Timing Chain for 2004 Solara

[Aja]

My solara is coming up on 60,000 miles. I was told that 2004 Solara's dont' have timing belts they have timing chains and do not need to be replaced.. Is that true?

[Sebas007]

3MZ has timing belt with interference meaning if the belt broke you can have big problem !

Owner's manual suggest to change it every 90K miles

[Aja]

Then I'm guessing the chain lasts the lifetime of your car??? Also, any suggestions on what should be replaced for 60,000?

[Biggi_e]

im at 72000+ and i still havnt changed mine, you'll be fine for a while

[Jon11582]

Timing chain (ONLY on the 2.4L 4cyl Solara) is maintenance free and never needs to be changed.

Timing belt (All other Solara engines - 3.0L, 3.3L, and 2.2L) should be serviced at 90K (they will last typically until about 120K). As Sebas mentioned, this is most important on the 3.3L, since it is an interference engine, whereas the other belt-driven engines are not interference. What this means is a broken timing belt on the 3.0L and 2.2L means your car stalls and you need to cruise to the side of the road and need to get the belt replaced. A broken timing belt in the 3.3L means a trashed valves and pistons, and pretty much a RIP for the engine.

[Somedude]

^ I learned something new today, I did not know the 3MZ used timing belts I thought it uses timing chains.

Will the timing chain loosen over time?