The 1.5-liter carburetor engine Toyota 5K-U was produced from 1985 to 1998 for the LiteAce and TownAce vans and the Kijang. It is a simple pushrod engine with 70 hp; a version for passenger cars was called 5K-J.
K family: 5K-U, 7K-E.
Specifications
| Production years | 1985-1998 |
| Displacement, cc | 1486 |
| Fuel system | carburetor |
| Power output, hp | 70 |
| Torque output, Nm | 115 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 80.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 73 |
| Compression ratio | 9.3 |
| Features | OHV |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.8 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 0 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota LiteAce 1987) — city — highway — combined |
9.7 7.1 8.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 135 |
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Kijang 3 (F40) in 1986 – 1996;
- Toyota LiteAce Truck 3 (M50) in 1986 – 1996;
- Toyota LiteAce 3 (M30) in 1985 – 1991, LiteAce 5 (R40) in 1996 – 1998;
- Toyota TownAce 2 (R20) in 1990 – 1991, TownAce 3 (R40) in 1996 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the Toyota 5K-U engine
- Mechanically reliable, but few mechanics can set up its carburetor properly;
- Oil leaks and ignition system faults are common;
- The timing chain is durable and needs replacing only after 200,000-250,000 km;
- Sometimes the intake manifold bolts work loose and the manifold cracks.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 5K-U
How much power does the Toyota 5K-U make?
The Toyota 5K-U develops 70 hp and 115 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Toyota 5K-U take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.8 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Toyota 5K-U have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 5K-U uses a timing chain.
Is the Toyota 5K-U turbocharged?
No, the Toyota 5K-U is naturally aspirated.
Does the Toyota 5K-U need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Toyota 5K-U has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Toyota 5K-U last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 5K-U is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota 5K-U?
Toyota LiteAce 1987: city 9.7, highway 7.1, combined 8.2 L/100 km.
What cars was the Toyota 5K-U installed on?
Toyota Kijang 3 (F40) in 1986 - 1996; Toyota LiteAce Truck 3 (M50) in 1986 - 1996; Toyota LiteAce 3 (M30) in 1985 - 1991, LiteAce 5 (R40) in 1996 - 1998; Toyota TownAce 2 (R20) in 1990 - 1991, TownAce 3 (R40) in 1996 - 1998.
What are the common problems of the Toyota 5K-U?
Mechanically reliable, but few mechanics can set up its carburetor properly. Oil leaks and ignition system faults are common. All known problems.
What engines are related to the Toyota 5K-U?
K family: 7K-E.
