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    Do I have to retime the motor if the serpentine belt in my 1998 Toyota RAV4 broke broke?

    Toyota Toyota Advice Toyota RAV4 Toyota RAV4 Advice Toyota RAV4 1998

    The serpentine belt broke in my 1998 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser. Do l have to retime motor?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    8 March 2024
    David Morley

    It all depends on what you call the serpentine belt. If you mean the toothed rubber belt that drives the camshafts, then yes, the engine will need to have its valve timing re-set before it will run again with a new belt. If this is what has happened, you’re lucky that the 3S-FE engine in your car is what’s called a non-interference engine. That is, if the belt brakes, the pistons will not crash into the valves, destroying the engine. In an interference design, you’d be looking at a whole new engine.

    If, however, the belt you refer to is the one that drives the power-steering pump, water pump and alternator, then you should be able to simply replace the belt and be back in business.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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