What does interference mean with respect to the timing belt?

Answer by  doc325 (454)

Interference has to do with the timing of the valves and pistons to one another. On an interference engine the valves may contact the pistons causing the valves to bend if the timing is out of sync.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Interference refers to the contacting of two or more moving parts. This could mean either something contacting the belt itself. More than likely it means the engine is an "interference" style which means that there is a possibility for interference between the piston and valve should the belt break.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

When your talking about the timing belt interference is usually called mechanically interference. Meaning when one moving part of the engine "interferes" or gets in the way of another components. Such as the belt rubbing against the block.

Answer by  jimbob11 (195)

In an interference engine, the piston and valve paths overlap. If properly timed, they will never come in contact with one another. However, if the timing belt breaks or if the timing is incorrect, the piston can hit the valves, causing engine damage.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

When talking about internal parts of the engine, like the timing belt, interference refers to parts coming into contact with each other. When you install a timing belt you need to insure that it moves freely and it doesn't rub any other components. This is important to extend the life of the belt and to keep it working properly.

Answer by  Atil (130)

Interference with respect to the timing belt means that the valves inside a cylinder travel into the path of the piston below them.