Toyota Rav4 Cam Belt Blown!

[abruzzorav]

HI

I have recently had the cam (timing) belt break on my RAV4 1999 Japanese import Rav. It's an AUTOMATIC.

I'd be interested to hear any opinions and especially solutions that might help me in deciding if its worth putting on a new cam belt (quoted £400 for part, labour and VAT).

I have been told by the mechanic that the chance of engine damage is high (i was travelling at about 15 MPH when it 'went'. Engine died and car ground to a halt. So additionally it may cost a further £800 for (labour and VAT) to strip engine check valves etc and put back together, but any parts and additional time for fitting would be extra. Estimated total bill £1,300 - £2000 depending on damage.

The car has 185,000 miles on clock.

Is there any way of telling if there is engine damage without putting on a new belt first?

Look forward to receiving advice.

Thanks

[Heidfirst]

what engine is in it? it should be possible to find out if it's a non-interference engine.

[abruzzorav]

Hi Scott. It's a 1990 cc engine and the engine number is 3SSXA16G20033. Can i use this to check with Toyota if it's a non interference engine?

[Heidfirst]

Petrol or diesel, as it's Japanese import I guess petrol? Yes, I would have thought that a Toyota dealer should be able to tell you if the engine in your RAV is non-interference or not.

I think that there is a high likelihood that it is non-interference.

[graunch]

Hi Duncan,

I've had a look through some autodata information I have on a 1999 rav4 and it doesn't list a 1990cc engine but it does list a 1998cc 3S-FE engine which it states is an interference engine and damage is "highly likely" in the event of timing belt failure.

maybe just check your engine info again regarding cc.

regards colin

[Heidfirst]

however, http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/74354-3s-fe-interference-or-non-interference/ - would be interesting to know how this turned out.

lots of other links on Google suggest non-interference e.g.

http://oldschool.co.nz/2011/forum/index.php?/topic/33802-toyota-3s-fe-non-interference-engine/

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/83-4-1-general/64008-3sfe-non-interference-motor-timing-belt-broke.html

[abruzzorav]

Hi Scott an Colin

Thanks for responses. My V5 document says its 1990 CC but i did a bit more digging and there isn't an engine with that - it's 1998 CC as you said, Colin. Do you mind me asking where the auto data came from? Local Toyota mechanics don't seem to have much knowledge on the old Rav's regarding interference/non interference engines.

[graunch]

Hi duncan/scott,

There does seem to be a lot of conflicting information on this looking at the net, The information I gave is from the "autodata version 3.38 cd" that I have. but I'm sure even they can make mistakes.(just checked Haynes manual as well and that gives no clues) Maybe best ring the Toyota dealer in the morning.

regards colin

[philip42h]

You may be in luck because your RAV is a Japanese import. This wiki article on the Gen 1 RAV4 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_RAV4#First_generation_.28XA10.3B_1994.E2.80.932000.29) suggests that:

In Japan, the 2.0-liter 3S-GE BEAMS engine with 132 kW (177 hp) was also available.

And in this wiki article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_S_engine#3S-GE) it is clear that this is a non-interference engine:

The pistons are made from an aluminium alloy, designed to withstand high temperatures. An indentation is incorporated into the piston head to prevent the pistons from hitting the valves, should the timing belt break (this is not true of the later BEAMS - an acronym which stands for Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System - motors). This is commonly referred to as a "non-interference" engine. Piston pins holding the pistons in place are locked by snap rings. The "Outer Shim Type System" allows for the replacement of the shims without the need to remove the camshaft. To adjust the valve clearance, adjust the shims above the valve lifters.

All based on Internet research rather than knowledge but possibly a cause for optimism ...

[abruzzorav]

Hi Phillip

Thanks for posting the articles. Can't my RAV also fall into the this catagory though - it mentions RAVs from 1994-2000, which is me

3S-FE[edit]

The Toyota 3S-FE is a 16-valve 2.0 L twin camshaft, single cam gear engine built by Toyota from 1986 to 2000. European version produces 128 PS (94 kW)(126hp) at 5,600 rpm and 179 Nm (132ft-lbs) at 4,400 rpm.^[8] It is commonly used in the Camry 1987–1992 model, the Celica T160/T180/T200, Carina 1987–1992, Carina 1988–2001, Caldina 1992–2002, Carina ED 1990–1992 and E 1993–1998 models, Corona T170/T190 as well as Avensis 1997–2000 models and RAV4, 1994–2000 and Picnic/Ipsum 1996–2002. The 3S-FE was also used in some MR2 Mk2 cars due to its torque band being suitable for the automatic models. The 3S-FE is fitted with EFI. The 3S-FE engine is fitted with cast iron internals, whereas the 3S-GE/GELU engines have forged internals.

I wish there was a straight answer. e mailing Toyota in Japan pushes you to a USA website. They have accepted my enquiry but on the articles you highlighted USA vehicles were different and so the response i get may be based on the uSA models, not Japanese Imports to the EU! aaagghh

[abruzzorav]

Just to say thanks Scott, Colin and Phillip for your help. I didn't get a clear answer from Toyota Europe and no response from Japan but went ahead anyway as my engine was not the 'standard' european model....It WORKED! New cam belt and it started first time...Thank God for Imports!

On an unrelated topic if anyone can recommend a specialist who could identify the exact cause of a speed sensor failure it would be helpful. Toyota Aylesbury confirmed i need an oxygen sensor but cannot seem to identify the exact problem with speed sensor as their diagnostic machine is not calibrated for an import model where they think I have something in the engine that converts KPH to MPH - the dashboard speedometer only reads in MPH. I'm no expert so only quoting what the servicing manager told me.

So if anyone can tell me of an expert garage that perhaps specialises in Japanese imports and is in the Buckinghamshire area It would be a great help.

Merry Christmas!