I have a 1993 toyota camry v6 3vz-fe and was wondering if the engine was interference or non interference I was unalbe to get through on the link provided on this forum to find out but i just had a timing belt break on me and wanted to know before I put the money into it a yes or no would be very appreciated

Free-running (non-interference)

Now that I can wipe the sweat off my brow I have just one more question after replacing the belt how would I go about resetting the cam and crank timing since this would be my first time working on a twin can car i know that the crank has to go to top dead center but how do I set the cam and where are the markings for the cams thanks for the info....

Check the FAQ thread

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=3196113&postcount=5

I'm checked to see if the distributer to see if it is moving and it is but the one thing I'm asking is it possible for the timing belt to still be broken and the distributer to keep moving I keep get a sound coming from the engine sound like only the starter is turning the crank and no the cams

No way. What makes you think you broke a timing belt? Just the sound?

yeah I can't think of any thing that would make it do that I'm tempted to just take the cover off and look to see here's what happened I had the car and it sat up for about 4 years I had to replace some wires because they were chewed on by rats after i replaced the wires and the fuel pump the car ran fine it crunk up on a dime ( you could put a drink on it and it wouldn't ripple) the next day I went to crank it up and that's when the trouble startedbut the engine doesn't even sound the same when you trying to turn it over it doesn't even sound like it did before I replaced the wires I've worked on cars before but never nothing foreign and normally that is the problem but if you can point me in another direction it would be very apprecaited

Check the starting problem post in the FAQ.

I'm assuming the car is not starting. I'm keying in on your statement "It doesn't sound the same...". This isn't a sure fire way to tell if the belts broke, only an indication it might be. If you're turning the key and it sounds like it's turning over a little faster than normal with a higher pitched sound it could be the timing belt has broken. Why? The timing belt sychronizes the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves in relation to the crankshaft via the camshaft. If the belt is broken, only the crankshaft is turning, leaving the camshaft and valves at the postion they were when the belt broke. More that likely at least some of the valves are open to one degree or other. This means as the pistons rise no compression is produced. If theres no compression the crankshaft and pistons are going to spin faster because there is no resistance from the lack of compression created by the open valves. Plus your starter is now only turning half the engine. Hope this goblty gue makes sense.

The only sure fire way to know the belt is broken is to pull the cover off and look. It sure would be nice if they made timing belt covers out of clear plastic would't it? Yes, the fact the distributor is not turning is another indication of a broken belt but, the distributor shaft or gear could be snapped, giving you the same indication. Keep in touch.

I'm checked to see if the distributer to see if it is moving and it is..

Not the timing belt

E GADS! I just have to read. I shake my head when I see others do that. Oy vea! Thanks Brian.

I'll leave it there for a reference. See any holes in it?

One possibility related to the timing belt is that it may have jumped a tooth or two on the cam sprocket. That would make his engine crank differently. Maybe that is what you were thinking of.

Brian R - A slipped belt is a definite possibility but, no I wasn't thinking that. I missread his post and incorrectly thought his distributor (rotor) was not turning. As I said, I just need to read. Cheers!

I had a car years ago in England whos timing belt broke. That's what I was relating to in the previous post about sounds. The sound while attempting to start definitely changed from normal. A broken timing belt, however, is not in enygma79's future. Could be slipped though

Just trying to give you the benefit of the doubt... :)

I appreciate the post and replies but I did find the problem and it was in the fuel system there was sludge in the gas tank that clogged up the strainer which I just replaced along with the fuel pump and filter the day before all this happened and by the car being low on gas and sitting overnight it colgged it up I just put five gallons of gas in and waited 2hrs and it slowly came around like I said I appreciate all the help and replies you made me think

Better clean out the tank

Good job in figuring it out. Some problems like this never get sorted out.