Is Avalon V6 an interference engine

[HAOLE]

Can anybody out there tell me definitively if the engine on a 1999 XLS will self-destruct if the timing belt lets go? Gates chart says it is an interference engine; I read somewhere else that a broken timing belt just means a tow and a new belt. Which is true? Thanks HAOLE

[sonic2wb]

everyone here says its a non interference engine. but i wouldnt want to find out lol

[TrailDust]

If Gates says it's an interference engine then it is one.

[artbuc]

This is a frequently discussed and debated question. Here is my understanding: The 3.0 V6 with VVTi is interference whereas the standard 3.0 V6 without VVTi is NOT interference.

[TedL]

Originally Posted by artbuc

This is a frequently discussed and debated question. Here is my understanding: The 3.0 V6 with VVTi is interference whereas the standard 3.0 V6 without VVTi is NOT interference.

That would explain why Gates shows different answers for different vehicles with 1MZFE for the same year.

[robcam13]

non vvt-i are not interference engines

[HATEnFATE]

As long as I've been with Toyota I've been told that the only interference engine that Toyota has that uses a t-belt is the 3.3L 3MZ-FE that was used on the Siennas, Highlanders, Solaras and Camry SEs.

The general rule for Toyota (with the exception of the 3.3L) is if it's a belt its Non-interference. If it's a chain, it's interference.