An interference engine is a type of 4-stroke internal combustion piston engine in which one or more valves in the fully open position extends into any area through which the piston may travel.

An interference engine is one that has insufficient clearance between the valves and pistons if the cam stops turning due to a broken timing belt. The result is usually catastrophic engine failure.

But what exactly is an interference engine? Interference engines are common among the latest automotive models. Moreover, it refers to a 4-stroke internal combustion piston engine where the …

Mar 20, 2018 · If the piston travels far enough in the cylinder to actually hit the open valves, that's an interference engine. If the piston never gets far enough to reach the valves, that's a free-running...

Sep 3, 2024 · An interference engine is one in which the valves and the pistons operate within the same space inside the cylinder. The timing belt or chain regulates the movement of these internal engine …

May 8, 2018 · What kind of engine is in your car: interference or non-interference? It’s important for you to know, because if the timing belt breaks, a non-interference engine will simply fail to start, while an …

Jan 18, 2020 · This article explores what an interference engine is, how it differs from a non-interference engine, and what vehicle owners should be aware of to avoid potential issues.

Oct 8, 2025 · Interference engines are common in the automotive sector, but what do they do? Find out that and more in our expert guide.

Jan 31, 2024 · An interference engine is a type of internal combustion engine where the piston and valves occupy the same space in the combustion chamber at different times. This design allows for …

Dec 27, 2023 · When a piston travels far enough towards the TDC and hits the valves, or in other words, occupies the area into which the valves open, the engine is called an interference engine.