Will your engine on a 1997 Avalon be damaged if the timing belt breaks before you replace it?

Yes, a broken timing belt on a 1997 Toyota Avalon will almost certainly cause significant engine damage. Unlike interference engines, where valves and pistons collide directly upon a timing belt failure, the 1997 Avalon's engine is an interference engine. This means that when the timing belt breaks, the pistons and valves can collide, bending or breaking valves, and potentially causing damage to the pistons and cylinder head. This kind of damage is very expensive to repair, often exceeding the value of the car.