Timing belt or chain for Avalon?

[Lexusfreak]

Just wondering if anyone knows if the new Avalon (05+ model year) has a timing belt or timing chain for the 3.5L V6 engine? And if a chain, what is the change interval (if any)? Thanks for the help!

[johnd]

Lex,

I've read that it is a chain.

[Lexusfreak]

Originally Posted by johnd

Lex,

I've read that it is a chain.

So, the new Avalon's 3.5L V6 has a timing chain & the 3.3L V6 in the Camry & ES330 is a Timing belt correct?

[foompla]

yup yup

[Lexusfreak]

I appreciate the info everyone!

[preskev]

I hope with this new chain design, this get rid of the screeching sound you usually get after having 20K on the car and trying to start it when it cold or humid. This has been a big problem on the Lexi over the years!

[Lexusfreak]

Originally Posted by preskev

I hope with this new chain design, this get rid of the screeching sound you usually get after having 20K on the car and trying to start it when it cold or humid. This has been a big problem on the Lexi over the years!

Funny, I've never had that experence with my 2001 ES 300.

[agent2099]

I also get the screeching sound on my Avy. However it only happens about once a week, and my timing belt IS due for replacement.

[terrastrife]

never had that with any belt motor.

[retired00]

The timing belt or chain synchronizes the valves with the pistons-well hidden under the engine cover--they don't slip, and if they do you will either barely run or crash the valves with the piston domes. That's why the timing belt is a replacement item since a failure is catastrophic to the engine unless designed to avoid valve interference. What might squeal is your accessory belt. That belt is visible from the exterior and has no specific replacement interval like a timing belt.

[92_Gen3_5SFE_LE]

although most Toyota engines are non interference, so if the timing belt breaks it won cause any damage, you just won be able to drive until it is fixed.

[Lexusfreak]

Anybody know if the timing chain is a 'for life' item or is there a replacement interval like the previous TB?

Finally, will it run fine on regular gas? I noticed that the new Camry 3.5 will.

I appreciate the info.

[johnd]

LEXUSFREAK,
The timing chain is for life, or until it breaks, whichever comes first.

My '05 Limited runs just fine on regular.

[Cyorke]

TIming chain is for life item. It can break at anytime but normally you will be able to get 150k miles out of it. I have seen 22r series engines cahins break with 60k miles on them and I have seen them go well over 200k miles with the original chain. on those engines though it was not so much the chain that you had to worry about as it was the guides. when the guides break the chain starts slapping on the tiing cover and make a lot of noise. WHen that happens you need to get it replaced beofre it breaks because most of the tim if a chain breaks you are going to have catastrophic engine damage.
I would assume the case will be the same for the 3.5 that Toyota is using in everything now. Make sure you keep your oil changed and this will help prolong the life of the chain.

One more thing My mother had a 1979 Chevy Impala with a 350 in it when I was kid. She sold and it and the next owner had to replace the timing chain at about 300k miles when it broke. thenhe drove for another 100k miles before getting rid of it.

Nowadays there arent many people that even drive their car to 100k miles so you should be just fine.

[Toyota_Rep]

They come with the timing chain, but not sure about the intervals, u might want to check with service in your nearest toyota dealership, that would be the best bet