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New Corolla timing chain - "Interference" engine?
gnicholasw
Member Posts: 1
I want to buy a new Corolla, but the salesman told
me it has a "lifetime" timing chain which does not
require replacement. Does the Corolla have an
"interference" engine, where the valves and pistons
occupy the same space at different times in the
cycle? If so, a broken chain would at least bend
the valves, and perhaps require a new engine
altogether. If I plan to keep this car for a long
time, is this a realistic risk? A friend had this
happen to his Nissan and it cost him $2,500.
me it has a "lifetime" timing chain which does not
require replacement. Does the Corolla have an
"interference" engine, where the valves and pistons
occupy the same space at different times in the
cycle? If so, a broken chain would at least bend
the valves, and perhaps require a new engine
altogether. If I plan to keep this car for a long
time, is this a realistic risk? A friend had this
happen to his Nissan and it cost him $2,500.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Also, the Corolla engine has a belt, rather than a chain. Unless Toyota is changing their procedures, all recent model Corollas need their belts done at 60k, although the belts are often good for 80-100K.
I am a first time user. I think this town hall is great.
I doubt that manufacturers try to mislead people for the sake of replacing entire engines. This seems far-fetched to me. I'll grant you that some manufacturers are mis-judging the length of time that their belts last, but is it intentional? Doubtful.
Manufacturers know that a greater replacement interval for t-belts will shake out as a lower estimated annual repair cost on their vehicle. It's a selling point. If a car is on a 60,000 mile t-belt schedule, then in 250,000 miles the car is due to have four t-belts. If the car only gets a t-belt at 100k, then that car will have 2 t-belt replacements. Let's say that timing belts cost 500 dollars to replace (mostly labor). Well, if you buy the car with the 100K t-belt schedule, then, over the life of the car, you'll save $1000 in maintenance over the car on the 60K schedule! This is in theory. In practice, it's likely to be different.
Replaceing the timing belt on these models is not an easy job, mostly because of the space between the front of the engine and the inside of the engine compartment. Furthermore, if you do the job, you need to remove an engine mount, and you should have some way of supporting the engine. If you've only done your timing belt in the past, you may want to think about having your water pump done as well. 180K is a lot of mileage to put on the water pump. Use official Toyota replacement parts, they last longer than aftermarket parts.
I don't think pulling the starter is necessary on any of the models. What manual are you using?
You can also try sticking a rag between the two cam gears once you have the valve cover off. If you turn the crank pully, the rag will bind up the gears, and you should get enough resistance to break loose the crank bolt. I can't remember now if turning left (off) will bind up those gears, but it's worth a try.
I'd try #1 first, and then #2. Remember to support the engine when you remove the motor mount at the front of the motor. There is no way to remove the timing belt without taking that motor mount loose.
Good luck,
Gus
Conference Host