What is the difference between a non-interference engine and an interference engine? How can one tell between the two?
by 
scrooge
ANSWERS: 3
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Oversimplified: If the timing belt breaks on a non-interference design, there is enough clearance between the pistons and valves to prevent damaging contact. An interference design does not have sufficient clearance between those parts and engine damage would result from a broken timing belt. How can you tell? Your mechanic should be able to tell you which category your car falls into. Or there is a chart located here that lists several makes an models and whether or not they are non-interference or interference: http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doityourself/a/bl_timing_belt_.htm?terms=non-interference+engine
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Basically, the difference is whether or not is is possible for the piston to come up and the valves to open enough to hit each other. If there is any possible way that this could occur (say, a broken timing belt), then it is an Interference engine. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell which type your engine is other that to either research your specific engine or have a mechanic look it up for you. Well, that is unless you want to remove your timing belt, crank your engine over, and hope you don't hear any expensive-sounding noises ;)
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Go to www.gates.com for all engine application and interference non-interference differences.
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