Toyota Corolla - interference engine?

[MuskieJunkie]

I have an old beater car that is probably due for a timing belt, I would rather just take my chances and drive it until the belt snaps as long as it isn’t an interference engine. Can anyone tell me if it is or not? ’93 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8 liter engine. Thanks a lot, I appreciate the help.

[Jeremy airjer W]

If I recall correctly, Toyota doesn't have any interference engines in there late model vehicles. This would include the 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 3.0, and 3.4 litres (thats all I can think of). I'm not sure about the 4.7 v-8.

The only problem we see when these belts break is that a lot of the time it damages the timing covers. Other than that the recomended service is every 60,000 miles under severe conditions. I would check with the dealer on replacing the belt. The usually offer the belt replacement for the 4 cylinders at around $200. At least thats the info I get in the fliers they send to me.

[jltimm]

Not to rob this thread or anything, but Airjer, what is the going rate for a 3.4 liter V-6 Timing belt replacement? I have 103,000 on my 1997 Tacoma 4x4, and have been pondering getting it done.

[DTro]

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If I recall correctly, Toyota doesn't have any interference engines in there late model vehicles. This would include the 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 3.0, and 3.4 litres (thats all I can think of).

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I believe you can plug the 2.4 in there as well. I'm pretty sure that's what's in my Camry and RAV.

I don't even know if they have a belt or a chain

[Jeremy airjer W]

I do believe that the 2.4 liter and for sure the 2.7 liter have a timing chain.

[Jeremy airjer W]

In that kneck of the woods I would expect $300 to $600 dollars. Depending on weather you replace the water pump, drive belts, and do a coolant flush at the same time.

[sparkyaber]

Junkie- I have had two corollas one with well over 200,000 and my current one approaching that benchmark very rapidly. Never have replaced a timing belt. Just fix stuff when it is about to break. I have been real lucky, neither car ever left me stranded.

Warning highjack in progress: My '91 (current) corolla when it gets really hot (like 95 degree day, and on the freeway for longer trips[over 40 miles]) if I pull over and make a stop, shut the car off, I return a few minutes later and find that the car is dead to the world. Turn the key and the car won't turn over. Now if I wait a few hours try it again, it starts and runs like a champ. Is there an overload some where? I can never get it to happen while I am at home near testing equipment. Any ideas? Airjer?

[jltimm]

Thanks alot Aijer! That's what I wanted to know, and thanks for the info that you share!Much appreciated!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Let me guess The lights, radio, windshiels wipers, And every other electrical device works properly, it just won't crank over (turn the key and dont hear the engine turning over).

If this is the case the problem is more than likely the starter sufferring from heat soak. Either the windings in the starter or the solenoid are opening when hot so that the current cannot pass through.

If nothing works, the car is completely dead, I would start with battery conections and then work my way to the major vehicle grounds. Remeber when electrical parts get hot there resistance is greater than if they are cold (Except for thermisters of course )!

Hope this helps

[DTro]

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I do believe that the 2.4 liter and for sure the 2.7 liter have a timing chain.

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That's what I was thinking. Got 60k on the RAV and 30k on the Camry. Still got a little while to think about it.

Thanks Airjer

[sparkyaber]

First assumption was correct airjer- What the heck is "heat soak"?! Stroke? Would a new starter remedy the problem? That is what I was thinking was the problem. But with a car that old I might just plan my stops to not include one after a long hot spell (engine temp).

[Jeremy airjer W]

Heat soak is a real common problem on old fords. Basically when you stop moving all that engine heat gets trapped in the engine compartment. The starter gets as hot as it ever will.

Do you hear a click at all when you turn the key. If you do this is a good sign. The click means that the solenoid is still working and the problem may be the contact plate plunger thingy (Thats so wrong on so many levels but I cant think of the name right now). If your handy it wouldn't hurt to remove the starter and remove the solenoid cover. You will see a round copper plate. On the back side, when removed you will see the contact areas. try cleaning them up and see what happens.

[MuskieJunkie]

Thanks for all the info, I went 130k before I changed the original timing belt and I'll be going until this one snaps. Feel free to highjack away on this thread I got the info I was looking for.

[sparkyaber]

air- I hear a click but it sounds like it is coming from inside of the cab, unless I am hearing it through the firewall. I guess the starter is on the back side of the motor....It only does it a few times a summer. I only use the car to commute back and forth to work, so I only stop to get gas, and it is usually on a cold engine. (I guarrentee I will be searching for this thread next summer)

Thanks

[Jeremy airjer W]

Sounds like that solenoid plate plunger thingy. Its either worn out or severly arc burned. Than can be replace relatively cheaply. Good luck next summer!!