99 Sephia timing belt questions

Ordinarily, I would not be the one to ask, and I don't have any technical information with me to back this up, so you may wish to call the local auto parts store - they may have that information.

But in general, Kia has not made many non-interference engines, meaning a broken timing belt usually DOES mean valve damage. The usual interval on such vehicles is 60,000, though recently, they rolled some back to 50,000 (I think the Sephia was one), because there were too many timing belts breaking between 50 and 60,000.

The good news is that it is a MUCH easier job in those little four-bangers than it is in some of those newer V6's. Many are done for little more than $100, as opposed to $5-800 on V6's (like in the Sedona, etc.)

Hope this helps.

Tom Wenndt "Brett W. Rohlfing" wrote in message news:YcXFe.12962$x32.5818@trndny09... Does anybody know if the engine in a 99 Sephia is a non-interference engine? Also what is the scheduled interval for replacement? I bought this car a few months ago but it did not come with the owners manual. I of course will be more concerned about changing the belt promptly if a broken one will result in valve damage. Thanks in advance,

Chris