The 1.5-liter Toyota 3E carburetor engine was produced by the concern from 1986 to 1994 and was installed on many popular models of its time, such as Tercel, Sprinter and Corolla. This unit was the most unreliable in the line, its owners often struggled with the oil burner.
E family: 1E, 2E, 2E-E, 2E-TE, 3E, 3E-E, 3E-TE, 4E-FE, 4E-FTE, 5E-FE, 5E-FHE.
Specifications
| Production years | 1986-1994 |
| Displacement, cc | 1456 |
| Fuel system | carburetor |
| Power output, hp | 79 – 88 |
| Torque output, Nm | 118 – 121 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 87 |
| Compression ratio | 9.3 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 0 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Corolla 1990) — city — highway — combined |
8.2 5.9 6.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~230 000 |
| Weight, kg | 110 |
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Carina 5 (T170) in 1988 – 1992;
- Toyota Corolla 6 (E90) in 1987 – 1992;
- Toyota Corona 9 (T170) in 1987 – 1992;
- Toyota Sprinter 6 (E90) in 1987 – 1991;
- Toyota Tercel 3 (L30) in 1986 – 1990, Tercel 4 (L40) in 1990 – 1994.
Disadvantages of the Toyota 3E engine
- The unstable operation of the motor can usually be eliminated by adjusting the carburetor;
- This power unit is afraid of overheating, it very often breaks through the cylinder head gasket;
- For the same reason, valve stem seals are tanned here and lubricant consumption appears;
- At 150,000 km, piston rings also lie, which also contributes to oil consumption;
- There are no hydraulic compensators here, the thermal clearances of the valves must be adjusted.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 3E
How much power does the Toyota 3E make?
The Toyota 3E develops 79 - 88 hp and 118 - 121 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Toyota 3E take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.2 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Toyota 3E have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 3E uses a timing belt.
Is the Toyota 3E turbocharged?
No, the Toyota 3E is naturally aspirated.
Does the Toyota 3E 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 last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 3E is ~230 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota 3E?
Toyota Corolla 1990: city 8.2, highway 5.9, combined 6.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Toyota 3E installed on?
Toyota Carina 5 (T170) in 1988 - 1992; Toyota Corolla 6 (E90) in 1987 - 1992; Toyota Corona 9 (T170) in 1987 - 1992; Toyota Sprinter 6 (E90) in 1987 - 1991; Toyota Tercel 3 (L30) in 1986 - 1990, Tercel 4 (L40) in 1990 - 1994.
What are the common problems of the Toyota 3E?
The unstable operation of the motor can usually be eliminated by adjusting the carburetor. This power unit is afraid of overheating, it very often breaks through the cylinder head gasket. All known problems.
