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GR series introduced first in 2003 for domestic Japanese market. Over time, it replaced
previous V6 series MZ and VZ, as well as the legendary R6 series G and JZ. At 2010s installed
in wide range of models - C/D/E-class cars, vans, mid- and full-size SUV and pickups. Because
1GR-FE (4.0 EFI VVT) type'04 - longitudinal layout, multipoint injection, mono-VVT. Installed in:
4Runner 210, FJ Cruiser, Fortuner 50, Hilux 20..120, Hilux Surf 210, LC 200, LC 70, LC Prado 120,
1GR-FE (4.0 EFI DVVT) type'09 - longitudinal layout, multipoint injection, Dual-VVT. Installed in:
4Runner 280, FJ Cruiser, GX 150, LC 200, LC Prado 150, Tacoma 200, Tundra 50.
2GR-FE (3.5 EFI DVVT) - transverse layout, multipoint injection. Installed in: Alphard 20, Avalon 30..40,
Aurion 40, Blade, Camry 40..50, ES 40..60, Estima 50, Harrier 30, Highlander 40, Mark X Zio, Previa 50,
2GR-FKS (3.5 D-4S DVVT-iW) - transverse layout, combined injection, VVT-iW and Miller / Atkinson
2GR-FKS (3.5 D-4S DVVT-iW) - longitudinal layout, combined injection, VVT-iW and Miller / Atkinson
2GR-FXE (3.5 EFI DVVT) - transverse layout, multipoint injection, for hybrid vehicles. Installed in: RX
2GR-FXE (3.5 D-4S DVVT) - longitudinal layout, combined injection, for hybrid vehicles. Installed in:
2GR-FXS (3.5 D-4S DVVT-iW) - transverse layout, combined injection, VVT-iW and Miller / Atkinson
2GR-FZE (3.5 EFI DVVT) - transverse layout, multipoint injection, supercharged. Installed in: TRD
3GR-FE (3.0 EFI DVVT) - longitudinal layout, multipoint injection. Installed in: Crown 180..200 CHN, GS
3GR-FSE (3.0 D-4 DVVT) - longitudinal layout, direct injection. Installed in: Crown 180..200, GS 190,
Mark X 120.
4GR-FSE (2.5 D-4 DVVT) - longitudinal layout, direct injection. For Toyota brand models at Japanese
market since the early 2010s used deforced variant. Installed in: Crown 180..200..210, GS L10, IS
5GR-FE (2.5 EFI DVVT) - longitudinal layout, multipoint injection, for Chinese market. It is not a version
of 4GR, but separate motor on the basis of 3GR-FE. Installed in: Crown 180..200 CHN, Reiz 120..130.
6GR-FE (4.0 EFI DVVT) - longitudinal layout, multipoint injection, for Chinese market commercial
vehicles. Analogue of 1GR-FE type'09. Installed in: Coaster 50 CHN.
7GR-FKS (3.5 D-4S DVVT-iW) - longitudinal layout, combined injection, VVT-iW and Miller / Atkinson
cycle operation mode, for Chinese market. Analogue of 2GR-FKS. Installed in: LC Prado 150 CHN.
Firing order
The cylinder block - aluminium "open deck" with thin cast iron liners, cylinder bank angle is
60°. The liners are fused into block and their special rough outer surface promotes strong
connection. There are additional channels for coolant between the cylinders, and there are not
spacer in the water jacket of 2GR-FE. Of course, no overhaul with reboring provided.
The oil sump consist of massive upper part (additionally connected to transmission for stiffness)
Forged steel crankshaft with 4 journals and 5 balance weights is held by individual main
bearing caps, which are fastened by four main bolts and by another two side bolts to block walls
Pistons - of aluminium alloy, compact T-shaped in projection, with cutted skirt, all the same size
and the same for each bank (as opposed to MZ series). The groove for the upper compression
ring has alumite coating and friction reducing polymer coating is applied on the skirt. Thin
rings have protective coatings: upper compression - by PVD, lower - anti-corrosion, oil scraper
- by gas nitriding. The pistons are connected to the rods with fully floating pins.
Cylinder head
The camshafts are installed in a separate housing, which mounted on the cylinder head - it
simplifies the design and manufacturing technology of cylinder head. The intake ports are
paired, to improve the air flow characteristics the diameter decreases towards the combustion
chamber. There are valve adjusters and roller rockers in the valve mechanism. The head covers
are made of alloy and provided with oil delivery pipe for the rockers lubrication.
Timing drive
Timing drive is "two-step". From the crankshaft by the primary roller chain (pitch 9.525 mm)
intake camshafts are driven, and two short secondary chains for exhaust camshafts drive are
used. Primary circuit tensioner - with a ratchet mechanism, spring and return valve, secondary
chain tensioner have not ratchet, but also is spring enforced. The chains are lubricated by
separate oil nozzles.
Camshaft cams - with a concave profile (thus increasing valve lift at the beginning and at the
VVT actuators both on the inlet and outlet camshafts are installed (DVVT - Dual Variable Valve
Timing). Timing variations range - 40° for intake and 35° for exhaust. The auxiliary spring is
installed in VVT actuator of exhaust camshaft to apply a torque to the rotor in the advance
The water pump and oil pump are installed in cast timing chain cover, respectively, oil and
Lubrication system
Cycloid oil pump in chain cover is driven directly by the crankshaft, the excess oil is not drain
to sump but feed back to the pump inlet. Oil nozzles that lubricate and cool the pistons are
provided.
The collapsible filter with replaceable cartridges are used, filter housing is built into the upper
sump.
Cooling system
Cooling system is classic: pump drive by outer side of serpentine belt, pump impeller of
stainless steel, mechanical thermostat (80-84°C). The throttle body is heated to counteract
freezing. Some versions are equipped with oil cooler.
The engine was equipped with separate fan motor control unit, which allows to adjust
fan speed depending on the coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure, vehicle speed
There are ACIS valve with electrical drive in the upper intake manifold installed, to change the
effective length of the intake for output increase. At low and medium speed and high load ACIS
valve is closed and the air flows via long path, in other conditions the valve is opened and air
AICS vacuum actuator closes one of the two channels between the air inlet and air filter. At low
and middle speed the valve closes one of the channels, so the air passes to filter via smaller
hole, which helps to reduce noise. At high speeds and wide open throttle both channels are
Some models have the muffler with a mechanical valve that regulates the flow of exhaust gases.
At low speed closed valve helps to reduce noise, at high speeds it is opened reducing the back-
pressure.
cylinder, at low temperature and low speed group injection can be performed. Fuel supply -
without return line, pulsation damper - external on the fuel rail (in some versions, an additional
damper can be installed in the line before the fuel feed pipe), the collector is made of plastic.
The speed of the fuel pump is regulated by ECM via resistor and relay. EVAP absorber is
sensor (Hall effect). ETCS performs some functions of traction control (TRC) and stabilization
(VSC).
Accelerator pedal position sensor - dual-channel non-contact (Hall effect). Camshaft position
sensors - MRE type (magnetoresistive) , provide a digital output signal and work properly at
low engine speed. Knock sensors - "flat" wideband piezoelectric, installed on each bank at the
middle cylinder zone. Mass air flow sensor (MAF) - "hot wire" type, combined with the intake
temperature sensor. Upstream - planar air-fuel ratio sensor (AFS), downstream - traditional
oxygen sensor.
To reduce vibrations an active front engine mount is used (operates at speed below 900 rpm).
ECM commands VSV to supply vacuum to the mount changing the pressure in the air chamber.
The diaphragm vibrates and transmits vibrations through the liquid to the rubber part. So the
mount internal vibration compensates engine vibration at idling. The desired frequency of
Electrical
Ignition system - DIS-6 (separate coil for each cylinder). Spark plugs - "iridium" (Denso
FK20HR11 - central electrode of iridium alloy, side electrode of platinum), with a long threaded
portion (thereby cooling channel can be expanded in the head to improve heat dissipation).
Alternator - with double segment coil and one-way clutch in the pulley (return current
100/130A). Double coil (two sets of three-phase windings with a shift of 30°) reduces electrical
interference and noise at high load. One-way clutch with spring is installed between the inner
and outer portions of the pulley to transmit torque only in the direction of rotation of the
Starting system - new 1.7 kW starter with planetary gear and segment armature coil and
Experience
• Break of the rubber section of oil pipe (modification until 2008, the part number 15707-
3101#), causing a rapid oil loss with possible engine damage. Since the defect is endanger,
recall service campaign was announced (old-style pipes were replaced with new all-metal).
Note when the pipe was broken during driving, the loss of oil was determined only by
oil pressure warning indicator light up, so the engine time to time worked under oil
starvation, which subsequently led to serious mechanical problems - crankshaft
bearings, camshaft beds damage etc. This circumstance should be taken into account
when purchasing any "second-hand" vehicles produced with an old-style pipe yet - as
the service history is unknown, it is at risk.
• Usual problem of water pump leaking and noise, so the pump should be just considered as
• The failure of the ignition coils (until 2010, part # 90919-02251) - prescribed to replace the
• Noise from head cover area at starting and possible errors related to the valve timing -
prescribed a complicated procedure for replacing the valvetrain components of the sprockets to
the camshafts and carriers assembly. VVT sprocket problems are standard of almost all GR
engines.
• Errors associated with VVT control valves (until 2011) - prescribed faulty valves replacement.
• Idle speed control system problems and DTCs (until 2010) - prescribed replacement of the
throttle body assembly.
• Alternator pulley one-way clutch failure (until 2012) - prescribed installation of new pulleys (a
• Oil leak from under the cylinder head cover (until 2007) - prescribed replacement of
camshaft carriers.
• Difficult restarting at low temperatures (some models until 2013) - replacement of the
junction box..
Indirect deficiencies are not associated with the reliability of the engine:
• The cylinder heads are traditional, without camshafts carrier, without hydraulic lash adjusters.
• There are not spacer in the water jacket.
• The main cooling fan is mechanical belt driven, mounted with silicone fluid filled coupling,
• Unusual high RON requirements even for Japanese market version (Regular - only in North
America).
• Some models was equipped by additional fuel tank, but simple scheme is implemented - with
• To control the performance of the fuel pump (3 speeds) the separate electronic control unit
was installed.
• The fuel system - with return line, the fuel pressure regulator - vacuum, at the intake manifold.
• At the first year of production engines inductive camshaft position sensors was installed..
• ACIS with vacuum actuator instead of the electric drive and somewhat different work
algorithm..
A - intake manifold effective length, B - inlet
effective length.
• Spark plugs with a long threaded portion, but of conventional materials (Denso
K20HR-U11, NGK LFR6C-11).
• Starters - modern with a planetary gear and segment armature coil as well more
The second variant (type'2009) was structurally similar to other GR motors. The
exhaust timing adjusting (the range is 40° for intake and 35° for exhaust), the camshaft
carriers, the spacer in the cooling jacket, more compact pistons, simplified crankshaft
were implemented, collapsible oil filter and oil cooler are moved to a separate bracket
under the engine, more advanced spark plugs are used (Denso SK20HR11), the
Experience
• No extra rubber elements in the lubrication system, simplified valvetrain - automatically mean
the absence of relevant problems specific to 2GR-FE. The timing chain life time is quiet good.
Some knocking in the engine compartment are often a normal operation sound of EVAP VSV
and injectors.
• Minor defects are more common - oil leak from the timing cover, water pump leak, emission
• The most unpleasant defect - cylinder head gaskets damage at rear cylinders area,
with local overheating and warping the mating surfaces, generally appears as gradual
antifreeze consumption, overheating in certain modes and, finally, the exhaust gases
in cooling system outburst. The defect is unspecific for the first 100.000 km, but then
the probability increases in direct proportion to the mileage. Any failure of the cooling
system, such as radiator leak or clogged cells, significantly conduce to it.
Taking into account the difference in layout, 3GR MPI is substantially similar to 2GR-FE.
• There is the spacer in the water jacket installed, it allows more intensive coolant circulation
near the top of the cylinder, which improves heat dissipation and helps to more evenly
thermally load.
• Front engine mounts are liquid filled, active mounts not applied.
• The oil filter is installed horizontally in the front, on the top of upper sump bracket (the sump
has a specific for longitudinal layout engines shape). The oil level sensor is installed (limit
switch with a float) - if a low level is maintained for more than 40 seconds, the system switches
on warning light.
• There is ATF heater in the cooling system installed. Radiator fans - electrical, controlled via a
• The fuel system - with return line, the fuel pressure regulator bilt in the fuel pump module.
• ACIS drive - electrical, operates by algorithm similar to 1GR-FE. Other intake geometry
pedal pressing.
• The fuel injectors are mounted in cylinder head. The shape of the intake port promotes the
• Pistons with a specific shape are different for the left and right banks.
Fuel injection system (D-4)
Fuel injection - direct in the combustion chamber, is synchronized with piston position.
The fuel from tank pump is supplied to high pressure pump, than under pressure (4..13
MPa) into the fuel rail, and finally into the cylinders by injectors.
- Homogeneous mixture mode - injection during the intake stroke, the fuel mixes with air and
forms a homogeneous mixture with a composition close to the stoichiometric. Due to the
evaporation of injected fuel, air charge in the cylinder is cooled further reduces the possibility
- Stratified combustion mode - injection at the end of the compression stroke - the fuel is
reflected from the recess of the piston, actively dispersed and vaporized, heading to the spark
plug. Although the mixture in whole cylinder is lean, at spark plug area it is rich enough to be
ignited by spark and fire the remaining volume. Lean mixture in the remaining volume is less
prone to detonation, which allows to increase the compression ratio and increase engine output.
Due to the evaporation of injected fuel air charge in the cylinder is cooled further reduces the
possibility of knocking. This mode is used after a cold start to accelerate catalyst warm-up.
Injection/supply pump. Single-plunger with control valve, check valve and pulsation damper
at inlet. Installed in the rear of the right bank valve cover, driven by exhaust camshaft additional
cam. There is an insulating spacer installed between the pump and valve cover to reduce pump
heat.
- At the beginning of the compression stroke part of the fuel is returned while control valve is
open (the specified fuel pressure is set in the range 4-13 MPa).
- At the end of the compression stroke control valve is closed and the pressurized fuel through
- At the engine start the control valve is opened and the fuel is fed directly into the manifold at
Fuel rail. Made of aluminium alloy, contains fuel pressure sensor to provide feedback, and a
mechanical pressure relief valve (opens the drain line to the tank if the pressure exceeds 15.3
MPa).
Injectors. Slotted nozzle injector injects the fuel into the cylinder as specific shaped spray that
draws in a significant amount of air and increases the mass admission. The nozzle protruding in
the combustion chamber have special non-stick coating. Sealing teflon (PTFE) rings further
reduce vibration.
Injector driver (EDU). The injectors are controlled by a driver, which converts the signal from
the control unit in the high-voltage signal to the injectors, ensuring maximum operation speed.
After the opening of the nozzle is held opened by low voltage signal.
1 - ECM, 2 - injector driver, 3 - control circuit, 4 -
high voltage circuit, 5 - injector, 6 - control valve.
SCV (swirl control valve) actuator. There is SCV block between the cylinder head and the
inlet manifold, which closes one of two inlets channel to each cylinder, depending on the
- At low speed, low load, low coolant temperature SCV is closed, air flows through one port,
- At high loads SCV is opened, air enters through both ports increases filling of cylinders, the
Spark plugs. "Iridium" (Denso FK20HBR11 / NGK ILFR6D11T) - in addition to the platinum
Experience
As usual for Toyota, the new technical solutions caused a number of different
company was able to find the right solutions - and, indeed, control system and fuel
system are not more problematical as of MPI engines. The absence of EGR
significantly reduced the problem of carbon deposits in the intake manifold and at all
In addition to standard fault of EVAP (absorber module), can be noted two specific
defects.
• Problems of AFS and oxygen sensors - not recommended for a long ride with an
error related too rich mixture (the manufacturer supposes, that excessive amount of
corrosion and pressure fluctuations could cause destruction of welding or cracks and
major fuel leaks (domestic market until 2005, overseas until 2008), defects of injector
ring seals with fuel leak possibility (domestic market until 2005), spontaneously
• Oil leaks at camshaft carriers (until 2008) does not deserve special attention.
• Abnormal sound (knock) in timing drive after starting - a chronic disease, supposedly
"fixed" by periodically releases of another type of intake camshaft VVT sprocket (part
escalate the situation by notifying the possibility of spontaneous loosen of VVT mounting bolts
• Major recall campaigns related to valve springs - foreign matter in the material cause
weakening or rupture of the springs, followed by noise during operation and engine stall (4GR-
• The most expensive problems are also reflected in service campaigns (4GR-FSE
until 2010, 3GR-FSE until 2006 - for the extended 9-year warranty): in case of
misfiring, erratic or rough idling, oil consumption more than 500 ml / 1000 km - was
prescribed to replace pistons (usually owners tried to avoid it by cleaning and
reinstalling the old ones), piston rings, valve springs of older type, the lash adjusters, if
necessary - valve guides and valves with the cleaning of a deposit of all relevant
components. Cumulative worldwide experience makes believe high oil consumption is
generic "feature" of all #GR-FSE engines, so consumption below 200-300 ml / 1000
km is considered "normal" even for low-mileage engines, while active
countermeasures are applied after 600-800 ml per thousand oil burning.
With the exception of the fuel system, construction is similar to the 3GR / 4GR. Differences at
- Another type of the piston - for D-4 with a lower compression ratio.
Fuel injection - combined: directly in the combustion chamber and multipoint in the inlet ports.
At low to medium loads and low speeds - combined injection is applied - homogeneous mixture
increases the stability of the combustion process and reduces emissions. At high load - direct
injection is applied - the evaporation of the fuel in the cylinder improves the mass admission
and reduces the tendency to knocking, which allows to increase the compression ratio.
Operation modes.
- Stratified combustion mode. Fuel is supplied in the intake ports on the exhaust stroke. On the
intake stroke after the valves are opened a homogeneous mixture flows in the cylinder. At the
end of the compression stroke, additional fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, allowing to
enrich the mixture near the spark plug. This facilitates the initial ignition, is then distributed on
the all lean mixture charge in the remaining volume of the combustion chamber. This mode is
applied after a cold start to retard ignition timing and to increase the exhaust gas temperature
intake stroke after the valves are opened a homogeneous mixture flows in the cylinder,
additional fuel is injected directly into the cylinder and uniformly mixed with the incoming
charge due to turbulence. Homogeneous air-fuel mixture is compressed and then ignited. Due to
the evaporation of injected fuel, air charge in the cylinder is cooled improves cylinder filling.
Similar to 2GR-FSE.
1 - fuel pump (low pressure), 2 - filter, 3 - pressure regulator (relief valve), 4 - main fuel valve, 5 - fuel
pump (high pressure), 6 - pump lifter, 7 - exhaust camshaft, 8 - check valve, 9 - pressure relief valve, 10
- control valve, 11 - fuel pressure pulsation damper, 12 - low-pressure line, 13 - high-pressure line, 14 -
injector (low pressure), 15 - fuel pressure sensor (high pressure), 16 - injector (high pressure), 17 - fuel
pressure sensor (low pressure), 18 - ECM, 19 - fuel pump control unit.