The Toyota 4WZ-FTV is a 2,436 cc, inline-four, turbo-diesel engine produced between 1987 and 1995. It features a cast iron block, aluminum head, SOHC with two valves per cylinder, and direct fuel injection. Its design prioritized durability and low-end torque for commercial and off-road applications.
Fitted to models such as the HZJ75 Land Cruiser, KDJ95 Hilux, and KDJ100 Pickup, the 4WZ-FTV was engineered for reliability under heavy load and extreme conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing most units to meet Japanese Emission Standards and Euro 1 requirements.
One documented concern is premature injector nozzle coking, highlighted in Toyota Service Repair Manual Vol. 2, Section 5-22. This issue stems from incomplete combustion during prolonged low-load operation and poor fuel quality. From 1991, Toyota introduced revised injector nozzle geometry and improved fuel atomization patterns across all production lines, reducing carbon buildup.
Toyota
Production years 1987–1993 meet Japanese Emission Standards; 1994–1995 models may have Euro 1 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
The Toyota 4WZ-FTV is a 2,436 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for light-duty trucks and SUVs (1987-1995). It combines a cast iron block with an aluminum SOHC head and direct injection to deliver robust low-RPM torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Japanese Emission Standards and Euro 1, it balances durability with fuel economy for demanding use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,436 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 91.0 mm × 93.5 mm | |
| Power output | 66–70 kW (90–95 PS) | |
| Torque | 190–200 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (mechanical pump) | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese Emission Standards (1987–1993); Euro 1 (1994–1995) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (IHI RHF5) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The direct-injection system delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent injector coking and turbo degradation. SAE 15W-40 mineral oil is critical due to its high thermal stability under sustained load. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce unburned fuel accumulation in the combustion chamber. The mechanical injection pump demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting ISO 8217 standards to prevent plunger wear. Post-1991 models feature improved nozzle geometry; pre-1991 units require periodic injector cleaning per Toyota SIB 91 05 11.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 mineral oil (Toyota SIB 81 01 05). Synthetic oils not recommended for original seals and bearings.
Emissions: Japanese Emission Standards apply to pre-1994 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234). Post-1993 revisions included minor EGR flow adjustments.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. 70 kW output requires diesel fuel with maximum 0.2% sulfur content (Toyota TIS Doc. A26015).
Toyota Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A24680, A25142, SIB 81 01 05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1234)
JIS D 1001: Japanese Industrial Standard for Engine Power Measurement
The Toyota 4WZ-FTV was used across Toyota's HZJ75/KDJ95 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced crankshafts in the HZJ75 and modified boost calibration in the KDJ100-and from 1991 the facelifted HZJ75 adopted revised injector nozzles, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block below the injection pump (Toyota TIS A24890). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('W' for 4WZ series). Pre-1991 models have a silver-painted valve cover with a cast iron intake manifold; post-1991 units feature a black-painted valve cover and aluminum intake. Critical differentiation from 4M-E: The 4WZ-FTV has direct injection and a turbocharger; the 4M-E is naturally aspirated and carbureted. Service parts require production date verification - injectors and pumps from pre-1991 engines are incompatible with later units due to revised nozzle spray pattern (Toyota SIB 91 05 11).
The 4WZ-FTV's primary reliability risk is injector nozzle coking on pre-1991 units, with elevated incidence in prolonged low-load operation. Internal Toyota quality reports showed nearly 17% of early 4WZ-FTV engines required injector replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate a significant number of MOT failures related to excessive smoke and loss of power linked to restricted fuel delivery. Extended idling and poor fuel quality accelerate carbon accumulation, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Toyota technical bulletins (1988-1996) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about TOYOTA 4WZ-FTV.
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