A few 3S-FE timing belt questions...

[nogard]

I replaced one before on my '88 celica 11 years ago. Now I need to do one on my '88 camry wagon. Today while driving the car it started to loose power then quit, turns out the cam isn't rotating anymore. So either all the teeth are gone or the belt broke. I've been talking about how I should replace it, well I was too late.

If I recall I remember reading that the 3S-FE is a non-interference engine, when the belt breaks it won't bend valves. Is this correct? Also I remember last time I did this repair getting to the belt is a P.I.T.A. because it sits right behind the strut tower. I was thinking of trying to tip the engine up and away after I take the mount out, to have a little more room. Any and all ideas are welcome. I searched for this subject, but didn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks.

[kenwoodrunner]

Here are two picture shows on how to do it on a 5sfe which is the updated motor of the 3sfe
Best link:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t149232.html
good link:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t109966.html

[Kep]

The 3SFE is a non-interferance engine. The only damage, if any, that you caused was to your ego.

Kep

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Originally Posted by kenwoodrunner

Here are two picture shows on how to do it on a 5sfe which is the updated motor of the 3sfe
Best link:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t149232.html
good link:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t109966.html

Wow. That first thread is hands-down the most detailed pictorial DIY guide I've seen so far. Though he did leave out some small steps (like the battery). Considering I'll be buying a Celica with a 5SFE soon (this week, hopefully), that will undoubtedly come in handy.

[kenwoodrunner]

Originally Posted by TBayToyotaBoy

Wow. That first thread is hands-down the most detailed pictorial DIY guide I've seen so far. Though he did leave out some small steps (like the battery). Considering I'll be buying a Celica with a 5SFE soon (this week, hopefully), that will undoubtedly come in handy.

just beware that guy in the first thread did not replace the waterpump and guess what? yep the water pump took a dump 1000 miles later do to the different (new) tension from before! it is immpossible to load the exact tension as before because of the spring tensioner setup! mike

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Yes, I agree. I would never bother with a belt without doing the water pump and tensioner at the same time. Halfassed job=Time wasted!

-Tim

[NSMNIAK]

I had my belt break today on the freeway. I have a 1989 Toyota Celica ST with 3S-FE engine with 246,000 miles on it. So, does that kind of engine have a non-interferance engine. Does it mean the valves are not bent?

[kenwoodrunner]

should be all right it is a free wheelin motor!