Overview
The story
A published reference lists the 2.7L four in the T100 from 1994 to 1998, the Tacoma from 1995 to 2004 and the 4Runner from 1996 to 2000. It made 150 hp and 177 lb-ft, and twin balance shafts driven by a chain keep it smooth. A published reference
SlashGear followed a teardown of one from a 2002 Tacoma that had run more than 300,000 miles. Its head gasket had blown and the inside was worn, but the original chain guides were still usable, and SlashGear concluded it is as reliable as people say. SlashGear
Specs
Versions
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Fuel injected 3RZ-FE A published reference
150 hp and 177 lb-ft
In 3rd gen Toyota 4Runner, 1996–2000; 1st gen Toyota Tacoma, 1995–2004
Figures
- Displacement: 2.7L (2,693 cc) A published reference
- Bore × stroke: 95 × 95 mm A published reference
- Block and head: Cast-iron block, aluminum head A published reference
- Valvetrain: Twin overhead cams driven by a chain, four valves per cylinder, shims over buckets A published reference
- Interference: Yes A published reference
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Water pump that fails without warning Every version
One source so far
Check: Look for coolant or oil at the water pump's weep hole.
80/20 Automotive has seen pumps fail from 75,000 miles to 300,000, most around 150,000, and says on this engine the pump usually fails at once instead of giving warning signs. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Owning
Maintenance
Valve clearance Every version
Inspect every 30,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)
Ask the seller: Ask when the valve clearance was last checked and adjusted.
If it was skipped: 80/20 Automotive says Toyota calls for valve adjustment every 25,000 to 30,000 miles, and that skipped adjustments can lead to burnt valves, with ticking at idle, misfires and lost power.
Timing chain Every version
Inspect at 100,000 miles A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Ask the seller: Ask whether the timing chain has been looked at, and listen for a rattle.
If it was skipped: 80/20 Automotive says Toyota intends the chain to last 150,000 miles, suggests inspecting it past 100,000, and lists rattling, misfires and metal in the oil as signs of a worn one. A published reference also reports 150,000 miles. The engine is an interference design.
What owners and buyers say
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Sought after
Slow but very durable Every version
80/20 Automotive calls the block, head and internals extremely durable and says it should easily last 300,000 miles. SlashGear says that even if it isn't powerful, it is as reliable as people say. SlashGear, a seller's guide (unofficial)