Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 Engine Specs, Problems, Reliability. The 1GR-FE is a 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine created by Toyota for SUVs and RWD/4WD pickups. This 4.0-liter member of The Toyota GR engine family, together with 3.5-liter 2GR-FE, changed the previous MZ V6 engines. The 1GR was first available in 2002 in the Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser Prado. After update in 2009 (Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE), the engine continues his life and still used in some four-wheel drive Toyota and Lexus automobiles like Toyota Tundra and Lexus GX 400.
The 1GR engine has an open-deck 60-degree V angle aluminum cylinder block with cast iron liners. Inside the block, there is a created steel crankshaft with nine counterweights and four main journals, created connecting rods, and aluminum alloy pistons. The engine utilizes oil jets mounted inside the engine block which sprayed oil down side of the pistons for temperature reduction. The piston skirts have a resin covering to lower friction.
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Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 Engine Specs, Problems, Reliability
The engine has aluminum cylinder heads. The double overhead camshafts are driven by the secondary and main timing chain. The primary timing chain drives the intake camshafts and after that the intake camshaft drives the exhaust camshaft via the secondary chain. The very first 1GR-FE engine (till 2009 model year) had the variable valve timing (VVT-i) on the intake. Cylinder heads for this engine have 4 valves per cylinder. The valves are activated through shimless type valve lifters. The heads are covered by aluminum cylinder head covers.
There is a plastic intake manifold mounted on top of the engine. The intake is geared up with Toyota’s Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS). The unique air control valve differs the efficient length of the intake manifold according to engine speed and enhances the engine output. The Toyota’s Electronic Throttle Control System-intelligent (ETCS-i) system is likewise used. The engine uses a consecutive fuel injection system with twelve-hole fuel nozzles for each cylinder. The ignition is the Toyota’s DIS ignition. Each cylinder has specific ignition coil integrated into the spark plug cap. Each head has a stainless-steel exhaust manifold (header) with an integrated three-way ceramic-type catalytic converter.
Double VVT-i 1GR-FE
In 2009, the Toyota started production of the upgraded variation 1GR – the double VVT-i 1GR-FE engine. That variation includes not just the variable intake and exhaust valve timing system however likewise the considerable changes in mechanical parts. The bottom of the engine received a brand-new crankshaft with 5 balance weight, pistons with enhanced shape produced 10.4:1 compression ratio versus 10.0:1. The engine also got redesigned cylinder heads. The camshaft real estate now is separate and the valves actuated by roller rocker arms with built-in needle bearings. The valvetrain is geared up with hydraulic lash adjusters.
The pressure in the injection system was raised from 284 kPa as much as 324 kPa. The position of the injector nozzle moved more detailed to the intake valves. In the intake, the ACIS system was left out. There is a simple plastic intake manifold and electronically regulated throttle body (ETCS-i). The nickel spark plugs were changed by iridium-tipped spark plugs (Denso SK20HR11). The Double VVT-i 1GR has new headers (exhaust manifolds).
Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 Engine Problems and Reliability
The reliability of the 1GR-FE is not the best side of that engine and not appropriate especially for a work truck or a huge family SUV. The engine block of the 1GR-FE has cast-in unique thin cylinder liners. Their thin walls make it difficult to bore the block and restore an engine with a harmed cylinder wall surface. The typical failure for a reasonably huge mileage 1GR engines (near 150,000 miles) is a blown off head gasket. The water pump is a weak point; its longevity has to do with 40-50k miles. Pay extra attention to the condition of the coolant system. The dual VVT-i 1GR engine is smoother and quieter than very first 1GR-FE engines. Likewise, the basic VVT-i engines had non-stop problems with ignition coils.
Like a modern engine, the 1GR requires a proper maintenance, high-quality fuel, and engine oil. The engine durability is over 200,000 miles. After that line, the majority of the 1GR engines need a new cylinder block.
you must see more engine detail in here: Engine – US Cars News or you can see on wiki here
Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Kamigo Plant; Shimoyama Plant; Tahara Plant; Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama |
| Production years | 2002-present |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum |
| Cylinder head material | Aluminum |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection |
| Configuration | V |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Valvetrain layout | DOHC |
| Bore, mm | 94.0 mm (3.7 in) |
| Stroke, mm | 95.0 mm (3.74 in) |
| Displacement, cc | 3,956 cc (241.4 cu in) |
| Type of internal combustion engine | Four-stroke, naturally aspirated |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 10.4:1 – Dual VVTi version |
| Power, hp | 236-285 hp (176-210 kW)/5,200-5,600 |
| Torque, lb ft | 266-285 lb-ft (361-387 Nm)/3,600-4,400 |
| Engine weight | 366 lbs (166 kg) |
| Firing order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Engine oil weight | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.2 (5.5 quarts) |
| Oil change interval, mile | 6,000 (10,000 km) or 12 month |
| Applications | Toyota 4Runner/Hilux Surf, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120/150, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Fortuner, Lexus GX 400 |