Is the 04 Impala 3.8 V6 an interference engine? I'm considering purchasing an LS with 80,000 miles and want to know if I'm looking at a T-belt / Water Pump replacement in the next year or two...

Hello , Your 2004 Chevy Impala with the 3.8 V6 does not have a timing belt it has a timing chain and as long as you have maintained it ( changed the oil on time ) you should be able to go 200,000 miles or without having it changed.

nowhere. it has a timing chain that should last forever as long as you keep your oil in good shape. doesn't matter if you have a 4 cylinder or a v6, they both use chains.

I must presume you have verified that you do indeed have a timing belt and not a timing chain. (I'm reasonably certain you have a belt, I think the 2.4L engine uses a chain.) Your owner's manual should specify the replacement interval, typically 60,000 or more commonly 80,000 miles. If you're coming up on the 80,000 mile mark, change it. If you bought it used and it's over 80,000 and you don't know if it's been changed, then change it. If that's an interference motor, it will destroy itself if the belt breaks. When having the timing belt changed (or doing it yourself), it's a good time to change the water pump (even it it's fine....simply because you have access while changing the belt), all hoses and other belts. It just makes sense to do these other things while you are doing (or having done) the considerable disassembly / interference removal required for the timing belt work. Shop around and get the required parts, take everything to a mechanic you trust or take a couple days off work and do it. I don't know you or your level of expertise, so my apologies if I'm preaching to the choir.

Well if you have the V6 engine, the belt is recommended to be changed at 80,000 miles. It is an interference engine, which means if the belt breaks you can damage the valves and pistons.
If the belt is broken, the engine will not start and may not crank.

Your 2.0L is an interference engine. Since this engine is "SOHC" the timing belt will be easier than the larger 2.4L DOHC engine. When you are ready to perform the repair, please consider buying the timing belt kit. It includes a new water-pump and belt tensioner. If you have any other questions, feel free to write back. Please let me know how the repair goes, good luck.

Most car companies recommend replacement on or before 80,000 miles. Both the 4 cyl and V6 engines are interference style which means the valves can be damaged if the belt breaks while the engine is running.

Well, most belt companies and aftermarket folks recommend 60,000 to 80,000 miles on a timing belt. You have an interference engine which means if the belt breaks while the engine is running it could damage the valves and pistons. So I would recommend doing it soon.

Hello maothilak: My name is Roger and I will help you. According to my repair manuals and shop guide . The timing belt should be replaced every 96560.82km. or every 60,000 miles. Please note this engine has been identified as an interference engine. That means if the belt slips or breaks severe internal damage will occur. With the mileage you have on your engine I would recommend changing the timing belt. You did not say which engine you have? My all data system identified it as a 2.4 sohc engine. Should you have a 3.0 engine than the time to change the belt is 168981.4 km or 105,000 miles. The 3.0 is also considered an interference engine. Should you need further help please just ask. Please rate the answer. Thank You for using Fix Ya. Roger

Sounds like a timing belt has snapped. If it is an interference engine, the engine could be ruined (pistons hit the valves and bend them). Check gates belts to see if it is an interference engine. Belts normally snap at 80,000 to 120,000 miles.

60-80,000 miles is a great benchmark for ANY vehicle. nissan recomends 105,000 miles which seems a little excessive to me. be careful because this engine is listed as an interference motor and WILL cause internal engine damage if it was to break.