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great read thanks for sharing, and i learned something more about these RXs. i always thought the all lexus v6s were interference!
Talked to a retired Toyota tech a few weeks ago he insisted all 1MZ VVTi engines are interference. Gates says so in their timing belt catalog (don't use their belts). Many, many people online will tell you the same thing. This is how misinformation spreads, not maliciously it's simply no one verifying.
Given the belt on Striker's RX was toast and the engine most certainly jumped cam timing if the engine was interference it would have been bricked.
Talked to a retired Toyota tech a few weeks ago he insisted all 1MZ VVTi engines are interference. Gates says so in their timing belt catalog (don't use their belts). Many, many people online will tell you the same thing. This is how misinformation spreads, not maliciously it's simply no one verifying.
Given the belt on Striker's RX was toast and the engine most certainly jumped cam timing if the engine was interference it would have been bricked.
Yep, it's 100% not interference. I intentionally spun it over with the starter to try for any type of start since I knew it wasn't, I also spun the cams over to line stuff up nearly a full turn and the crank almost two to line it up as well.
Speaking of gates......I may or may not have used their kit since it's what my parts network had on hand. I had to beat other people to the car and get it before I went down to Florida the next day. Normally I would use Aisin but I needed it RIGHT NOW and hey, it's not like it can kill itself if the belt breaks so it's fine lol!
The newer 3MZ engines used in Toyota & Lexus are supposedly interference too.
Seems like I remember someone on club lexus had a belt break on the highway and had damage but I honestly can't remember if it was a 3MZ engine or not.
All I know is I replaced my timing belt twice and the rear bank cam is sitting on a compressed valve spring at top dead center when marks are lined up.
Saw a youtube tech say that the engine is intereference and much care needed to be taken not to let the back cam move when changing the belt.
I found this almost impossible since it wants to snap forward and backward 60 degrees each way when installing the belt- 120 degrees total.
As I was trying to get everything lined up I cringed every time it happened but there was no damage done.
I wanted so bad to turn the cams and crank a full turn or turn the engine over with the key to confirm inteference BUT I CHICKENED OUT since it's my only car.
The newer 3MZ engines used in Toyota & Lexus are supposedly interference too.
Seems like I remember someone on club lexus had a belt break on the highway and had damage but I honestly can't remember if it was a 3MZ engine or not.
All I know is I replaced my timing belt twice and the rear bank cam is sitting on a compressed valve spring at top dead center when marks are lined up.
Saw a youtube tech say that the engine is intereference and much care needed to be taken not to let the back cam move when changing the belt.
I found this almost impossible since it wants to snap forward and backward 60 degrees each way when installing the belt- 120 degrees total.
As I was trying to get everything lined up I cringed every time it happened but there was no damage done.
I wanted so bad to turn the cams and crank a full turn or turn the engine over with the key to confirm inteference BUT I CHICKENED OUT since it's my only car.
The 3MZ is interference, you won't hurt it by the cams moving like that....just do NOT force it in any way or let the cam "snap" of the valves too fast or there might be a small risk.
I do wonder how many people have full "L" fleets....
I have two Lexus vehicles and three Toyotas. Sometimes I long for another brand, but then I hear all sorts of breakdown horror stories from friends, neighbors, family, acquaintances, and my longing subsides.
Too, when you do all your own maintenance and repairs, there is the "bonus of familiarity" with Lexus/Toyota parts, fluids, special tools, procedures, and such. My expertise makes it all that much harder to switch to other brands. Yes, I'm stuck, but at least I'm stuck in good place!
I used to have other brands till I discovered Lexus.
Originally Posted by Wilson2000
I have two Lexus vehicles and three Toyotas. Sometimes I long for another brand, but then I hear all sorts of breakdown horror stories from friends, neighbors, family, acquaintances, and my longing subsides.
Too, when you do all your own maintenance and repairs, there is the "bonus of familiarity" with Lexus/Toyota parts, fluids, special tools, procedures, and such. My expertise makes it all that much harder to switch to other brands. Yes, I'm stuck, but at least I'm stuck in good place!
I used to have other brands till I discovered Lexus.
My dad is a huge Toyota fan and he's been yacking at me for so many years how I should drive a Toyota and how I won't regret.
So, since it had been over 20 years since owning a Toyota product, I bought a 4 runner and now have a Lexus.
Depending on availability and pricing I hope to stay with Lexus but they are in such hot demand and people want so much money for used ones that other brands are starting to look more attractive.
I'm afraid I'll stray in a moment of weakness if things don't change. lol
07-26-22, 08:12 PM
