Toyota 1MZ-FE 3.0L Engine Specs, Problems, Reliability. The 1MZ-FE is a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine produced by Toyota from 1993 to 2007 as a replacement for the 3VZ-FE. Back then, this engine was commonly utilized in the Toyota Camry, Avalon, Highlander, and some Lexus models. Throughout the ins 2015 of production, the 1MZ was gradually left by a 3.3-liter engine from the very same MZ household – 3MZ-FE.
The MZ series features a light-weight aluminum cylinder block with a 60-degree V6 style and press-fitted cast-iron cylinder liners. The engine block is geared up with the created crankshaft with four main journals, forged linking rods, and aluminum alloy pistons (resin finish for piston skirts was looked for VVT-i version). The 1MZ-FE has aluminum cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts. The exhaust camshafts are driven by a timing belt, while equipments on the exhaust camshafts drive the consumption camshafts.
The intake valve diameter is 34.0 mm; exhaust valve diameter – 27.3 mm; valve stem size for both is 5.5 mm. The engine was provided in non-VVT-i and VVT-i versions. 1MZ camshaft specs for the non-VVT-i series: period – 228/228 deg (intake/exhaust), valve lift 7.85/ 7.60 mm (intake/exhaust). VVT-i engines have intake duration of 236 degrees and exhaust period of 236 degrees. There are not hydraulic lifters in the valvetrain. Valve change is necessary every 60-80k miles (100,000-150,000 km).
The 1MZ-FE engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection (MFI) and has an aluminum consumption manifold with Toyota’s Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) – variable length consumption manifold. The ACIS, depending upon the application, is a two-stage system (Camry, Avalon, and etc.) or a three-stage system (Lexus ES 300). The digitally controlled ignition (DIS) has six specific coils. Each coil is fitted over a spark plug (coil-on-plug). Non-VVT-i 1MZ engines had exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR), while VVT-i engines got EGR block off plates on the exhaust manifolds. All MZ engines utilize stainless steel exhaust manifolds.
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Toyota 1MZ-FE 3.0L Engine Problems and Reliability
The 1MZ is known as a hassle-free Toyota’s engine, popular for unbelievable reliability. Mileage of 200,000 hassle-free miles is pretty common this engine. Still, there were some problems that 1MZ Toyota owners faced rather often.
Engines with high mileage usually take in a remarkable quantity of oil. And the condition of motor oil is crucial for the 1MZ-FE, because it is prone to oil gelling (engine sludge issue), especially inside the intake manifolds. It is important to use good quality oil and do the required maintenance in time. The early MZ engines had bad knock control. The reliability of the knock sensing unit is low. Bad sensing unit causes a power reduction and rough acceleration. Toyota fixed that problem on the 3MZ-FE engine by installing a brand-new flat-type knock sensing unit.
VVT-i components are a headache. It leakages with oil or stops working, triggering shaking operation and drop of power. The engine with failed VVT actuator seems like a diesel.
It deserves pointing out that the engine has an aluminum block, which is not rebuildable. You need a new engine block or an entire replacement engine if it is damaged.
you must see more engine detail in here: Engine – US Cars News or you can see on wiki here
Toyota 1MZ-FE 3.0L Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Kamigo Plant; Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky |
| Production years | 1993-2008 |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum |
| Cylinder head material | Aluminum |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Fuel system | Multi-port fuel injection (MFI) |
| Configuration | V |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Valvetrain layout | DOHC |
| Bore, mm | 87.5 mm (3.44 in) |
| Stroke, mm | 83.0 mm (3.27 in) |
| Displacement, cc | 2,994 cc (182.7 cu in) |
| Type of internal combustion engine | Four-stroke, naturally aspirated |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Power, hp | 194-210 hp (145-157 kW)/5,200-5,800 |
| Torque, lb ft | 183-242 lb-ft (248-328 Nm)/4,400 |
| Engine weight | 348 lbs (158 kg) |
| Firing order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Engine oil weight | SAE 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 l (5.0 qt) 0.2 l (0.21 qt) – oil filter |
| Oil change interval, mile | 6,000 (10,000 km)/6 months |
| Applications | Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota Solara, Toyota Estima/Previa, Toyota Harrier, Toyota Highlander/Kluger, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Alphard, Toyota Windom, Lexus ES300, Lexus RX300 |