LOCKED UP Toyota Tundra 3UR-FE 5.7L V8 Engine Teardown. Complete Engine Teardown & Analysis

If this is the first teardown you are finding, there are over 20 others I've done! Lots of LS's, A viper engine, rx8 rotary, and a couple SRT8 Hemi's to name a few. Check them out here • Blown Up Engine Tear D...
My name is Eric and I own and run a full service auto salvage business called Importapart located in the Saint Louis MO area. Part of our model is dismantling and selling parts from rare and niche market engines. If you're interested in buying parts from other engines I've torn down, email us at [e-mail].
In this video I complete dismantle a very locked up 3UR-FE 5.7L V8 from a 2007+ Toyota Tundra. This engine is also used in the Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570. This is the very first 3UR I've had through the shop and it fought me pretty hard for a Toyota. I hope you enjoy this video and I appreciate all of your comments, questions, and even criticism.
I'll catch you on the next one!
-Eric

[@TheMhannah100]

My favorite engine detective. No major destruction. Toyota wins!

[@Anc5510]

Toyota master tech here. I saw a dry coolant trail down the upper pan. What happens with these is the water pump leaks/fails. It’s a slow leak but once it gets low on coolant it over heats, melts the plastic coolant liners which are in there to insure even cooling. Normally the head gasket fails between two neighboring cylinders and it ingests it into the combustion chamber until coolant gets so low it can’t reach the ECT sensor or the heads and it warps the head the gasket fails on first. The coolant in those things from factory is corrosive the engine bearing surfaces and a tech will confirm a bad head/gasket by topping off the coolant, pressure testing the cooling system with the plugs out. Once they see it fill up with coolant they know it’s a write off and sell a long block. That’s why this one had “jelly” in it and everything was rusted together. Lack of proper maintenance killed it. It’s possible the head gasket failed first and drank the coolant away but very rare. Usually only see that on 1GR V6 4.0 truck engines. They come in with a miss fire condition/complaint before it gets this bad.

[@anthonyvasquez7050]

Should those plastic coolant liners be replaced regularly?

[@cjm5161]

​@@anthonyvasquez7050 Do I have to change my engine oil ?

[@mikewest712]

Fun fact about the cam tower oil leak. Only a problem with us made tundra 5.7s. the landcruiser 5.7s made in Japan had different robot programs applying the rtv. Keep that in mind if you are ever looking for a 5.7

[@Tundrashy]

2 years late but. they also use 5w30 in other countries that use the motor. in the us they had to use 0w20 to please the epa

[@MatthewFischer-k9o]

ALL 3UR-FE engines have the same tolerances just use 5w30 like every other country and also as the 3UR-FE was engineered for.

[@JossRickard]

That plastic part in the block is a coolant jacket spacer. It directs and maintains uniform coolant flow in the block.

[@josephmatuszak3855]

A lil trick when you know you tear down engines that sat around or might be locked, get yourself a couple 12in long wooden cylinders/dowel from 2.5in to 4in. I use them to tap the top of the pistons before trying to turn it or unsieze it when I find rusty cylinders. Cheers! (PS* Used Fuel permiated syntheic oil makes a REALLY good penetrant/cleanser)

[@Johnc259]

Thanks for the tips. I always attempt to remember good ideas. A person can’t know everything (although there are people who act like they do). Enjoy the holiday. Peace

[@poprawa]

So you are punching aluminium pistons out and them calling them all good, without any measurements? It is fine only on con rods, as they are designed to be punched one time after another by the crank and by the piston.

[@thealtered7]

I've binge watched this whole playlist in about 3 days. Great stuff. Have you ever thought about doing motorcycle engines? I don't think they would be profitable for your business, but I'd love to see you tear down a modern, high performance, high revving motorcycle engine and talk about the engineering choices that achieve the high RPM rates. It would be especially fun if you could get some exotic, like a Ducati Testastreta with its desmodronically actuated valves.

[@scrubnick]

I would also like to see a motorcycle engine. Just once, for comparison. Maybe a Honda to do side by side with a Honda car engine.

[@sirfartsalot1328]

@@scrubnick a goldwing engine

[@mganzer]

The sound on the fast forward drivers alternates between flatulence and Star Wars blasters.

[@abitdazed]

The owner failed this engine completely. The best engineering available can't account for a complete lack of maintenance.

[@I_Do_Cars]

I’ve said it before, humans will ruin anything

[@abitdazed]

@@I_Do_Cars I just don't have a rebuttal to that lol. Give us the fountain of youth and some dick would bomb it

[@FerasAlhawas]

To be honest, if the engine overheated. toyota is known for faulty radiator cap the spring breaks and all the coolant goes to the reservoir and over filling it but the engine coolant sensor doesn’t read high because there is no coolant

[@abitdazed]

@@FerasAlhawas If that was all, I'd be with you. The oil staining and varnish is important to consider as well

[@rickhunter6479]

Finally someone smart enough to see that shit

[@maxcactus7]

It would be really satisfying to know how many miles were on that engine before it finally gave up the ghost. The Toyota V8s are just amazing in their longevity & reliability.

[@FishFind3000]

If you maintain them

[@JOELG1988]

I have a feeling this engine is in its low 200k miles but with very shitty maintenance. 10k conventional oil changes. My educated guess.

[@vanzemaljacludi3324]

@@JOELG1988 i have a feeling that it is like 250000+ with bad maintaince for around 50k

[@poprawa]

Guessing can be all over the shop - engine was not driven hard or in proper operating temperatures, you can tell by amount of gunk in the intake.

[@lilman227]

@@JOELG1988 More like 60k oil changes if any at all. I have beater cars that I hardly change oil on, and their engines look way cleaner than this. That being said, I do use full synthetic on my 15k+ oil changes, and there is a light coloration in the head of the engines. I still haven’t popped one yet though!

[@drewmurray2583]

I get excited when I see a new video from you! Is it strange I love watching other people doing the same thing I do for a living while I'm trying to relax?

[@09corvettezr1]

No, I’m in the same boat

[@22mpb]

Me too

[@sopmod556mm9]

Thanks! You must have read my post last week about doing a 5.7! I've been waiting for this for a while for this and it's finally here! Thanks again for doing this one, Brother! Keep up the great work and be safe. -SOP

[@thoreau7]

I have this engine in my 08 tundra. 207k and runs perfect. I change the oil every 5k. Killer video man.

[@45AMT]

Another great teardown. It's always interesting to see why these engines failed.

[@norcal715]

YEA! another engine teardown. I am an electronic technician, and cant wait until the next teardown you have. Endlessly fascinating!

[@unprofessionalmechanic8466]

Yep. I am electronic techician as well and love these videos.

[@GTIMAN2010]

@@unprofessionalmechanic8466 I am one as well. Ha ha!

[@MrCarGuy]

Disassembling new things is an addiction

[@Davo_1991]

Who?

[@senior_ranger]

For those asking about the plastic liners, I think they may be there to prevent/inhibit cavitation erosion. They definitely have something to do with coolant flow control.

[@RobertHancock1]

I know Hyundai has mentioned using something like that to optimize coolant circulation to the areas that need it most.

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

I'm a Toyota Master Tech. They are Coolant Stabilizers. They help keep the Coolant stay at an even temperature around all cylinders so there are no "Hot Spots".

[@damanifesto]

@@bluesky-ud9wg Thanks for the explanation. Do they add those because the bores are 'siamesed'?

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

@@damanifesto Mostly. All of our engines have them now. It just to help stabilize the coolant temp between cylinders to keep them at an even temp.

[@tundras4ever552]

They are a baffle that also helps gurgling noise from coolant passing

[@MikeS42069]

Looking forward to that Porsche teardown!

[@pattonpending7390]

Spoiler: it's probably the intermediate shaft.

[@danielfrain6473]

Hey man, I gotta say….. you really do a great job on your vids. I’ve got an 07 Tundra with a blown head gasket and I’ve been pre-gaming the repair. Your vids have been super helpful.

[@QueensGTO_Viper]

Keep up the great content. The format is perfect. Your project cars are fun to watch as well

[@richardford4946]

I thoroughly enjoyed the Tundra 5.7 teardown and learned a great deal about that engine and many other engines you have taken down. Please keep up the good work on your channel.

[@NKPGarage]

Wow. Never seen a 3UR in this bad of a condition. How on earth? Fantastic video!

[@joelmiller2504]

I waited for this video all day. Definitely worth the wait.

[@agenericaccount3935]

I'm glad you addressed the foam waffle. I would have died forever if it remained a mystery tbh. I was like "Is that a dead snake or?"

[@cjm5161]

The most important thing ive noticed with my 5.7 tundra is switching to 5w30 from 0w20 literally fixed everything. No sparkplug tube oil leaks, no can tower leaks ans no more timing chain rattle ans piston slap.

[@the1stvendetta]

Yup. Mine runs GOOD on 5w30. May run 0w20 when it gets below freezing on new England family visits but in FL 5w30 has been great. No loss in mileage at all.

[@rayshutsa6690]

Thank you James for another great teardown. The owner of this engine had failed to look after this engine one is simple oil maintenance. Enjoying all the great commentary. ❤🇨🇦

[@xxtwobitxx]

Love watching these videos. It's like being g a detective trying to figure out what happened, where it happened. Keep these coming I'll never bored of these

[@JR-uc5oz]

I was impressed with the robustness of crank bearings, i.e., four bolt mains! The 4.7L in my 2001 Tundra has over 150,000 miles and is still going strong. Maintenance is the overstated key here.

[@rickybailey7123]

I've worked on 2 different trucks with the 4.7 that had over 500 thousand miles and ran like new still had power I think they are the best engines ever made u can look up 1 million mile Toyota truck and its a few of them 4.7 trucks tuff as nails !!

[@rickybailey7123]

I've got a 22re pick up I've put a turbo on running over 21 psi and I'm thinking about a 4.7 with boost in that small truck will be fast as hell !!

[@tonenuff]

My OCD really enjoyed the ending wrap up and seeing all those shelves all neatly aligned with parts 😁😁😁

[@billwall6271]

That engine was definitely refining asphalt in the oil pan.

[@andrew86fl]

It was cultivating mass

[@brandonethington9147]

@@andrew86fl It needs to stop cultivating and start harvesting!

[@halgwin]

Dtfyft fuddled the deodar try

[@Kanesgarage]

These engines are so reliable I rarely see them on the used market!

[@whalesong999]

The design quality looks equivalent to that of aircraft engines. That's a beaut of an engine, this coming from a retired motorcycle mechanic who saw so many improvements through the years.

[@randymagnum143]

Yea, that cam drive chain *screams* reliability. I have tractor engines made in the 30's with 10's of thousands of hours on them. This would not.

[@faithinsigns]

Thank you so much for the journey of the 3UR 5.7 liter Toyota Engine, I have one in my 2011 Sequoia and it’s been a rock star so far with only 131k on it!

[@Michael-db4sn]

Toyota engines aren't broken in till 150k

[@waynejones2734]

The lack of oil changes can destroy any engine! I was looking to purchase a 2016 Lexus GS 350 and after checking..... it had had 1 oil change in the last 50k miles! You invest that much in a new car and a little maintenance isn't too much to ask!

[@FishFind3000]

Guess they spent every last penny to buy the car and general maintenance is just to much to ask for…. 50k car OK! $100 oil change… HELL NO!

[@josephreisinger33]

So many neglected engine's. Back in my time, you were walking. no cell, no payphone, no nothing. I change my oil every 3 k. And there all Honda's. I'm not walking. Great video dude.

[@tirbomax]

as soon as you got the the front cover, i saw where the water pump had been leaking (most likely from the weep hole) i said to my self "locked up due to overheat!"

[@joeclarke9782]

Thanks for the Catch of the Day. Today's Toyota Fun Fact "Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced today that it became the first automaker to develop a pioneering, fuel-saving technology that reduces wear and rotational resistance between the camshaft and valve-lifter shims by coating the shims with titanium nitride. " 1996

[@austincopeland9504]

Working hard even on Labor Day weekend!

[@mattm7078]

Another great video! I'm still waiting patiently on a VK56DE teardown😂

[@agenericaccount3935]

The pitch shift of the pistons as they ascend through the bores is oddly satisfying.

[@fitfogey]

Whaddup our Saturday night teardown fam

[@belchnasty]

Excellent entertainment. Beats TV any day of the week. Please keep it up & dont change the format

[@jdeltoro518]

It's a shame when good engines are destroyed by lack on oil changes. I changed my oil every 3k miles. Oil is the life a of an engine.

[@12345.......]

This is the only thing I look forward to on Saturdays. Yes, I am that boring 🙃

[@OldManBadly]

I am thinking that this could be an engine that was partially submerged or left very much in the rain for an extended period. It was probably overheating repeatedly, and the amount of work to do head gaskets on this one might be more than would be merited for an engine with seemingly quite high milage.

[@josepgutierrez22]

I was really confused when I went to do my first oil change on my tundra and seen that tiny oil pan hahaha

[@nolife1199]

The oil filter is fun on those

[@12345.......]

If you have the plastic housing for the filter, you can replace it with one from the 3.5 venza. Just swap out the center tube. My first tundra was used and I had to chisel out the housing cap.

[@thooks1234]

@@12345....... I've got two 5.7L's in my driveway. One in my Tundra w/ 160k miles, the other in an LX570 w/ 120k miles. I've done every oil change. I've never had a problem with the filter/housing. But I do work on them like they're mine ;) , So I kinda do it right and take care of them.

[@randybrill5071]

I really enjoy seeing what your doing, back when I was a little younger did many overhauls through the years. Too old now well not in years in age but bones and joints are. I mess with smaller stuff now always have loved tearing down things and get them up and running again. Keep up the good stuff your putting out on here, makes us want to jump in and help. 👍👍👍👍

[@oldtanker4860]

At first I thought it may have been submerged in water. Looked interesting. Another enjoyable video.

[@tom7601]

“So far the bearings look okay.” That reminds me of the story about the man who fell from the top of the Empire State Building. As he passed the fiftieth floor he said, “So far so good!”

[@clifbradley]

A Toyota with high mileage? Get the furuno out of here! Someone drove that truck to death. Sadly people think that because Toyota has reliability reputation, that people can go with long maintenance intervals. My cousin has a Tacoma and bitched when her engine blew up at 105k miles...it had 1 oil change it's entire life! One! And I did it.

[@mackmuhlbeier4531]

That’s amazing that it lasted that long haha I’m impressed

[@FishFind3000]

Lol that’s crazy. I have a friend that doesn’t like to service their cars. It makes no sense.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Amsoil Must of Been It’s Saving Grace 😮😬😳

[@miketdavies]

LOL since you were the last to touch it, probably was perceived as your fault! :)

[@repairvehicle]

There are dumb people that think they know everything about maintenance. Also, same people are clueless about engine oil, api scam tactics and dexos gm scam label.

[@jeffhyde7934]

Cool video! How about a shop tour at some point? From what I see, it's very organized and clean!

[@I_Do_Cars]

Been requested a lot. Perhaps sometime soon!

[@hirisk761]

yes new video. watching this instead of football. priorities...

[@carwashadamcooper1538]

As am I. Much less likely to have to put up with virtue signaling BS, and you may learn something worth while!

[@rustypotatos]

thank you for this tear down adam sandler i never knew adam sandler had this much skills in real life. he does his own stunts and takes his engines apart

[@ardenpeters2952]

Who knew? I’m a retired graphic designer and I just love these videos…

[@allenbeaulieu7077]

Hey buddy. Nice job taking that engine apart. The wrist pins were so tight that the crank couldn’t rotate. That’s a first for me to see. Of course when there is actual damage you can see why it wouldn’t turn, but from overheating, wow. All the parts of that engine are varnished up really bad, that’s why oil changed are so important. Wish we knew actual mileage on it. Great video bro. See you next time. Big Al.

[@thomasmiddlebrooke1012]

Cool teardown. Both my cars are yotas. My corolla just passed 250k, and it runs like a champ.

[@matthewtaylor3308]

So many problems in life can be resolved via the vigorous application of that particular “solution...”

[@mr.lowslow7702]

My brother in law killed a 2UZ-FE with 160k miles after he didn’t put a air filter in it and I only noticed it when I randomly checked the air box after doing an oil change for him. It didn’t last long after that. Had zero compression on a few cylinders and just wouldn’t stay running

[@FishFind3000]

Well maybe he will learn to do proper maintenance next time.

[@frankthompson3495]

No air filter should have triggered some lights on the dashboard. Perhaps he took those bulbs out too lol

[@mr.lowslow7702]

@@frankthompson3495 trust me it doesn’t trigger shit. I saw a 2016 Dodge Dart that was driven over 10k miles with no air filter. No lights

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Whenever I hear you say "drained" it reminds me of some junkyards where I saw employees draining the oil pan by swinging a pick upwards into the pan while the car was supported by a forklift. What, undoing a drain plug was to hard?

[@FishFind3000]

That takes time, special tools, gets oil on you. They don’t have time for that. The pick works on all makes and models no matter the configuration. Stripped drain bolt? No problem for the pick! SAE bolt but only metric sockets? No problem for the pick! Air powered impact but no air hose? No problem for the pick! Hire cheap labor that like to steal your expensive tools? No problem for the pick! It’s a simple and cheap solution.

[@ikocheratcr]

Some cars have a metal plate under the engine, to protect it in case you hit a rock. In those, it is recommended practice to insert a hose via the oil level check tube to pull the oil with a vacuum pump. The hose is marked to the operator knows it hit the bottom, to be sure all old oil can be collected. Pulling the oil is not super fast, but again, not for speed reasons (5~10min)

[@markae0]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1132">18:52</a> I was curious what was in the valley, but you didn't open it. Probably noting to see. Thanks for the teardown video!

[@jeffreywilson690]

Thanks for getting back to me I must have missed this one the first time I looked through your playlist

[@tommink2577]

Love this channel! Keep doing what you do.

[@dmitriybelousov7246]

I lot of likes for this channel from my side ! Like it !

[@dustinj7028]

These engines are legendary.

[@Funwithhighnotes]

Would love to see a 4.7 tear down. I own 2 of them, (Seqouia & 4Runner) each with over 200,000 miles and both run like new. Oil changes and basic maintenance go a long way folks!

[@repairvehicle]

I have 4.6 tundra with 228k miles and running excellent

[@FishFind3000]

I had a bmw m52TU with 252k running perfect. Frequent service is the key with any car.

[@adamwinters4448]

I have 410k on my work truck..with no maintenance..best truck ever

[@wat3rdog25]

Thanks for posting this engine. Just found this channel today and glad I did. New subscriber!!

[@gryfandjane]

Man, these teardowns are interesting. Most of my engine experience has been with old British stuff… small iron pushrod engines. Seeing these newer units is a bit of a shock. Wow, are they complicated.

[@htimsid]

A-series? :)

[@gryfandjane]

@@htimsid I’ve worked on friends’ A-series engines, but mine is the Triumph 1500 in my ‘78 MG Midget.

[@mickeywilliford6304]

I like this channel. I’m a tundra fan so it was cool watching my engine get disassembled.

[@IncertusetNescio]

When you turned it upside down it coughed dust at you instead of coolant and oil. Nice comedic effect! As for the plastic bits around the cylinders, what are those for? I can't figure out why you'd put them in there at all. Haven't run across it in random-walking the internet either.

[@senior_ranger]

Possibly they are intended to prevent cavitation erosion.

[@1dollarHat]

Loving these 30 minute videos

[@Grumpymillennial]

Just how amazing Toyota engineering is. The engine was clearly neglected and abused but still not catastrophic failure like others. The pride of making something that works is not comparable with the money you get by selling junk.

[@spookerr]

Bought used 2012 Tundra 5.7 with 135k miles. Oil changes were done faithfully and dealer serviced except probably around 100k miles. Timing chains/tensioners went bad. People are knuckleheads.

[@Andrew-fj9no]

FINALLY A TOYOTA ENGINE !!!!! Been asking for a long time

[@TheRichardc88]

Another great video! Would love to see a 5.0 AJ133 Supercharged or NA from a Jaguar/Land Rover. Maybe you have one that suffered from timing chain guide pin failure. Those are always fun. Appreciate all the great content! Keep it coming!

[@Tarkov.]

Perfect timing, my pizza should be here in a second and now I have something to watch while I eat.

[@cma8165]

Excellent video Eric, now this is the video I was wanting to see!

[@module79l28]

Finally, a V8 that doesn't open the valves with sticks! <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="440">7:20</a> - Hmmm... someone's been watching M539 Restorations. ; )

[@TheRealTomLauda]

Those teardowns are my Sunday treat. Can't wait for the Porsche engine !

[@giladbo101]

Great detailed video. And great high quality. Fun to watch!

[@donsurlylyte]

think about all the work and development it took to make this piece of machinery, f'in amazing

[@colemc.5917]

My sister asked if it would be a good idea to buy a newer chevy blazer, I said no. Now she owns a Toyota Camry, if you don’t know what to buy, buy a Toyota

[@FishFind3000]

Unless you want a nice fun to drive car. If you want the most boring car, buy a Toyota. Inside and out it’s nothing special, cheap to buy, cheap to own.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Coolant mixed water with the oil Cause the bearings to seize the crank. If you notice the oil cover you said was seized to the shaft too.

[@jonclark8155]

I have the 05 2uz 4.7 and it’s got 198.000 on the clock. I haven’t touched it except for maintenance.

[@MruGotP3NED1]

Am I the only one that thinks the air impact sounds like a blaster from starwars when the video is sped up lol?

[@agentj100]

As a former Toyota tech can attest to the cam boxes (top part of the head holding the cams) leaking all the time. Other than that and the secondary air injection pumps the motors are solid.

[@spareparts7630]

I've seen wiring harness adapters that bypass the pumps. Have you ever tried them?

[@x1000plusx]

hey mate, can you do a teardown of a Toyota 2GR-FE?

[@I_Do_Cars]

If I get one in, sure!

[@markdougherty9917]

@@I_Do_Cars I second this, I have one in my rav4 it’d be cool to see a tear down in your format, your videos are very comprehensive

[@SpankMyFace]

I was once as hot as this engine was, I too melted my liners. I am no longer allowed anywhere near my kid's swimming lessons.

[@keything8487]

laser gun !!......and copious amounts of water...love it !!!

[@justpeachee8964]

Glad to see Adam Sandler got out of acting. This videos are by far his best work yet 😜

[@stger2384]

A LIQUI MOLY banner, very nice!

[@Redbeard_1]

Wow this car mechanic sim game looks so realistic this is the future of gaming in 12 to 24k…lol I love watching his videos

[@lglg4151]

Great channel....keep it up ...

[@czarekaj1098]

Last year I traded my 2009 Tundra with the iForce 5.7L V8. It had a tad bit over 250K miles and was still running like a champ. On cold days the transmission took it sweet time to shift but the engine never miss a beat. Used synthetic oil with 7-9K miles between changes. No leaks, no strange noises at all. The only down side was the fuel consumption. That engine can be quite " thirsty"

[@drewmurray2583]

I just had the best teardown today! Ford BOSS 6.2 engine core, "ran but has a noise". All that happened was a roller tip failed and damaged the drivers side camshaft! one other roller rocker needs to be replaced otherwise it looks great inside. no valve damage either! Now I am looking for 6.2 parts ;-)

[@I_Do_Cars]

That is lucky! That’s a pricey motor

[@yanglue611]

One thing, I do know that Toyota made these engines. They make sure that mechanics doesn't have to do the full service when needed.

[@demonknight7965]

Would love to see you pull apart a 2.7l 4cyl out of 01-06 tacoma

[@tysonlake9501]

Love watching these videos! I would love to see a small block Ford windsor tear down!

[@PowerfulLighting]

Jesus, how did i go from Car Mechanics Simulator 2021 on PS5 to these typs of vids. Enjoyable watch though...

[@omcbob37]

Another excellent video - always enjoy watching these teardowns. Maybe you can save this one by dunking everything in a giant tub of Evaporust, LOL!

[@kgpax]

These engines tend to take on water in heavy rain or deep puddles. It's in part due to the intake design.

[@highpointsights]

Please allow me to suggest something my dad taught me. When you get a nut or a bolt that simply will not give when trying to loosen. Tighten a click or a pop. At that momnt you can add some solvents to help loosen (allow it time soak)!!!! Used that maneuver lots of times over the years!!

[@tct9mm151]

As always, great video

[@scottmillican7000]

Been waiting for one of these - great video!