Inspecting a Toyota 3RZ engine after 300,000 miles tells two different stories
Published on Oct 05, 2025 at 12:32 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Oct 02, 2025 at 2:34 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Toyota 3RZ engine is, in many ways, the ultimate workhorse.
It is a powerplant that was first introduced by Toyota back in 1994.
A YouTube channel recently showcased a much-abused example of the Toyota 3RZ engine.
And it is an engine that very much tells two stories.
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Toyota 3RZ engine built for hard work
Before we get into this specific engine and its issues, some context is important here.
The Toyota 3RZ engine – 3RZ-FE, to give it its full title – was first introduced in 1994.
Unlike other powerplants from the Japanese brand, this engine was not focused on performance.
Trust us – this engine is about as far from a 2JZ Supra engine as you will ever find.
Instead, the Toyota 3RZ engine was introduced as a workhorse powerplant.
it was created to replace the 22R-E engine.
The focus for Toyota was on markets that included cars such as the Tacoma, Hilux, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser Prado.
On paper, it was a very modest power source, with just 150hp and 177lb-ft of torque.
But the foundational parts of this 2.7-liter inline-four were very much built for abuse and hard work.
Production eventually ended in 2004, but you can quickly see why this engine endured for so long.
One engine example tells two different stories
And it is that background that brings us to today’s story.
The YouTube channel I Do Cars managed to get its hands on a remarkable example.
And the reason it is so remarkable is that it tells two different stories at once.
Crack the Toyota 3RZ engine open, and the picture gets a lot clearer.
Milky oil and steam-cleaned cylinder walls scream head-gasket failure.
The plugs also read inconsistently, with some rich and some extremely lean.
It is yet another clear indicator of a motor running too hot and being serviced too late.
Yet the hard parts largely shrugged off the miles with little difficulty.
The camshafts and journals showed minimal scoring, whilst the main and rod bearings, likely original, were worn but serviceable.
With a proper clean and a new head gasket, this engine should run once again.
So how did such a resilient powerplant end up in such a sorry state?
Well, the post-mortem points to neglect rather than a design flaw.
The uneven spark-plug readings, milkshake-like oil, and head gasket breach all point to neglect.
Sorting the cooling system at source is often the difference between an extra 100,000 miles and a scrap-heap piece.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
