Engine Toyota 3RZ-FE

The 2.7-liter Toyota 3RZ-FE engine was produced from 1994 to 2004 in Japan for pickups and SUVs. This is one of the most voluminous 4-cylinder power units in the line, and the engineers had to complicate its design with the presence of 2 balancer shafts in the crankcase.

3RZ-FE turned out to be the most successful example of the “RZ” series of motors. In this engine, Toyota designers managed to optimally use the main advantages of the inline 4-cylinder layout (low manufacturing cost, simplicity and reliability of operation) and at the same time minimize its disadvantages due to the use of a complex balance shafts in the design.

As a result, Toyota received a fairly powerful and inexpensive gasoline engine, which was successfully installed on jeeps and numerous minivans of the company for 12 years both domestically and in other automotive markets of the world (Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East).

The RZ family includes engines: 1RZ‑E, 2RZ‑E, 2RZ‑FE, 3RZ‑FE.

The engine was installed on:

• Toyota 4Runner 3 (N180) in 1995 – 2002;
• Toyota HiAce 4 (H100) in 1994 – 2004;
• Toyota Hilux N150 in 1997 – 2004;
• Toyota LC Prado 90 (J90) in 1996 – 2002; LC Prado 120 (J120) in 2002 – 2004;
• Toyota Tacoma 1 (N140) in 1995 – 2004.

Specifications

Production years	1994-2004
Displacement, cc	2693
Fuel system	injector MPI
Power output, hp	145 – 150
Torque output, Nm	230 – 240
Cylinder block	cast iron R4
Block head	aluminum 16v
Cylinder bore, mm	95
Piston stroke, mm	95
Compression ratio	9.5 – 10
Features	ESA
Hydraulic lifters	no
Timing drive	chain
Phase regulator	no
Turbocharging	no
Recommended engine oil	5W-30
Engine oil capacity, liter	5.4
Fuel type	petrol
Euro standards	EURO 2/3
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2000) — city — highway — combined	17.8 10.2 13.2
Engine lifespan, km	~500 000
Weight, kg	175

Disadvantages of the 3RZ-FE engine

The 3RZ series of motors are designed in such a way that during their correct operation, serious problems almost never arise. The secret lies above all in the at the same time simple and at the same time reliable design of the engine and its components.

The main thing is to regularly carry out maintenance, adjust the valves in a timely manner, fill in oil from only a trusted manufacturer and refuel with high-quality gasoline. With this approach, you can forget about major repairs forever.

The durability of the unit often exceeds 400 thousand km. However, we must not forget to check the timing chain for relaxation every 200 thousand kilometers. Typically, the problem is accompanied by a characteristic sound.