carz2011

I am thinking about purchasing a used 2005 Lexus ES 330. I've been told that I would need to replace the timing belt on this car soon because the car is now 6 years old. I was told that the car has an interference engine and the engine could be damaged if the timing belt breaks. The car has less than 50K. Are the timing belts prone to failure at this low of mileage? What damage could occur if the timing belt broke?

I'd also like to know if there is any other maintenance items I will need to do on this car during the next year because of its age and mileage (6 years, 50K)? I cannot afford any maintenance for the next year. Is there any common problems with this vehicle once it hits 50K?

JSM1284

first off, it is NOT an interference engine, so if it breaks, you'll be fine.

If you would like to remove the upper timing cover to just check the belt, inspect for cracks, dry-rotting, etc, that would be wise. I did my 2002 timing belt @ 100k, and it was just as soft and perfect as a new belt, they really aren't too prone to breaking.

No real maintenance is due till around 100-120k. Plugs, coolant, t-stat. Water pump when you do the timing belt, etc.

Coulter

Being that you're a mechanic, do you a definitive answer on what ES300/330's have interference engines? I've heard so many different theories and opinions.

I've heard all the 3.0 engines before VVTi are NOT interference, but any engine with VVTi is an interference engine.

LeX2K

This is correct. I read some time back a post by a Toyota tech that stated as much, and also from other sources. VVTi engines are definitely interference.

At 50K (age is not much of a factor IMO unless the belt if very old) I would just go ahead and change the belt for peace of mind. The cost of a broken belt are basically a new engine. At 50K, all that would need to be replaced would be the timing belt and the idler/tensioner pulleys, not very expensive.

KLF

No way would I change the belt this early. Waste of money, IMO. I'm at ~68K on my '05 now, I will wait till the 90K recommended interval. When I changed the belt on my '98 in the summer of '07, it still looked brand new.

BradTank

According to Gates (who's an OEM supplier for many car manufacturers) all the VVTi's are not interference engines. They have a website that lets you check:
http://www.gates.com/part_locator/in...o=Interference

I definitely agree that changing the timing belt so early (at less than 50k miles) is just a straight up waste of money.

LeX2K

Taken straight from the Gates timing belt .pdf, the ES330 has an interference engine. But I would not trust the Gates listings, I've seen errors in their documentation before. There is also a note in the .pdf:

* - Interference engine. Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.

So they are basically admitting they are not 100% accurate.

edit - see this thread as well

BradTank

When I entered my application (1999 Es300) it says it's NOT an interference engine. Just to check it I put a Honda engine in that I know is an interference engine and in the comments section with red letters it say "Interference Engine."

Gates may be wrong, I'd like a Lexus technician to chime in to put this to rest.

To the OP's question, I still think changing a timing belt at less than 50k miles is a waste, even if it is indeed an interference motor.

LeX2K

Every Honda engine I've ever seen is interference, so it's hard to get that wrong. For sure the ES330 (3MZ) is interference. The 1MZ VVTi version is almost exactly the same engine, so it seems to me that it would be an interference type engine as well. I still think the Gates chart is wrong (* denotes interference). If Wikipedia is to be believed, they say this:

They feature cast aluminium pistons with an anti-friction resin coating (moly) and valve depressions that decrease the chance of valve-to-piston interference in case of timing belt failure on motors without VVT-i.

PFB

Even a non interference engine can be ruined by a torn timing belt. This could happen IF you have significant carbon deposits built-up on top of the pistons and/or valves.

Such deposits effectively reduce the small clearance between the valves and the pistons, and could cause similar damage as if the engine was an interference engine.

That's why it's always best to change the timing belt as per the recommendations in the owner manual, based on either milage or time, whichever comes first.

Phil

snowmaker

Care to prove that one..LMAO

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Just check the belt to see it's condition. I personally think the 90k rule is as outdated as the 3k oil interval. Maybe on an older car, but the belts we have nowadays are much more resistant to cracking.

Still, you can just check it. Pull off the cover and look for obvious signs of wear. I have an 05 with 112k miles and the belt looks almost brand new.

LeX2K

I did a 1997 Camry a couple of weeks ago, the belt went 167,000 miles before it broke (original belt) so yes they can last a very long time. I've often wondered if hot climates reduce the life of the belt, probably does. BTW, the original water pump felt perfectly fine, I suggested replacing it but the guy didn't want to spend the money.

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

water pump is usually still good. its the gasket that usually starts leaking first.