Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability

Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine

Here in this post, I have gathered information about the Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine from its official website, including its specifications, Problems, and Reliability.

We believe in providing reliable information to our readers, therefore we prefer to obtain information on the Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine from authentic sources.

This article, which has been updated, has all the information you require about the Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine.

Toyota began mass-producing the 3VZ-FE engine, a 3.0-litre V-6 engine designed specifically for the Toyota 4Runner, in 1987.

Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine

Later, Toyota put this motor in some of their other SUVs designed for rough terrain.

There are a number of key differences between this engine and its predecessor, the 2VZ engine—the larger displacement is just one of them.

The cylinder block, made of cast iron, is the same size but 20 mm taller (the height is 223 mm).

The V-shaped block has a 60-degree angle between its cylinders. A new forged crankshaft with nine counterweights and an 82 mm stroke is housed within the block.

Engine Specifications

Engine code 3VZ-FE
Layout Four-stroke, V6
Fuel type Gasoline (petrol)
Production 1992-1997
Displacement 3.0 L, 2,958 cm2 (180.5 cu in)
Fuel system Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Power adder None
Power output From 185 PS (136 kW; 182 HP) at 5,800 rpm
to 200 PS (147 kW; 197 HP) at 5,800 rpm
Torque output From 256 N·m (26.1 kg·m, 188.7 ft·lb) at 4,600 rpm
to 275 N·m (28.0 kg·m, 202.7 ft·lb) at 4,600 rpm
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6
Dimensions (L x W x H):
Weight

Cylinder head

Blockhead alloy Aluminium
Valve Arrangement: DOHC, belt drive
Cylinder head height:
Valves: 24 (4 valves per cylinder)
Intake valve timing: 230°
Exhaust valve timing: 230°
Valve head diameter: 34.0 mm (1.3386 in)
27.3 mm (1.0748 in)
Valve length: 95.15 mm (3.7461 in)
94.90 mm (3.7362 in)
Valve stem diameter: 5.970-5.985 mm (0.235-0.2356 in)
5.965-5.980 mm (0.2348-0.2354 in)
Valve spring free length: 41.40 mm (1.6299 in)
41.40 mm (1.6299 in)
Camshaft lobe height: 42.160-42.260 mm (1.6598-1.6638 in)
41.960-42.060 mm (1.652-1.6559 in)
Camshaft journal diameter: 26.949-26.965 mm (1.061-1.0616 in)

Cylinder block

Cylinder block alloy Cast-iron
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
Cylinder bore: 87.5 mm (3.44 in)
Piston stroke: 82.0 mm (3.23 in)
A number of piston rings (compression/oil): 2 / 1
A number of main bearings: 4
Cylinder inner diameter (standard): 87.500-87.510 mm (3.4449-3.4453 in)
Piston skirt diameter (standard): 87.360-87.370 mm (3.4394-3.4398 in)
Piston pin outer diameter: 21.997-22.006 mm (0.866-0.8664 in)
Connecting rod bushing inner diameter: 22.005-22.014 mm (0.8663-0.8667 in)
Piston ring side clearance: Top 0.010-0.080 mm (0.0004-0.0031 in)
Second 0.030-0.070 mm (0.0012-0.0028 in)
Piston ring end gap: Top 0.280-0.500 mm (0.011-0.0197 in)
Second 0.380-0.600 mm (0.015-0.0236 in)
Oil 0.150-0.570 mm (0.0059-0.0224 in)
Crankshaft main journal diameter: 63.985-64.000 mm (2.5191-2.5197 in)
Crankpin diameter: 54.987-55.000 mm (2.1648-2.1654 in)

Valve clearance

Intake valve 0.13-0.23 mm (0.0051-0.0091 in)
Exhaust valve 0.27-0.37 mm (0.0106-0.0146 in)

Compression pressure

Standard 12.5 kg/m2 (181 psi) / 300 rpm
Minimun 10.0 kg/m2 (145 psi) / 300 rpm
Compression differential limit between cylinders 1.0 kg/m2 (15 psi) / 300 rpm

Oil system

Oil consumption, L/1000 km up to 1.0
Recommended engine oil SAE 5W-30, 10W-30
Oil type API SG “Energy–Conserving”
Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) With filter change 4.3 l (4.5 US qts, 3.8 lmp.qts)
Without filter change 4.1 l (4.3 US qts, 3.6 lmp. qts)
Oil change interval, km (miles) 10,000 (6,000)
Oil Pressure Idle speed: More than 29 kPa (0.3 kg/cm2, 4.3 psi)
3,000 rpm: 249-539 kPa (3.0-5.5 kg/cm2, 43-78 psi)

Ignition system

Spark plug NGK: BCPR6EP-11 DENSO: PQ20R
Spark plug gap 1.1 mm (0.0433 in)
Spark plug tightening torque 18 Nm (1.8 kg⋅m, 13 ft-lb)

Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine Problems & Reliability

The first issue is that the engine is overheating. Often, a faulty head gasket is a culprit. The coolant fan isn’t functioning properly, either.

Keeping the radiator clean and the coolant level at the right level for this engine will help prevent future overheating issues.

Cracks in the cylinder heads and rapid wear on the connecting rod bearings are problems plaguing the 3VZ.

One hundred and eighty thousand kilometres is about the limit for the engine’s lifespan (300,000 km).

Any signs of impending death, such as a rise in oil consumption or knocking sounds coming from the cylinder block, should be taken seriously.

Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine Review 

The 3VZ-FE Toyota 3.0L V6 engine was manufactured from 1992 until 1997. It was a very popular option for Toyota trucks and SUVs including T100, Tacoma, and the 4Runner, Tacoma, and T100. For a full review, please check this YouTube video Here.

Toyota 3VZ-FE 3.0L Engine FAQ 

Is the 3VZ EA a good engine?

Its engine is inadequate for powering larger vehicles such as the Toyota 4Runner and T100.A block made of cast iron, for example, is quite sturdy.

The 3.0 V6 head gaskets have major problems when used with an aluminium cylinder head.

What cars have a 3VZ FE engine?

From 1992 to May 1997, depending on the market, the 3VZ-FE was used in the Camry platform.

In North America, the engine was only available in 1992 and 1993, whereas in Australia and New Zealand, it was available from 1992 to 1996.

Until May 1997, the engine could be purchased in certain Asian markets in the Toyota Windom.

Is the 3VZE an interference engine?

Both the 3VZE and the 5VZ-FE utilize a belt drive that prevents interference between the two engines.

Because of this, improper timing prevents the valves from closing on the pistons.