Posted to Technical Theory Forum on 7/31/2014

Houston,

Below is our official statement on Interference vs. Free-Running Engines.

Please note that we publish whether a specific vehicle has an Interference or Free-Running engine on our website. Just navigate through the Year, Make, Model and Engine Size prompts and we will inform you of the Recommended Replacement Interval as well as whether the engine is Interference or Free-Running.

Please visit navigates.gates.com to try it out.

"Automobile engines can be classified as either Free-Running or Interference, depending on what occurs if piston/valve synchronization is lost. Interference engines usually sustain damage if synchronization is lost. Damage can occur to valves, pistons, or heads, and in some cases, completely ruin the engine. Most import (with higher compression engines) and most car and light truck diesel engines are interference. To avoid costly engine repairs, follow the auto manufacturers' mileage replacement recommendations or we recommend timing belt replacement at around 60,000 miles."

Drew Conkling
Manager/Technical Information Specialist
Gates Corporation
Denver, Colorado, USA