Toyota1989–1996Technical specifications

4-Runner 3.0: Technical specifications

Workshop data for the 3-litre petrol (engine code 3VZ-E). Covers engine, fluids, brakes, service, torques and air conditioning: the figures to check before a job or a parts order.

Summary

Match the engine code (3VZ-E) to the vehicle before ordering parts or applying these figures.

Vehicle specifications

Overview

Make
Toyota
Model
4-Runner
Years
1989–1996
Fuel
Petrol
Engine code
3VZ-E

Performance & efficiency

Power
105 kW (143 hp)
Engine size
2,959 cc
Cylinders
6 · OHC
Compression ratio
9.0:1
Fuel system
Toyota

Fluids & capacities

Engine oil (with the filter)
4.5 litres
All 125 specifications below

Engine & identification

Vehicle identification

No. of cylinders Type6/OHC
Capacity (Fiscal) cc2959 (2904)
Compression ratio :19,0
Suitable for unleaded petrolYes
Minimum octane rating RON95
Ignition system MakeToyota
Ignition system TypeESA
Ignition system DescriptionMap-i
Trigger locationDistributor
Fuel system MakeToyota
Fuel system TypeTCCS
Fuel system DescriptionMFI-i
Air metering TypeFlow
Combined ignition and fuel ECMYes
Diagnostic socketYes

Ignition system

Ignition coil supply voltage + with ballast V11,0
Primary resistance Ohm0,4-0,5
Secondary resistance Ohm10200-13800
Contact breaker gap/trigger air gap mm0,2-0,4

Firing order

The firing order for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Firing order1-2-3-4-5-6

Valve clearances

Valve clearances for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) are 0,18-0,28 mm inlet and 0,22-0,32 mm exhaust, measured cold.

Valve clearance - INLET mm0,18-0,28 cold
Valve clearance - EXHAUST mm0,22-0,32 cold

Engine oil & fluids

Engine oil

The Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) takes 4.5 litres of engine oil with the filter.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SG/A1.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SG/A1.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A1.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SG/A1.

Manual gearbox

The specified manual gearbox oil is SAE 75W-90 semi-synthetic.

Transfer box

See the reference table for the complete transfer box entries and their conditions.

Coolant

See the reference table for the complete coolant entries and their conditions.

Grades, filling conditions and capacities

Lubricants and capacities — complete reference
Engine oil options
Ambient temperature range Cold climate
Engine oil grade SAE 5W-30
Engine oil classification API/ACEA SG/A1
Ambient temperature range Moderate climate
Engine oil grade SAE 5W-30
Engine oil classification API/ACEA SG/A1
Ambient temperature range Moderate climate alternative
Engine oil grade SAE 10W-30
Engine oil classification API/ACEA SH/A1
Ambient temperature range Hot climate
Engine oil grade SAE 10W-30
Engine oil classification API/ACEA SG/A1
Engine with filter(s) litres 4.5
Other lubricants and capacities
Manual transmission oil grade SAE 75W-90 Semi-synthetic
Manual transmission litres —
Gearbox oil capacity
Automatic transmission fluid Type Dexron II
Automatic transmission (drain & refill) litres 4.5
Automatic transmission (dry fill) litres 10.3
Differential oil grade - front SAE 90W
Differential front/AT litres 1.6
Differential oil grade - rear SAE 90W
Differential rear litres 2.2
Transfer box oil grade SAE 75W-90
Transfer box litres 1.1
Cooling system - total capacity litres 10.5
Brake fluid Type DOT 3
Power steering fluid Type Dexron II
Power steering fluid litres 0.9

Brakes & wear limits

Brake disc thickness

Brake discs on the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 18 mm (ventilated) front; the rear brake drums are replaced at a maximum diameter of 297 mm.

Minimum disc thickness for replacement - ventilated Front18 mm
Minimum disc thickness
Maximum drum diameter for replacement Rear297 mm

Brake disc and drum dimensions

Minimum disc thickness
Disc runout Front0,09 mm
Minimum pad thickness Front1 mm
Minimum shoe thickness Rear1 mm
Parking brake travel No. of notches11-17

Service & electrical

Ignition timing

Basic ignition timing for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) is 10° BTDC at 800 rpm.

Ignition timing
Ignition timing - basic BTDC °Engine/rpm10/800

Battery

The Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) uses a 12 V, 70 Ah battery (reserve capacity 90 minutes).

Battery V/RC(Ah)12/90 (70)

Spark plugs

The Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) uses Champion RC10YC4 spark plugs with a 1,0 mm electrode gap.

Spark plugs Original equipmentChampion
Spark plug TypeRC10YC4
Electrode gap mm1,0
Spark plugs MakeBosch
Spark plug TypeFR7KC
Electrode gap mm0,8
Spark plugs MakeChampion
Spark plug TypeRC10YC4
Electrode gap mm1,0

Tuning and emissions

Tuning conditions—
View more information—
Ignition timing
Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpmECM Controlled
Idle speed rpm800±750
Oil temperature °C80
CO level at idle speed - tailpipe Vol. % CO0,5 Max Not adjustable
HC level at idle speed ppm100
CO2 level at idle speed Vol. % CO214,5-16
O2 level at idle speed Vol. % O20,1-0,5
Increased idle speed for CO test rpm2400-2600
CO content at increased idle speed Vol. %0,3
Lambda at increased idle λ0,98-1,02

Starting and charging

Starter motor MakeDenso
Starter motor Type12V/1,0kW
Maximum cranking amps A189-231
Alternator MakeNippon Denso
Alternator Type50A
Regulated voltage V13,5-14,3

Service checks and adjustments

Compression pressure bar10,0-12,0
Oil pressure bar/rpm2,5-5,3/3000
Radiator cap bar0,75-1,05
Thermostat opens °C80-84
Drive belt tension - alternator/PAS/AC mm14-16

Fuel system

System pressure bar2,7-3,1
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor Ohm/°C200-400/80
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor/engine speed (RPM) sensor Ohm140-180
Injector Ohm13,4-14,2
Lambda sensor (Oxygen) heater Ohm5,1-6,3

Tightening torques

Cylinder head bolt torque

The cylinder head bolts on the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) are tightened in 4 stages: 20 Nm, then 44 Nm, then 90°, then a final 90°.

Cylinder head
Renew boltsNo
Tighten20 Nm
Tighten44 Nm
Tighten90°
Tighten90°
Cylinder head instructions—
Other engine tightening torques
Main bearings Renew bolts/nutsNo
Main bearings Stage 161 Nm
Main bearings Stage 290°
Big end bearings Renew bolts/nutsNo
Big end bearings Stage 125 Nm
Big end bearings Stage 290°
Oil pump to cylinder block20 Nm
Sump bolts6 Nm
Sump drain bolt25 Nm
Flywheel/driveplate88 Nm
Clutch pressure plate19 Nm
Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt245 Nm
Camshaft sprocket/gear108 Nm
Camshaft carrier/cap16 Nm
Camshaft/rocker cover7 Nm
Inlet manifold to cylinder head18 Nm
Exhaust manifold to cylinder head39 Nm
Spark plugs18 Nm
Chassis tightening torques
Steering wheel34 Nm
Steering rack/box mounting142 Nm
Steering track rod end90 Nm
Brake disc to hub Front64 Nm
Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front123 Nm
Road wheels103 Nm

Air conditioning

No. of AC service connectors2
Air conditioning restrictor typeExpansion valve
Compressor clutch/magnetic couplingYes
Compressor variable displacement solenoidNo

Frequently asked questions

What is the firing order of the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0?

The firing order for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

What spark plugs does the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 use?

The Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) uses Champion RC10YC4 spark plugs with a 1,0 mm electrode gap.

How much oil does the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 take?

The Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) takes 4.5 litres of engine oil with the filter. A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SG/A1. A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SG/A1. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A1. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SG/A1.

What are the valve clearances for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0?

Valve clearances for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) are 0,18-0,28 mm inlet and 0,22-0,32 mm exhaust, measured cold.

What is the cylinder head torque for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0?

The cylinder head bolts on the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) are tightened in 4 stages: 20 Nm, then 44 Nm, then 90°, then a final 90°.

What is the ignition timing for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0?

Basic ignition timing for the Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 (1989–1996) is 10° BTDC at 800 rpm.

More on the 4-Runner