L snaps, then the only thing it interferes with is your pride.

Not fun sitting in a Toyota, parked on the side of the highway.

Haven't had a timing belt snap. Actually I've never been stranded in almost 20yrs of driving now.
Knocking on a lot of wood now by the way.

I have had a timing belt snap. what you notice is a sudden loss of power, and MIL light comes on. it is exactly the same feeling as shutting off the engine while driving.

you have to get to the side of the road. and then you try to start it, it just cranks
and nothing else happens.


that is about it. it is a huge non-event

This happened to me too. The water pump bit the bullet right before the belt snapped. I was doing about 15 MPH after pulling away from a red light. The water pump chewed up two of it's bearings, made something of a snap-crackle-pop all in one noise (a la Rice Krispies) and the engine just died while I coasted to the shoulder

You guys that had one break, how many miles were on them?

On my white truck I had a belt slip two teeth when I sank my truck/hit a mud wall at 30mph. After draining all the fluids etc they called me and said it was dog slow. I said that shouldn't be the case and drove it confirming that something was not right. After a couple days they finally figured it out, the timing belt had somehow slipped two teeth. How, I have no idea as I killed the motor going into the hole (I knew I wasn't getting out and it was going to be wet). Either way, they put everything back and it was fine. Then 20k after that I slapped an S/C on it and it never skipped a beat!

I'd like to know this too, just out of curiosity.

Not that I'm going to push my luck, I'm changing mine at 90 K :D

I'd like to know, too. Did that happen to your 3rd Gen 4Runner? If so, how many miles on it when that happened? Thanks.

A friend had his timing belt come loose after a poor timing belt job, does that count (left him stranded in another state)

I've heard anywhere from 80k-160k.
I always get mine done a little before 90k but I'm a preventative man.

Fink:devil:

there is a simple rule with Toyota engines .. up to 2005 anyway .. and i'm sure will spark up a few skeptics and nay sayers but here is a fact!

any toyota vehicle with a timing BELT .. is NON- interferance .

any toyotas vehicle with a timing CHAIN ... is and interferance engine .



.

I think mine had about 140 on it when I changed the belt and pump. I bought it with 110 and and I am sure it had never been done because when I changed it it looked the the tensioner had been on there since 98.

Oh and I resent being referred to as a noob. Ive rebuilt engines, trannys...been a garage monkey longer than some of you have been alive... was simply curious DANG IT! :)