Do you know that if your car’s timing chain or belt snaps, your engine can either survive it or fail? This means that there are two types of engines in this regard: interference and non-interference engines.
Interference engines, also known as “destructive head” engines are the ones that have little clearance between the valves and pistons and if the cam stops turning as a result of broken timing belt or chain, the valve(s) will bend or break. Timing chain warns the driver unlike timing belts. If you start hearing clanking noise when the engine is on, the timing chain is due for change.
picture credit: carpartkings.com
Non–Interference engines are the type that have significant clearance between the valves and pistons. Below is a list (but not all vehicles) of interference and non-interference engines:
Volkswagen
• 1.3L and 1.6L are interference
• 1.8L 2.0L and 2.3L V6 are non interference
Toyota
•1.5L (3A-C, 1A-C and 3E) interference (Tercel etc)
•1.5L (3E-E & 5E-FE) non interference
•1.6L DOHC (4A-F & 4A-FE) non-interference (Corrolla, Carina II, etc )
•1.6L DOHC (4A-GE &4A-GZE) non-interference
•1.6L SOHC interference
•1.8L Diesel Interference
•1.8L DOHC petrol Interference
•2.0L Non-interference
•2.2L Diesel Interference
•2.4L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L Non-Interference (petrol
•2.5L Non-interference
• 2.7L V6 VVT-i Non Interference (Hilux, Fortuna etc)
•2.8L Non-interference
•3.0L inline 6 (excluding 1998 2JZ-GE) non-interference
•3.0L V6 non-interference
•3.3L V6 non-intereference
•3.4L non-interference
•4.7L interference
Audi
• 1.8L 1.9L Interference
• 2.8L V6 90 100 Quattro A4 A6 Interference.
Volvo
. All Interference (XC90, GLE, S40, 240 etc).
Mazda
• 1.6L Non-Interference
• 1.5L Non-Interference
• 1.8L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
• 1.8L V6 Non-Interference
• 2.0L Diesel Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (626, MX-6 & Protege) Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (Tribute) Non-Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference
• 2.2L Interference
• 2.3L 4 Cyl. (B2300) Non-Interference
• 2.3L V6 Non-Interference
• 2.5L 4 Cyl. (B2500) Non-Interference
• 2.5L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.0L DOHC Interference
• 3.0L SOHC Interference
Ford
• 1.3L Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Interference
• 1.8L Non-Interference
• 1.9L Non-Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (Contour, Escape, Focus, Mystique, ZX2 & 1999-2002 Cougar) Non-Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (Probe) Interference
• 2.0L Diesel Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Escort, Focus & Tracer) Non-Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Capri, Pinto & Ranger) Non-Interference
• 2.2L Interference
• 2.3L Diesel Interference
• 2.3L SOHC Gasoline Non-Interference
• 2.4L Diesel Interference
• 2.5L SOHC 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
• 2.5L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.0L SOHC Interference
• 3.0L & 3.2L SHO Non-Interference
• 3.3L Interference
Honda
• All Except 3.0L & 3.2L Interference
• 3.0L & 3.2L Non-Interference
Hyundai
• All Interference
Infinity
• 3.0L & 3.3L Interference
Isuzu
• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
• 1.8L Diesel Interference
• 1.8L DOHC Gasoline Interference
• 2.0L Interference
• 2.2L Diesel Interference
• 2.2L Gasoline Interference
• 2.3L Interference
• 2.6L Interference
• 3.2L Non-Interference
• 3.5L Non-Interference
BMW
• 2.5L 325I 525I Interference
• 4.0L 740I Interference
Acura
• All except SLX Interference
• SLX Non Interference
Lexus
• 2.5L Non-Interference
• 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.3L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 (1992-97) Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998-2006) Interference
• 4.0L Interference
• 4.3L Interference
• 4.7L Interference
Chrysler
1.4L, 1.5L & 1.6L Interference
• 1.7L Non-Interference
• 1.8L Interference
• 2.0L DOHC Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Interference
• 2.2L DOHC Interference
• 2.2L SOHC Non-Interference
• 2.22L SOHC Interference
• 2.3L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L DOHC Non-Interference (Valves may hit if camshafts turn out of time)
• 2.4L SOHC Interference
• 2.5L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
• 2.5L V6 Interference
• 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference
• 3.0L DOHC Interference
• 3.0L SOHC 24 Valve Engine Interference
• 3.2L Interference
• 3.5L Interference
• 4.0L Interference
GM and Saturn
• 1.0L Interference
• 1.3L Interference
• 1.4L Non-Interference
• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L (Chevette & 1000) Non-Interference
• 1.6L (LeMans) Non-Interference
• 1.6L (Tracker 16 Valve) Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (Aveo) Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
• 1.8L Diesel Interference
• 1.8L Gasoline Non-Interference
• 2.0L Non-Interference
• 2.2L Diesel Interference
• 2.3L Non-Interference
• 3.0L Interference
• 3.2L Interference
• 3.4L Non-Interference
• 3.5L Non-Interference
GEO
• 1.0L Interference
• 1.3L Interference
• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (1989-92 Prizm GSI) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (1989-97 Prizm Except 1989-92 GSI) Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (Storm) Interference
• 1.6L SOHC (Prizm) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC (Storm) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC 8 Valve Engine (Tracker) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC 16 Valve Engine (Tracker) Interference
• 1.8L DOHC (Prizm) Interference
• 1.8L DOHC (Storm) Interference
Jeep
• 2.0L Non-Interference
• 2.1L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L DOHC Non-Interference (Valves may hit if camshafts turn out of time)
• 2.8L Diesel Interference
Kia
• 1.5L DOHC Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
• 1.8L DOHC Interference
• 2.0L DOHC Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference
• 2.4L DOHC Interference
• 2.5L DOHC Interference
• 2.7L DOHC Interference
• 3.5L DOHC Interference
P.S: 1995 Sportage has a non-interference engine
Mitsubishi
• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Interference
• 1.8L Interference
• 2.0L DOHC Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Interference
• 2.3L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L DOHC Interference
• 2.4L SOHC Interference
• 3.0L DOHC Interference
• 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference
• 3.0L SOHC 24 Valve Engine Interference
• 3.5L DOHC Interference
• 3.5L SOHC Interference
• 3.8L Interference
Nissan
• All Interference
Porsche
4.7L 928 interference
2.0L 924 Turbo Interference
2.5L 944 Interference
2.7L 944 Interference
3.0L 944 Interference
4.5L 928 Interfererence
5.0L 928 interference
5.4L 928, Interference
Mercedes Benz
•All Interference
If this post has helped you or you have any input, Comment, Like or share on Google, Twitter or facebook.
2010 rav4 4cyl…says it is non-interference..changed timing chain, car ran rough for 5 min then died..now sounds like no compression when I crank it
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Hmmm. Did your merc change the engine or you did? Let someone find out why it that happened.
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Intake Valves bent ….no compression…replaced engine
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Intake Valves bent ….no compression…replaced engine
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Did a leakdown test…confirmed bent intake valves
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Is Toyota 4Runner 2003-12 4.0 V6 DOHC interference engine?
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Non-interference. Crosscheck by asking your mechanic.
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That list is nearly useless. Mazda skyactive engines are all interference. Even Toyota is using mostly interference engines.
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What is the name of the engine or what car does it belong to in the photo from carpartsking?
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2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2.4 – IS IT A NON-INTERFERENCE OR AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE?
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Is opel astra 1995 model a non or interference engine?
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Hello, we shall get back to you on that.
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Hey guys. I can’t find whether a 2010 Citroen C Crosser 2.2 HDi engine is a interference or non interference engine. Anyone willing to let us know?
Thank you
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Anyone? Please come forward.
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Is the 2012 vw Jetta 2.0L s an interference or non-interference
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how about scion xb 1.5l
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Hi is a 2.0 gt Toyota celica dohc engine a non interference engine
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2.0L Non-interference
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Is Mazda 323 BF GT 1.6(gasoline engine, 3 doors hatchback) 1989 non interference or interference engine, thanks in advance.
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Non- Interference
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Thank you. 🙂
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Does a ld v maxu s 2007 95 l wb have a interference or non interference engine
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You mean LDV Maxus?
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Um, Volvo 240s are NON-interference
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Um, Volvo 240s are NON-interference
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ford fusion/zetec 1.4 2007 Interference or none interference
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Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Year 2000
I or Non?
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Who can help out here?
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Buick 3.8L engine a non interference or not?
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My American mechanics, come in please.
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Hi so my Chevy 1400 cam belt broke and according to this list it has a non interference motor. So when I took to my mechanic he told me 2 valves had bent and charged me quite a bit to fix! Was he lying?? I was going like 60 kms/ph when it broke. What you guys think??
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Probably not. Two or all of this valves may bend.
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Hi. Timing belt went in a 2006 Chevrolet lacetti 1.4 petrol engine. Before I scrap it can anyone confirm what type of engine it is (interference or not) .I’m don’t seem to be able to find out if it’s a GM engine even….help!!
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Mercedes Benz:
’76 – 117.985 engine
“I” or “Non”
Thank you.
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Pingback: Here's What Interference Engines Are And Why They Exist At All - IT AND US
Missing cars.
The GM v6 2.8L 3.1L 1989s engine is INTERFERENCE!
Pontiac 6000.
Jeep.
Cadillac.
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Ok. Thanks Roy
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The vw 1.8t is an interference engine.
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subaru foester 92/97 SFS JF1SF5LJ4WGO18888 -9 (2.0 Non Turbo is non-interference???
Plese halp me
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Anyone to help?
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Good information great help
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Thank you.👍
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1.6L 16 valve SOHC suzuki Tracker Sidekick engine is NOT an interference engine
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I have a 2002 golf 2.0 an I was told it is an interference engine
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what a bout Opel zafira 1.6 L ? is it’s engine interference or non interference?
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Any knowlegeable person to help out here?
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Car type?
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Hello, I have a 2005 Honda Accord, 3.0 V6, you have it listed as Non interference, but my Honda mechanic told me it is? & there are a-lot of Honda forums and people speculate it is Interference.. but I can not find anything from Honda saying either way?
How did you get your Honda 3.0 Non interference info?
I would like to know for sure.. do you have a link to refer?
Thank you!
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You are right, your mechanic is too. Honda Accord was not stated in our post. Not only Accords use 3.0 V6 Engine.
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? Your Post states this:
Honda
• Except 3.0L & 3.2L Interference
• 3.0L & 3.2L Non-Interference
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It means that other engines other than 3.0L and 3.2L are Interference engines.
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Nice web page. 2005 Honda Pilot EX – interference or not? Timing belt of chain?
Thanks
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It is a non interference engine
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I was told that Kia Sportage (4WD) was non-interference up until 2003., correct or not.
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Correct!
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Hi please help..is “2004 holden astra city” non or ?
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Replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and idler pullies at 60000kms
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Is Tata Safari dicor 2.2 vvt a non interference engine?
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DICOR 2.2 DIESEL?
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Gentleman, I did not see if the 2007 Toyota Camry LE 2.4 was interference or non interference engine. Mechanic stated my timing belt just went…Does anyone know if it is or not?
Thx
Duck
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It uses a belt? A noner
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Is the 2011 Ford Fusion 3.0 DOHC interference?
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“Duratec 30” 3.0 V6 Is non intereference
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I don’t see a toyota 1.5 1NZ-FE listed. The chain just went. Is it interference ??
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It is a non Interference. 1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i is used by Scion XB, Yaris etc
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1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i It is a Non Inteference engine.It is used by Yaris, Echo, Scion xB etc.
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The Geo metro/ Suzuki Swift 1.0 is not a interference engine I build these engines and have replaced over 11 of these belts that were broken I have never seen 1 bent valve in one from 1990 to 2002
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Thank you for your Contribution. We shall include Suzuki and others.
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Hi thanx for the info hope that i would not have to take my head if my 1.8 escort zetec
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I think is an inteference engine
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95 2.5 liter 5 cylinder vw?
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For VW Eurovan I guess. It is an interference engine
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Does Ford Focus mk2 (EU version) 1.6l 74kW have an interference engine?
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1.6L Zetec It is an interference Engine
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volkswagon 1.8l 8v gti (PB)and 16v gti (KR) + (9A) are all interference engines. needs admending on your list
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Thanks.
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Hello Admin
Please is Mazda premacy 2002, 2.0L interference engine?
Thanks
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Mazda Premacy uses a DOHC 2.0L Interference Engine
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Hello Admin
Please is Mazda premacy 2002, 2.0Linterference engine?
Thanks
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Yes Ayo, a 2.0L DOHC is an interference engine
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is ford f-250 triton motor interference
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Ford 5.4L Triton V8 3V is non-interference
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Toyota 4.0L V6 NOT LISTED
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Toyota 4.0L SOHC V6 is not an interference engine
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Toyota 4.0 V6 engine is used in Toyota Fortuna and other models
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what would a toyota tercel 1997 be considered it’s a 1.5l dohc 4cyl?
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From the piece of information I have, it is an Interference engine
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