The Japanese company produced the 2.8-liter Toyota 3L diesel engine from 1988 to 2015 and installed it on HiAce minibuses, Dyna delivery trucks, and Hilux SUV pickups. Copies of this power unit are still produced for various commercial vehicles.
The main advantages of the Toyota 3L are its simple and reliable design. The absence of pushers and shafts in the valve timing system makes it possible to fill even mineral motor oil without the risk of problems. The crankshaft with a set of anti-vibrators ensures stable and precise operation in the entire speed range, without jerks, vibrations and amplitude fluctuations.
It is almost impossible to overheat the 3L diesel engine. Even if the cooling pump is faulty, you can safely drive to the repair shop. The valve timing belt can withstand much more than the stated 100,000 km. If the component is purchased from a certified manufacturer, its service life will be at least 150,000 – 170,000 km.
This diesel engine does not have hydraulic compensators, so it is necessary to adjust the thermal clearances at least once every 30,000 km.
L family: 2L, 2L-T, 2L-TE, 2L-THE, 3L, 5L, 5L-E.
Specifications
| Production years | 1988-2015 |
| Displacement, cc | 2779 |
| Fuel system | prechamber |
| Power output, hp | 78 – 91 |
| Torque output, Nm | 188 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | cast iron 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 96 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 96 |
| Compression ratio | 22.2 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.1 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 1997) — city — highway — combined |
13.5 8.6 10.7 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 230 |
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota 4Runner 2 (N120) in 1989 – 1995;
- Toyota HiAce 4 (H100) in 1989 – 2004;
- Toyota Hilux 5 (N80) in 1988 – 1997, Hilux 6 (N140) in 1997 – 2005;
- Toyota LC Prado J70 in 1990 – 1996, LC Prado 90 (J90) in 1996 – 2002.
Disadvantages of the Toyota 3L engine
- Diesel engines of this series are very reliable, but noisy and vibration-loaded;
- The engine does not have any weak points; on specialized forums, they only complain about leaks;
- On runs of 200 – 300 thousand km, fuel injectors may often require replacement;
- If the timing belt breaks, not only the valves will bend here, but the camshaft will also break;
- Hydraulic compensators are not provided and valve clearances have to be adjusted.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 3L
How much power does the Toyota 3L make?
The Toyota 3L develops 78 - 91 hp and 188 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Toyota 3L take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 6.1 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-40.
Does the Toyota 3L have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 3L uses a timing belt.
Is the Toyota 3L turbocharged?
No, the Toyota 3L is naturally aspirated.
Does the Toyota 3L 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 3L last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 3L is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota 3L?
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 1997: city 13.5, highway 8.6, combined 10.7 L/100 km.
What cars was the Toyota 3L installed on?
Toyota 4Runner 2 (N120) in 1989 - 1995; Toyota HiAce 4 (H100) in 1989 - 2004; Toyota Hilux 5 (N80) in 1988 - 1997, Hilux 6 (N140) in 1997 - 2005; Toyota LC Prado J70 in 1990 - 1996, LC Prado 90 (J90) in 1996 - 2002.
What are the common problems of the Toyota 3L?
Diesel engines of this series are very reliable, but noisy and vibration-loaded. The engine does not have any weak points; on specialized forums, they only complain about leaks. All known problems.
3L diesel engine for hiace is much better than petrol engines .
The 3L engine are eliable but leaks on the cylinder head never end
Which Toyota L series engine is best for commuter omnibus business in the Zimbabwean 🇿🇼 environment?
3L Diesel👍🏼!