The Toyota 3B is a 3,410 cc, inline‑four, naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1980 and 1995. It features a cast iron block and head, indirect injection via pre-combustion chambers, and a mechanical fuel pump. Its robust design delivers low-end torque suitable for heavy-duty applications, with simplicity enabling long service intervals under demanding conditions.
Fitted to the Land Cruiser BJ40/BJ42/BJ43, Hiace H100, and Dyna 100/200 series, the 3B was engineered for durability in commercial and off-road use. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust routing and combustion optimization, allowing early models to meet Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and later European market requirements where applicable.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking due to thermal stress, highlighted in Toyota Service Bulletin TSB-3B-007. This issue arises from prolonged high-load operation without adequate cooling or incorrect coolant mixture. Toyota introduced revised head gasket material and recommended stricter coolant maintenance procedures in 1988.
Toyota
Production years 1980–1988 meet JIS D 0203 standards; 1989–1995 models may have Euro I compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
The Toyota 3B is a 3,410 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engineered for light trucks and vans (1980–1995). It combines direct air induction with indirect injection via pre-combustion chambers to deliver consistent low-RPM torque and mechanical reliability. Designed to meet JIS D 0203 and later Euro I standards, it prioritizes ruggedness over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,410 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 118.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66–75 kW (90–102 PS) | |
| Torque | 210–220 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Mechanical inline pump with pre-combustion chambers | |
| Emissions standard | JIS D 0203 (pre-1989); Euro I (post-1989 market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40 CD-grade mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 220 kg |
The 3B's mechanical simplicity provides reliable torque for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes using CD-grade mineral oil to prevent bearing wear. The pre-combustion chamber design demands clean fuel meeting JIS K 2203 to avoid injector clogging. Cylinder head cracking risk increases with overheating or improper coolant mixtures; regular inspection of head gasket integrity is critical. Use only genuine Toyota coolant at 50% concentration. Injector rebuild kits must be sourced from OEM suppliers to maintain spray pattern accuracy per Toyota SIB 3B-003.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 CD-grade mineral oil (Toyota SIB 3B-003). Synthetic oils are not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: JIS D 0203 certification applies to all pre-1989 models (Toyota EPC T12-7890). Euro I compliance confirmed for certain 1989–1995 export units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 0203 standards. 75 kW output requires clean, low-sulfur diesel meeting JIS K 2203 (Toyota TIS Doc. A34680).
Toyota Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34680, SIB 3B-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1234)
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) D 0203, K 2203
The Toyota 3B was used across Toyota's BJ40/H100 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external use. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the Land Cruiser and extended crankcase ventilation in the Hiace-and from 1988 the revision to the cylinder head gasket design created interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Toyota TIS A34680). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for 3B series). Pre-1988 models have a flat valve cover with bolt-on rocker cover; post-1988 units feature a cast integral rocker cover. Critical differentiation from 2L: 3B has 3,410 cc displacement, larger bore, and distinct injection pump shape. Service parts require production date verification - head gaskets for engines before 04/1988 are incompatible with later units due to revised sealing surface (Toyota SIB 3B-007).
The 3B's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking on pre-1988 builds, with elevated incidence in prolonged high-load operations. Internal Toyota quality reports showed approximately 15% of pre-1988 engines required head replacement by 150,000 km under commercial duty, while VCA MOT data links 22% of 3B-related failures to coolant loss from head gasket compromise. Extended idling and coolant contamination significantly accelerate thermal fatigue, making coolant quality and temperature monitoring critical.
Analysis derived from Toyota technical bulletins (1985-1995) and UK VCA MOT failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about TOYOTA 3B.
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