timing belt - I4 Interference Engines or not?

[gnegroni]

Ehh, typical ford to have issues like that. I still wouldn't buy one. I love the new ford commercials that state that "Ford has the same quality as Toyotas!" Seriously, the only American made vehicle I'll ever own is a GM product.

LOL, same as Toyotas...still, I think Toyota quality has diminished a bit... The only good products I believe american manuf. comp have are the big engined cars and pickups. My Taurus was not top of line, yet ended up having less problems. However, can't say the same about smaller cars (Focus, Escorts, etc.).

[JoBu]

Timing chains are good for the life of the engine. Basically, when the engine is worn enough that compression is down and there is more than acceptable blow-by in the cylinders, it's time for a rebuild and the timing chain should be replaced at that time. Also valve guides and seats come into play as well although that would only constitute a rebuild of the top end (head). My best SWAG would be about 250K-300K for the 2AZFE. And I would not automatically rebuild it. I'd have a compression test done as well as a cylinder leak-down test performed. If everything seems okee-dokee, I'll run another 50K before checking it again. Remember, preventative maintenance is your friend.

Cheers,

Joe

[gnegroni]

Well, I try to give my engine the best PM possible. I do everything by the book, even while I'm using synthetic oil. Just did the sea foam too @58k thinking about carbon deposits, raised temperatures and MPG. What else would you suggest have done?

[JoBu]

It sounds like you're doing a great job already. Sticking to the maintenance schedule is a good plan. I just got my Solara and plan to put synthetic in as well as flushing the coolant system. Totota 4-bangers have a reputation for fantastic reliability and I can't think that ours will be any different. Shoot, I had about 325,000 miles on my 22R engine in my old Toyota pick-up when I donated it. It still ran strong and did not burn any oil. Amazing. Then again, the V-6 engines are no slackers either. My ex-g/f had 250,000 miles on her Avalon when she traded it in on a Matrix. Man, I love Toyotas...

Cheers,

Joe

PS. I dig the "Dancing Bear" in your avatar. He's definitely got his groove on...LOL

[sergdanilyuk]

[quote="gnegroni"]I had a 94 Taurus, the reason why I got the Solara... transmission went for second time in 2 years. When my engine overheated, I had the mechanic do a thorough inspection of the engine. I asked about the chain and he told me the chain's free play was withing acceptable limits, that for a 12 year old car...

In other words, chains are almost never replaced in comparison to timing belts which are recommended for 60k changes.
According to alldata timing belt must be replaced on 3.3L at 90000. I would recommend timing belt replacement at 120000