RS1013

toyota 1mz-fe v6 is not interference engine.

Actually, it is in the later models. If memory serves me correctly, interference engines started with the 1999 model year. All years prior to that are non-interference.

Correct, In 1999 when the 1MZ-FE went to VVT-i it became an interference engine.

(VVT-i stands for Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. I remember it as Variable Valve Timing, now interference.)

steviej

I changed my 97 ES300 TM at 110,000 miles in 2008 (11 years later) for $350 at a Toyota dealer. The belt looked new.

My 95 corolla was changed at 89,000 mile and the belt also looke dnew.

Save your money for now

Hi I have a "94 ES300 with 160K miles. For the pass two weeks my car dies when I'm driving. When I try and start her back up the battery is dead all I hear is clicking. I've had the car jump off and it runs fine after that, for a few days its like the alternator takes a break for a few mins. I'm thinking its my alternator going out can someone help?

My 97 Es300 with 120,000 miles has developed a high pitched (whining sound) when the transmission is on Drive or reverse. No noise at Park or Neutral. It is only heard when the car is warmed up by driving it for a few mins. The noise stops when the car is parked.

My mechanic took the belt off and didn't hear the noise. The belts were replaced last year by dealer.

The alternator charges fine according to mechanic and I have no flicking of lights.

He suggested to leave it alone as long as i don;t make long trips. But, if I'm making a long trip, I should consider replacing it.

However, recently i drove to Dc area (500 miles round trip) without any problem.

I have a toyota corolla with 170k miles and original alternator.

any idea if it could be the alternator or power steering pump? I do have a leak in my PS pump.

I don't want to replace a Denso alternator if it does not need to.

A rebuilt alternator is $150 and $100 labor (includes mechanics diagnosing time - I guess)

any thoughts?

even though its non interference, what happens if timing belt snaps at like 85 mph? will it damage anything?

When the timing belt broke on my 1990 LS400 when the water pump failed at around 75,000 miles, the engine sputtered and died. I was going perhaps 35 mph and was able to coast into a convenience store parking lot. There was no damage, I had the timing belt replaced, and I drove the car for other 7 or 8 years until I sold it in 2003 when it had about 183,000 miles on it. I had the timing belt replaced for a second time at 180,000 miles. When I last spoke with the car's current owner, he said the car is at well over 250,000 miles.

I forgot the exact number of miles but a coworker of mine drove his Camry with a non-interference engine to way over 200,000 miles before the timing belt broke.

IMO, the main reason to replace a timing belt on a non-enterference engine is to keep from getting stranded and having to call a tow truck or having the engine stop in a dangerous situation. To say the least, having a timing belt break on a trip or in a remote area can be a very expensive and inconvenient proposition.

**************************

I would like to add that I have had the timing belt replaced for my 95 Corolla at 89k and 97 Es300 at 110k. Both timing belts were in great condition and I wondered if I wasted money to replace them. Lexus dealer did not change the water pump because he inspected it and found nothing wrong with it. My mechanic on the other hand would have just changed the waterpump. Sometime it pays to go to the dealer - at least the honest ones.

My 95 corolla has 170k miles and I have not replced the timing belt again.

how much? i need 5...

I bought my cd changer magazine from an audio/video store. It is made by Pioneer because the audio system is also Pioneer made.

Hello, Not happy with Firestone - I have their lifetime alignment thing, but somehow they don't seem to get it right. I do not want to go back to stealership.

This is for a 2004 ES330.

Thanks

AndyV

I have wasted lots of time and money on alignments from non-dealers. I would recommend going to the dealer and pay them $125 for an alaignment.

Thanks I'll give it a try. -Dave

On my 97 ES300, my mechanic replaced the mass air flow sensor (new dealer part) and the car's idle has been fine. Total cost of parts and labor including dignosing $325.

I also have a P420 code on my 97 Es300 with approx. $120,000 miles. My mechanic also told me to change the rear O2 sensor. However, the code comes and goes by itself after a few days. The O2 sensor behind the Cat was changed after a new exhaust system was replaced a year ago.

Not sure if it is worth changing rear O2 sensor considering the previous threads.

any ideas?

New Club Member

Hello,

I have a 97 Es300 and I am in need of a new Cat Converter since my flex pipe is making loud sound. I went to Midas and they said that entire exhaust is rusted and they can't cut the old flex out and put a new one.

I'm having trouble locating a new aftermarket Cat with the flex pipe for this carr. All internet sites show 2 flex pipes (Y pipes) and only sell Federal emissions cat.

I have 1 flex pipe (Y pipe) the other pipe does not have a flex on it...it is a solid piece. The car was built in 12/1996. I live in New Jersey but I was told that I have a California emissions vehicle by 2 different dealers who checked it against my VIN. My hood had been replaced so I can't confirm this myself.

However, interent sites show a cat with CA emissions with 1 flex for year 1998. My VIN code is "G" . How can I be sure that this Cat Converter for 1998 ES300 will fit my 1997 car?

My last option would be to buy a Cat from the dealer for $1000+

Please help

1st, thanks to all who respond to board topics. I have found many answers on the forum. Now to my question/problem. Had a faulty Y-pipe on my 98 ES300. Common problem with the flex portion. Friend ordered the Walker Cat Pipe but that wouldnt fit due to CA Emissions. I understand there is a converter pipe available, but it still doesnt look right. Ended up ordering the Eastern Catalytic model.

When removing the old pipe, one of the mounting studs snapped and had to be removed. I have searched all online parts suppliers, but cant find these anywhere. Maybe I am not naming the part right? I am looking for the studs/nuts that connect the pipe flanges to the exhaust outlet on the engine. I would also replace the connecting bolts (between the rear flange and the muffler flange) but would guess that these are available at a hardware store.

Any help on part ID or specs would be helpful.

Hi, did you get this resolved. I have a 1997 car and am looking for a Cat with flex. I'm not able to find one that would fit my CA emissions car. any guidance from you would be helpful as I saw an Eastern Catalytic on the web but for 1998 models only.

Thanks

Hello,

I have a 97 Es300 and I am in need of a new Cat Converter since my flex pipe is making loud sound. I went to Midas and they said that entire exhaust is rusted and they can't cut the old flex out and put a new one.

I'm having trouble locating a new aftermarket Cat with the flex pipe for this carr. All internet sites show 2 flex pipes (Y pipes) and only sell Federal emissions cat.

I have 1 flex pipe (Y pipe) the other pipe does not have a flex on it...it is a solid piece. The car was built in 12/1996. I live in New Jersey but I was told that I have a California emissions vehicle by 2 different dealers who checked it against my VIN. My hood had been replaced so I can't confirm this myself.

However, interent sites show a cat with CA emissions with 1 flex for year 1998. My VIN code is "G" . How can I be sure that this Cat Converter for 1998 ES300 will fit my 1997 car?

My last option would be to buy a Cat from the dealer for $1000+

I would attach a pic but I'm new at this site and unsure as to how.

Please help