Toyota engine 1MZ-FE common problems

What we know about this pretty reliable Toyota engine

[@nikitasmolin6232]

535k on my Toyota Camry 2002 1MZ-FE, without engine replacement. Still feeling good

[@sidefx996]

Updated ;) Just turned 388k on my '99 Avalon. Mobil 1 every 5k miles (and lots of other preventative maintenance) and still runs perfect. Original trans is perfect too (at this point I change the trans filter and fluid along with a bottle of Lucas every 3rd or 4th engine oil change and it stays nice and clean). And original AC too (hey it's Florida haha). What a fantastic car.

[@jugdhiss]

Not a fair point to highlight sludge buildup in the baffle of the front valve cover. Picture of sludge in valvetrain underneath is better example! My 1999 Avalon has same amount of sludge buildup but runs perfectly!!! MAJOR oil sludge buildup is Toyota corporate and owner/operator fault, not the engine fault. This is the BEST V6 engine that Toyota made. No discussion! SEVEN models had this engine.

[@phillip7407]

FYI! SLUDGE in the oil filler hole does not mean sluge in the engine. I replace the front cover gasket in 2001 Avalon and inspected for sludge in the cams. I had sluge in the oil filler hole, but no sluge inside the engine. There's a metal plate under the filler hole that guides the oil to engine which only has a small amount of sludge.

[@Solazed]

A while back, I discovered black sooty gunk under the oil filler cap/filler area of my 2001 Sienna XLE V6 VVTI. It has over 185k miles, I had both valve covers removed but there was virtually no sludge underneath, the cylinder heads were pristine. Oil changes are done at 3.5k miles, full synthetic oil; no seal leaks, no valve rattles, runs and shifts like a charm. Apart from a flashing check engine light that emerged at around 170k miles caused by a bad ignition coil that triggered a misfire, its been flawless. Great engine!

[@gltwn]

My 1996 Avalon with the 1MZ-FE engine has 421,000 miles. It runs like new. The previous owner had the valve seals replaced at about 390,000 miles. It had some sludge build-up when I got it, but I changed the oil a few times at short intervals and dropped the oil pan and cleaned, and the sludge is gone. With proper maintenance and attention to detail, I have no doubt these engines can last 1,000,000 miles.

[@randymcfly1297]

This old video proves to still be very useful thank you!

[@tatabutterbubu1928]

the power steering pumps are also known to leak so that may be dex3 fluid. it looked a bit dark for motor oil especially if you change it often

[@gbeairsto]

I have a Camry with this motor at 309k miles. 300k miles with no engine issues.

[@maikaoride1884]

Good. Keep going. There is not a lot of videos about these cars. Thanks

[@MrLifeholder]

Thank you for the video. Also, your english is extremely good. Better than most Americans. So thank you for the engine review.

[@davidnievesjr.9478]

When you opened the oil filler and showed all that sludge,

[@JuliaDevan]

As long as you change your oil when you are supposed to, this engine will not have a sludge issue. I have a 1998 with the 1MZ-FE, with 95,000 miles, about 2 years ago I had the valve cover gasket changed, and it was very clean inside. If you do not change the oil when you are supposed to, you will get this sludge problem. This is one smooth running engine, that is for sure!

[@muckinyoface]

I've got a 99' Avalon with 380k on it with no big signs of sludge. It does consume about a quart of oil every 3000 mi or so but I assume that's to be expected with the high mileage. I used to own a 96' Lexus ES300 with the same 1mz and it never died. Sold it with over 300k on it.

[@mohammadabusalah2947]

thank you for all videos

[@Dansk55]

I have a 03 Rx300 and this car is just absolutely flawless and smooth for a car with 200k miles. Only thing to watch out for are knock sensors, replace PCV valve every 50k miles with original OEM only, oil change no more than 5k miles with high mileage synthetic oil (this actually works better than regular synthetic oil), and transmission every 30-40k miles. Valve cover gasket can be done (if leaking) same time as timing belt along with crank and cam seals every 150k. I had the original done at 170k and the mechanic told me it looked new.

[@energymarketchile]

Thank you for your videos. They are always quite instructional. I have an issue with this engine (on a Highlander 2003): it has normal power on 1st gear, but when it is transitioning on the 2nd gear the engine hesitates, and if I push the gas pedal, it knocks. I've read in the owner's manual that this engine "may produce knocking when being pressed uphill... I've changed everything I've could think of: knocking sensor, timing belts, timing sensor, variable valve timing, plugs, ignition coils, OS sensors (both in the front), catalytic and yet, still the problem is there, though a little milder. I use synth oil. I suspect that the problem is the oil burn out build up that is somewhere inside the engine where I can't see it. Can you please give me your advise what can I do to safely get rid of this oil burn out build up inside the engine, without further damaging it? -- I love my highlander (2003) and I would like to keep it. Thanks and greetings from Canada.

[@greendropmedia]

Awesome video! hit the LIKE button. Thanks for the knowledge. Im currently car shopping and am now considering this car. I just need something reliable to get me to work and back and for about the same price as an Accord or Camry...these are now on my radar...

[@trentwheeler6161]

I bought a 99 Camry last August. I was aware of sludge issues with this engine. I bought a new PCV valve from the dealer. I changed the oil and filter, and changed the oil and filter again after 450 miles. While draining the oil I blasted out that area where the fill cap is with brake clean again and again. Oil and new Toyota OEM oil filter every 4000 miles with mostly highway driving.

[@abdelmohaimin]

Hi, I have my Toyota camry grande 2003 , v6, with the same engine, would you please show me where is the knock sensor because I had a P0325 fault code. It shows that there is an issue with the nock sensor.