Timing belt

[Andrew]

I have a 92' Camry with 175,000 miles on it. The guy that sold this car to me said the timing belt was replaced recently, but did not give me proof.
I've heard it is impossible to check the condition of a timing belt, and I have also heard that if it breaks, the engine is GONE. I looked in a Chilton's manual however, and it said for my engine, timing belt failure would not result in piston damage. I have a 5 speed, 4cl... any suggestions?

[Phi]

What you're refering to is interference vs. non-interference engines.

Your engine (5S-FE) is non-interference and thus will not sustain any engine damage as a result of belt failure.

BTW-Welcome to TN

[Andrew]

thanks alot !

[88 LE]

You can look at the timing belt by taking off the upper timing belt cover.

[nobrainer]

do the 94 camrys have timing belts? We had an 87 honda civic once with a belt, it broke and hit the water pump and valves. Basically, the car burned fuel for the rest of its life.

[88 LE]

Originally posted by nobrainer
do the 94 camrys have timing belts?

Yes.

We had an 87 honda civic once with a belt, it broke and hit the water pump and valves. Basically, the car burned fuel for the rest of its life.

Ouch. Damn Honda and their interference engines.

[nobrainer]

that reminds me... replace belt every 80k right? im more of the, "take to the shop before rolling to a stop" kinda guys