The 3.0-liter Isuzu 4JJ1 diesel engine has been assembled at the Japanese plant since 2004 and is installed on the popular D-Max pickup truck or the MU-X off-road vehicle. There are OHV engine versions: 4JJ1-T, 4JJ1-X, 4JJ1-TCN, 4JJ1-TCS for commercial vehicles.
J-engine family: 4JB1, 4JX1, 4JG2, 4JJ1, 4JJ3.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2004 |
| Displacement, cc | 2999 |
| Fuel system | Common Rail |
| Power output, hp | 146 (4JJ1-TC) 163 – 177 (4JJ1-TCX) 177 (4JJ1-TC HI) |
| Torque output, Nm | 294 (4JJ1-TC) 360 – 380 (4JJ1-TCX) 430 (4JJ1-TC HI) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 95.4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 104.9 |
| Compression ratio | 17.5 (4JJ1-TC) 17.3 – 17.5 (4JJ1-TCX) 16.5 (4JJ1-TC HI) |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain and gears |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | IHI RHV4 (4JJ1-TC) IHI RHV5 (4JJ1-TCX) IHI RHV5 (4JJ1-TC HI) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 7.0 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 (4JJ1-TC) EURO 3/4 (4JJ1-TCX) EURO 5 (4JJ1-TC HI) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Isuzu D-Max 2018) — city — highway — combined |
9.6 7.4 8.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~500 000 |
| Weight, kg | 322 |
The engine was installed on:
- Isuzu D-Max 1 (RA) in 2002 – 2012, D-Max 2 (RT) since 2011;
- Isuzu MU-7 1 (510) in 2004 – 2013;
- Isuzu MU-X 1 (RF) in 2013 – 2021.
Disadvantages of the Isuzu 4JJ1 engine
- This is a strong and resourceful diesel engine, but quite noisy, as well as vibration-loaded.
- The Denso fuel system is quite reliable, but demanding on the quality of diesel fuel.
- The timing chain runs for a long time, but its hydraulic tensioner can already give up by 200,000 km.
- Many problems of this power unit are solved after cleaning the EGR valve.
- Periodically, you need to adjust the valves, since there are no hydraulic lifters here.
Frequently asked questions about the Isuzu 4JJ1
How much power does the Isuzu 4JJ1 make?
Power output of the Isuzu 4JJ1, hp: 146 (4JJ1-TC); 163 - 177 (4JJ1-TCX); 177 (4JJ1-TC HI). Torque, Nm: 294 (4JJ1-TC); 360 - 380 (4JJ1-TCX); 430 (4JJ1-TC HI).
How much oil does the Isuzu 4JJ1 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 7.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Isuzu 4JJ1 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing drive of the Isuzu 4JJ1: chain and gears.
Is the Isuzu 4JJ1 turbocharged?
Yes, the Isuzu 4JJ1 is turbocharged (IHI RHV4 (4JJ1-TC); IHI RHV5 (4JJ1-TCX); IHI RHV5 (4JJ1-TC HI)).
Does the Isuzu 4JJ1 need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Isuzu 4JJ1 last?
The typical lifespan of the Isuzu 4JJ1 is ~500 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Isuzu 4JJ1?
Isuzu D-Max 2018: city 9.6, highway 7.4, combined 8.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Isuzu 4JJ1 installed on?
Isuzu D-Max 1 (RA) in 2002 - 2012, D-Max 2 (RT) since 2011; Isuzu MU-7 1 (510) in 2004 - 2013; Isuzu MU-X 1 (RF) in 2013 - 2021.
What are the common problems of the Isuzu 4JJ1?
This is a strong and resourceful diesel engine, but quite noisy, as well as vibration-loaded. The Denso fuel system is quite reliable, but demanding on the quality of diesel fuel. All known problems.





