{"id":97528,"date":"2023-12-02T06:38:08","date_gmt":"2023-12-02T14:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=97528"},"modified":"2024-01-01T22:45:46","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T06:45:46","slug":"what-are-interference-engines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-are-interference-engines\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Interference Engines?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_6904eb-b7{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_6904eb-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_6904eb-b7 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-066d7c  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-001a81\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f8e673-54, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f8e673-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f8e673-54\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f8e673-54 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f8e673-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f8e673-54\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f8e673-54 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f8e673-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f8e673-54\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading_f8e673-54 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f8e673-54\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>An interference engine is one that has pistons slamming into the valves when the timing belt snaps.<\/li><li>Every engine with a timing chain is also an interference engine, even old domestic V8 engines.<\/li><li>A broken timing belt on a freewheeling engine will simply stop the engine. But if this happens to an interference engine, major engine damage can occur.<\/li><li>For the average driver, it can be hard to identify an interference engine at first glance. Fortunately, the internet and a couple of legitimate sources can make the job easier.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&rsquo;s a lot of automotive jargon that can easily confuse the average driver, especially when it comes to engine design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While there might be some terms that you won&rsquo;t need to think about, there are a few that you need to understand because they play a crucial part in vehicle maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Out of the many terms you need to look for, one of the most important ones is the &ldquo;interference engine.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is an Interference Engine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An interference engine is one that has pistons slamming into the valves when the timing belt snaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/piston\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"pistons\">pistons<\/a> in any engine will stay in motion even when the timing belt is broken and the engine stops producing power. When this happens on an interference engine, even as the engine spools down at the moment of failure because the camshafts either stop or become badly out of time, some of the valves will make contact with the pistons, which causes the valves to bend, or sometimes to even break off, which destroys the engine to the point that the whole engine must be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/snapped-off-exhaust-valve-1024x452.jpg\" alt=\"snapped off exhaust valve of a car\" class=\"wp-image-99267\" width=\"1024\" height=\"452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/snapped-off-exhaust-valve-1024x452.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/snapped-off-exhaust-valve-300x132.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/snapped-off-exhaust-valve-768x339.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/snapped-off-exhaust-valve-150x66.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/snapped-off-exhaust-valve.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption>When the timing belt is broken in an interference engine, some of the valves will make contact with the pistons, which destroys the engine. This was the case with this Kia in the photos. One exhaust valve bent and the other one had its head snapped off and you can see what happened to the piston. It made more sense to replace this engine than to replace the head and the one piston. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A broken belt can easily lead to major engine damage in an interference design, and every gearhead knows that engine repair is nothing but costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So how come a lot of drivers still prefer an interference engine over a non-interference one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is simple: performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interference vs. Non-Interference Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compared to a non-interference or freewheeling engine, an interference engine has larger valves that open further into the combustion chamber, which means it &ldquo;breathes&rdquo; better than its counterpart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An interference engine also has a smaller combustion chamber that helps achieve the highest compression possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&rsquo;re new to the concept of engine design, a higher compression ratio means more power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interference engines also use less fuel and generate less emissions, so it&rsquo;s no wonder why a lot of drivers would risk having this type of engine even when there&rsquo;s an increased risk of engine damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what about a freewheeling engine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A non-interference (free spinning) engine is designed so that even if the toothed belt that drives the camshaft fails, the valves will never make contact with the piston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A freewheeling engine causes no internal damage should the drive belt break while the engine is running. This is because it doesn&rsquo;t let the pistons travel far enough to hit the valves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A broken timing belt on a freewheeling engine will simply stop the engine. Replacing the belt and re-timing the engine should get the affected vehicle running as it should.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_6c3ed8-d0 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;padding-right:32px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;padding-right:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}#kt-layout-id_48724e-b5 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone pro-tip-wrap\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_48724e-b5\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_48724e-b5\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-gutter-none kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-right-golden  kt-custom-first-width-10  kt-custom-second-width-90\"><style>.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_e3ec03-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_e3ec03-43 kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_ed5413-98.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_ed5413-98 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_ed5413-98.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_ed5413-98 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_ed5413-98 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image_ed5413-98 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_ed5413-98 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_ed5413-98 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_ed5413-98\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_fb3baa-dd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-2 kadence-column_fb3baa-dd pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n            The late 1990s 2.2L Toyota Camry engines were non-interference engines, as is the Chrysler-Dodge 2.4L. Ford Escorts were redesigned in 1983 to make them non-interference engines.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Valve Timing Is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valve timing is extremely crucial in an interference engine because it prevents the pistons and valves from colliding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Precise valve timing is possible only when the timing belt does its job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/crankshaft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"crankshaft\">crankshaft<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/camshaft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"camshaft\">camshaft<\/a>, controlling the operation of the pistons and valves in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the combustion process, the valves are responsible for air-fuel intake while the exhaust gases push the pistons down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what does all of this mean? Let&rsquo;s get a bit more specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Camshaft timing is stated in the angle of the crankshaft in relation to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/finding-top-dead-center-why-is-it-critical-to-your-car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"top dead center\">top dead center<\/a> (TDC) or bottom dead center (BDC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a four-stroke cycle engine, the intake valve should open slightly before the piston reaches TDC and goes down on the intake stroke. This ensures that the valve is fully open as the piston travels downward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the piston reaches BDC, the intake valve closes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the piston travels down on the power stroke, the exhaust valve opens to release combustion pressure. The exhaust valve will only close once the piston has traveled past TDC and is starting down on the intake stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Managing the Risks of Major Engine Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an interference engine, the timing belt is the only thing that&rsquo;s keeping your vehicle from suffering major damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, timing belts have a service life of anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Make sure to closely follow timing belt replacement intervals recommended by the manufacturer. It&rsquo;s important that you decide when the belt is replaced rather than letting the belt decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aside from exceeding the manufacturer&rsquo;s recommended interval, the timing belt should also be replaced if it has been contaminated with coolant or engine oil and if the belt has broken teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your vehicle also has its way of telling you that there&rsquo;s something wrong with the timing belt. The most common symptoms you should keep an eye out for include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-a-misfire-plus-common-obd-codes-linked-to-a-misfiring-engine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Misfiring\">Misfiring<\/a><\/li><li>Ticking noises<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/tips-on-how-to-find-an-oil-leak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Oil leaks\">Oil leaks<\/a><\/li><li>Unusual engine activity (typically between 2,000 to 4,000 rpm)<\/li><li>Increased tailpipe emissions<\/li><li>Engine won&rsquo;t turn over<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Determine If Your Vehicle Has an Interference Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the average driver, it can be hard to identify an interference engine at first glance. Fortunately, the internet and a couple of legitimate sources can make the job easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can try cross-checking your engine specifications with a list from Google to know whether or not you have an interference engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also consult a professional mechanic to know what type of engine your vehicle has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Timing Belt Replacement Guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an interference engine, regular maintenance is the only way for the pros to outweigh the cons. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/timing-belt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"timing belt\">timing belt<\/a> might seem like a simple rubber part, but it holds so much power in an engine, and ignoring it should never be an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below are generic steps on how to replace a timing belt in most vehicles, but it&rsquo;s also a good idea to consult your owner&rsquo;s manual for specific instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 1: <\/strong>Make sure the engine is cooled down before removing the necessary parts to avoid injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Once you have access to the timing belt and marks, check for signs of damage. If the timing belt is still intact, rotate the engine until the crankshaft and camshaft marks are aligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Loosen or remove the tensioner to remove the timing belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Install the new timing belt. Most manufacturers recommend replacing other components, including the tensioner assembly, water pump, camshaft oil seal\/s, and the front crankshaft seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 5: <\/strong>Rotate the engine for several revolutions to verify that the camshaft timing is correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 6: <\/strong>Check for any leaks before putting the other components back together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 7:<\/strong> Complete the engine reassembly process and conduct a test drive.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>There&rsquo;s a lot of automotive jargon that can easily confuse the average driver, especially when it comes to engine design&#8230;. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-are-interference-engines\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":97542,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3747],"tags":[431,1206],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":["post-97528","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-diy","category-engine","tag-piston","tag-timing-belt-2","entry"],"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Are Interference Engines? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ever heard what an interference engine is? Here\u2019s a definitive guide to what it is and how to deal with it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-are-interference-engines\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Are Interference Engines? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ever heard what an interference engine is? 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Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust."},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","last_name":"McCuistian","first_name":"Richard","job_title":"ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","description":"<div class=\"auth-social-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"linkedin\" aria-labelledby=\"linkedin\">LinkedIn<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"instagram\" aria-labelledby=\"instagram\">Youtube<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\nRichard McCuistian grew up in Alabama learning from his father who ran an automotive repair shop. Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97528","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97528"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97528\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97528"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97528"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97528"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=97528"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}