What is an interference engine?

Answer by  wickjeff (105)

An interference engine is an engine where there is valve relief on the top of the pistons. Essentially, the relief on the piston allows the valve to incrementally extend beyond the actual piston (the interference). This allows for a longer valve throw in otherwise size contrained engines. If there was no "relief", the valves would smack the pistons and break.

Answer by  JohnHolmes (2660)

An interference engine is an engine that will destruct when it loses time. When the timing chain or belt breaks the lifters will get thrown into the cam often cracking.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

That is an engine where the valves and piston move through the same area at different times. That means these components can contact(interfere) when the timing belt breaks.

Answer by  dcameron1021 (104)

An interference engine is any engine whose design allows reciprocating parts to come in contact with each other. Primarily a belt driven engine.

Answer by  Shardz (11)

An interference engine is a 4 stroke internal combustion engine that can be found in certain cars, for example 1980-1988 Toyota Corrola's.

Answer by  rano123 (109)

The term interference engine refers to the clarances inside the engine in relation to the engine valves. On domestic vehicles, if the timing belt/chain brakes, there will be no damage to the engine valves becasuse they are a "no interferance" engine. Many imports are interferance engines. When the timing belt brakes, the piston hit and bend the valves causing damage.