The Toyota 2TB is a 1,166 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1980. It features a cast iron block and head, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and a single-barrel downdraft carburettor. This engine delivered approximately 44 kW (60 PS) and 88 Nm of torque, engineered for economical, reliable urban transportation.
Fitted primarily to the Publica, Starlet, and Corolla, the 2TB was designed for cost-effective ownership and mechanical simplicity. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through basic crankcase ventilation and exhaust tuning, meeting Japanese and international standards applicable in the 1970s.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, which can lead to chain slack and potential failure. This issue, noted in Toyota Service Bulletin ENG-002-75, is often linked to extended oil change intervals allowing sludge buildup. Toyota addressed this in later T-series engines with revised tensioner designs.
Toyota
Production years 1972–1980 meet Japanese and international emissions standards applicable at the time of manufacture (Toyota Emissions Certification TEC-72-2TB).
The Toyota 2TB is a 1,166 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact sedans and hatchbacks (1972-1980). It combines a robust cast iron construction with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver dependable, low-RPM torque. Designed to meet contemporary emissions standards, it prioritised longevity and ease of repair over peak performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,166 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 69.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 88 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Contemporary Japanese/International (1972) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | API SD, SAE 10W-30 | |
| Dry weight | Not specified in primary sources |
The 2TB provides adequate, economical power for light vehicles but requires diligent maintenance of the carburettor and ignition system for optimal running. Using the specified API SD oil and adhering to 5,000-8,000 km change intervals is critical to prevent timing chain tensioner wear and sludge formation. The simple SOHC design is robust, but the timing chain should be inspected regularly, especially on high-mileage examples. Fuel system components, particularly the carburettor, may need periodic cleaning or rebuilding.
Oil Specs: Requires API SD specification oil (Toyota Repair Manual RM2TB-72). Modern equivalents meeting API SL or higher are generally acceptable.
Emissions: Certification applies to models manufactured 1972-1980 (Toyota Emissions Certification TEC-72-2TB). Standards varied significantly by global market.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output figures are net ratings for production vehicles (Toyota Group PT-1975).
Toyota Repair Manual (RM2TB-72)
Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC-2TB-72)
Toyota Service Bulletin Database (ENG-002-75)
Toyota Group Product Technical Data (PT-1975)
The Toyota 2TB was used across Toyota's KE/TE platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations, such as different exhaust manifolds or engine mounts, but no major facelift revisions occurred during its production run. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface at the front-left of the engine block, near the water pump (Toyota Repair Manual RM2TB-72). The 2TB can be visually identified by its single overhead camshaft cover and the single-barrel carburettor. Critical differentiation from the similar 3K: The 2TB has a larger 1.2L displacement (vs. 1.0L for 3K) and slightly different external casting marks. The 4K, its successor, features a different cylinder head design and revised water pump location.
The 2TB's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Toyota service data indicates a notable number of chain-related repairs were performed after 100,000 km, while owner reports frequently cite carburettor issues as a common nuisance. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect oil viscosity make tensioner failure more likely.
Analysis derived from Toyota technical bulletins (1972-1980) and aggregated owner workshop reports (1975-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about TOYOTA 2TB.
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