I have a '97 ej22, I have searched the threads and determined that most '97 ej22's are interference engines. However, it seems that the change came sometime early in the model year, leaving the possibility it may be non interference.

 

Is there any way to tell from the outside of the engine if it is or is not interference?

I have a '97 ej22, I have searched the threads and determined that most '97 ej22's are interference engines. However, it seems that the change came sometime early in the model year, leaving the possibility it may be non interference.

 

Is there any way to tell from the outside of the engine if it is or is not interference?

 

Yes, '97's are interference.

Right on, AFIAK '96 was the last year for non-interference 2.2L's. If you pull a valve cover and see HLA's in there, then maybe you got an earlier 2.2L non-interference engine. If you see the screw and nut adjusters then not.

Right on, AFIAK '96 was the last year for non-interference 2.2L's. If you pull a valve cover and see HLA's in there, then maybe you got an earlier 2.2L non-interference engine. If you see the screw and nut adjusters then not.

Not necessarily. Some 96's are solid valves and non-interference.

Interesting, I thought the bucket lifters and interference design came together at the exact same time for MY1997. Learn something new every day!

 

- Scott

Interesting, I thought the bucket lifters and interference design came together at the exact same time for MY1997. Learn something new every day!

 

- Scott

 

Two different engines. We are discussing the EJ22 2.2L. It is the EJ25 2.5L DOHC that has the bucket lifters.

Thanks for the input. I took off one of the valve covers, I have the solid lifters, the adjustable rockers are a dead giveaway.

 

So, I most likely have an interference engine, but not for sure. If I grab the cam pulley and turn it by hand should it turn easily if I have a non interference engine? Could I do damage if it is an interference engine turning by hand?

You'll only be able to spin the cam if the timing belt is off. If you aligned the crank at the position per the procedure, then no piston is near top dead center, and spinning the cam (this is an sohc) will cause no damage.