Here in this article, you will learn about the Toyota 3RZ-FE 2.7L Engine Specs, its Performance, Cylinder Heads, and Cam Specs & More, Let’s discuss the Toyota 3RZ-FE 2.7L Engine, Problems, Reliability, and Reviews.
Toyota made its 2.7-litre inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, the 3RZ-FE, from 1994 to 2004.
It was designed to replace the ubiquitous 22R-E and quickly found widespread application in commercial trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles, including the Toyota Tacoma, T100, Land Cruiser Prado, and 4Runner.
After 10 years on the market, the engine was replaced by the 2.7L 2TR-FE.
The cylinder block of the 3RZ engine is made of deep-skirt cast iron. Both the bore and the stroke measure 95.0 mm (square engine).
A forged crankshaft, eight counterweights, and a torsional damper pulley ensure that the engine runs smoothly.
The connecting rods are made of forged carbon steel and are shot-peened for strength. Aluminium pistons with resin-coated skirts were also included in the 3RZ.
Oil jets are positioned inside the cylinder block and spray oil onto the bottoms of the pistons, which helps to cool them down even more.
Dual balance shafts, powered by gears in the engine’s crankcase, ensure optimal rotational balance.
Engine Specifications | |
| Engine code | 3RZ-FE |
| Layout | Four stroke, Inline-4 (Straight-4) |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (petrol) |
| Production | 1994-2004 |
| Displacement | 2.7 L, 2,693 cm3 (164.3 cu in) |
| Fuel system | Multi-Point Fuel Injection |
| Power adder | – |
| Power output | 152 PS (112 kW; 150 HP) at 4,800 rpm |
| Torque output | 217 N·m (22 kg·m, 159.9 ft·lb) at 4,000 rpm |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | – |
| Weight | 173 kg (381 lbs) |
Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Cast-iron | |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 | |
| Cylinder bore: | 95.0 mm (3.74 in) | |
| Piston stroke: | 95.0 mm (3.74 in) | |
| Number of piston rings (compression / oil): | 2 / 1 | |
| Number of main bearings: | 5 | |
| Cylinder inner diameter (standard): | 94.990-95.003 mm (3.7398-3.7403 in) | |
| Piston skirt diameter (standard): | 94.933-94.943 mm (3.7375-3.7379 in) | |
| Piston pin outer diameter: | 24.000-24.009 mm (0.9449-0.9452 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance: | Top | 0.020-0.070 mm (0.0008-0.0028 in) |
| Second | 0.030-0.070 mm (0.0012-0.0028 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap: | Top | 0.300-0.400 mm (0.0118-0.0157 in) |
| Second | 0.400-0.500 mm (0.0157-0.0197 in) | |
| Crankshaft journal diameter: | №3: 59.981-59.994 mm (2.2615-2.3620 in.) Other: 59.987-60.000 mm (2.3617-2.3622 in.) | |
| Crankpin diameter: | 52.987-53.000 mm (2.0861-2.0866 in)
| |
Valve clearance (Cold) | |
| Intake valve (COLD) | 0.15-0.25 mm (0.006-0.010 in) |
| Exhaust valve (COLD) | 0.29-0.39 mm (0.0114-0.0154 in) |
Compression pressure | |
| Standard | 12.5 kgf/cm2 (178 psi) / 200 rpm |
| Minimun | 9.0 kgf/cm2 (127 psi) / 200 rpm |
| Compression differential limit between cylinders | 1.0 kgf/cm2 (14 psi) / 200 rpm |
Oil system | |
| Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles) | up to 0.5 (1 qt. per 1200 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 10W-30 |
| Oil type API | SL “Energy-Conserving” |
| Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) | 4.7-5.5 liters (5.0-5.8 US qts, 4.1-4.8 imp. qts) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Oil pressure | Idle spped: 29 kPa (0.3 kg/cm3; 4.2 psi) At 3,000 rpm: 245-490 kPa (2.5-5.0 kg/cm3; 36-71 psi) |
| Spark plug | DENSO: K16R–U11, NGK: BKR5EYA–U |
| Spark plug gap | 1.0-1.1 mm (0.0394-0.0433 in) |
| Spark plug torque | 20 N·m (2 kg·m, 14.7 ft·lb) |
Cylinder head | ||
| Valve Arrangement: | DOHC, chain drive | |
| Valves: | 16 (4 valves per cylinder) | |
| Valve timing: | INTAKE | 230° |
| EXHAUST | 224° | |
| Valve head diameter: | INTAKE | 37.5 mm (1.4764 in) |
| EXHAUST | 30.5 mm (1.2008 in) | |
| Valve length: | INTAKE | 103.45 mm (4.0728 in) |
| EXHAUST | 103.60 mm (4.0787 in) | |
| Valve stem diameter: | INTAKE | 5.970-5.985 mm (0.235-0.2356 in) |
| EXHAUST | 5.965-5.980 mm (0.2348-0.2354 in) | |
| Camshaft cam height: | INTAKE | 45.31-45.41 mm (1.7839-1.7878 in) |
| EXHAUST | 45.06-45.16 mm (1.774-1.7779 in) | |
| Outer camshaft journal diameter: | 26.959-26.975 mm (1.0614-1.062 in | |
Vehicle Applications
| Model | Years Produced |
| Toyota Tacoma | 1995–2004 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 1996–2000 |
| Toyota T100 | 1994–1998 |
| Toyota Granvia | 1995–2002 |
| Toyota Hilux | 1995–2004 |
| Toyota Hiace | 1990–2004 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 1996–2004 |
| Toyota Touring Hiace | 1998–2002 |
Toyota 3RZ-FE 2.7L Engine Reliability
Timing chain breakage in 3RZ
Instead of a timing belt, the 3RZ engine uses a timing chain. The exhaust valves are opened and closed using a chain and gear system.
Gears mounted on the front of the engine block link the cam and crank to the timing chain. Lubricating oil is supplied to the chain, which is shielded from damage by a timing cover.
In addition to the chain itself, the 3RZ-FE also features timing guides and tensioners. When the chain is on the gears, the guides keep it from slipping off.
The slack in a chain can be kept at bay with the help of tensioners, which use springs to do so. Due to the fact that the tensioner in this Toyota engine is hydraulically controlled by oil pressure, a decrease in oil pressure will render the tensioners ineffective.
Timing Chain Failure Symptoms
- Cylinder misfires
- Metal shavings in the oil
- Rattling noise from the engine
- Poor idling and performance
Belt Serpentine Roars, Model RZ-FE
The power of an engine is distributed over a long rubber belt called the serpentine belt.
The serpentine belt is used to transmit power to the water pump, power steering pump, alternator, air conditioner compressor, and other accessories via pulleys and a tensioner.
A pulley connected to the crankshaft provides the necessary rotational force. The belt that powers everything else is rotated by a pulley that, in turn, follows the movement of the crankshaft.
- Squeaking or squealing
- AC doesn’t work
- The car doesn’t have power steering
- Battery is low
- The belt is visually worn or frayed
Leaky Water Pump on a Toyota 3RZ-FE
Once again, water pump failure is not so much an everyday occurrence as it is a routine service.
To keep the engine running smoothly, coolant must be pumped through the system by use of a water pump.
Pump internals is subject to the same wear and tear and deterioration as any other machine due to the high pressures at which they operate.
- Engine overheating
- Check engine light
- Whining noises from the pump
Toyota 3RZ-FE 2.7L Engine Reliability
How dependable is the 3RZ-FE motor? In that regard, yes, it is really trustworthy.
The engine block, cylinder heads, and internals are all made to last a very long time and should never cause any severe issues.
Putting forged components into an engine producing 150 horsepower almost ensures that the engine will be extremely dependable.
The valves are the one exception to my previous assertion. Although valve failure is uncommon, it might become an issue if modifications aren’t done on a regular basis. Every 25,000 miles, you should inspect the valve clearance and seat and make any necessary adjustments.
Timing chain issues are also not as many problems as they are maintenance needs. Likewise, faulty water pumps can have grave consequences.
There will be no cause for concern other than a $10 serpentine belt that will need replacing every 100,000 miles or so.
While it is possible, failure of the balancing shaft bearing is not common enough to cause concern about the 3RZ’s durability.
Toyota 3RZ-FE 2.7L Engine Review
Toyota’s 3RZ-FE 2.7L engine is a 4-cylinder inline DOHC engine produced between 1994 and 2004. It is renowned for its durability, reliability as well and the efficiency of its fuel. For a full review, please check this YouTube video Here.
Toyota 3RZ-FE 2.7L Engine FAQ
Is Toyota 3RZ-FE a good engine?
How dependable is the 3RZ-FE motor? In that regard, yes, it is really trustworthy.
The engine block, cylinder heads, and internals are all quite sturdy and will probably never cause any severe issues in your lifetime.
What is a 3RZ-FE engine?
Its displacement is 2,693 cc, making the 3RZ-FE a 2.7-litre model. The dimensions of the cylinder are 95 mm by 95 mm (3.74 in by 3.74 in).
The compression ratio is 9.5 to 1. The engine generates 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque at 4000 rpm and 150 horsepower (112 kW; 152 PS) at 4800 rpm.
These engines’ twin balance shafts are operated by a chain.
What cars have a 3RZ engine?
In fact, Toyota relied on the 3RZ engine for an entire decade (1994–2004).
Toyota’s most popular vehicles, including the Tacoma, Land Cruiser Prado, and 4Runner, all include this engine, which was produced at Toyota’s Kamino Plant in Japan.
Is the 3RZ-FE an interference engine?
Toyota 20R, 22R, 22RE, 22RET, 2RZ-RE, and 3RZ-FE engines are all chain-driven interference engines.
Is the 3RZ engine diesel?
The 3RZ-FE was Toyota’s commercial and four-wheel-drive offering of a 2.7-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine.