The 1.5-liter Toyota 3E-TE turbo engine was produced at the factory in Japan from 1986 to 1990 and was installed in the local version of the Tercel model in the back of the L30, better known as the Corolla II. This power unit is very rare and also has poor reliability.
E family: 1E, 2E, 2E-E, 2E-TE, 3E, 3E-E, 3E-TE, 4E-FE, 4E-FTE, 5E-FE, 5E-FHE.
Specifications
| Production years | 1986-1990 |
| Displacement, cc | 1456 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 115 |
| Torque output, Nm | 172 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 87 |
| Compression ratio | 8.0 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | yes |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Tercel 1988) — city — highway — combined |
9.5 6.8 8.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~210 000 |
| Weight, kg | 120 |
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Tercel 3 (L30) in 1986 – 1990.
Disadvantages of the Toyota 3E-TE engine
- This is a fairly rare engine and you will have problems with service and spare parts;
- This unit regularly overheats and most often with burnout of the cylinder head gasket;
- From this, valve stem seals quickly tan here and lubricant consumption appears;
- The reason for the oil burner may be in the piston rings, they lie to 100,000 km;
- Also, the ignition system often fails here and valve clearances need to be adjusted.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 3E-TE
How much power does the Toyota 3E-TE make?
The Toyota 3E-TE develops 115 hp and 172 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Toyota 3E-TE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.2 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Toyota 3E-TE have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 3E-TE uses a timing belt.
Is the Toyota 3E-TE turbocharged?
Yes, the Toyota 3E-TE is turbocharged.
Does the Toyota 3E-TE 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 Toyota 3E-TE last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 3E-TE is ~210 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota 3E-TE?
Toyota Tercel 1988: city 9.5, highway 6.8, combined 8.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Toyota 3E-TE installed on?
Toyota Tercel 3 (L30) in 1986 - 1990.
What are the common problems of the Toyota 3E-TE?
This is a fairly rare engine and you will have problems with service and spare parts. This unit regularly overheats and most often with burnout of the cylinder head gasket. All known problems.
