Toyota K series engines
K-series engines were produced from 1966 to 2007. They were in-line low-power four-cylinder engines. The suffix K indicates that the engine of this series is not a hybrid. The intake and exhaust manifolds were located on the same side of the cylinder block. The cylinder head (cylinder head) on all engines of this series was made of aluminum.
History of creation
In 1966, for the first time, a new Toyota engine was released. It was produced under the brand name "K" for three years. In parallel with it, from 1968 to 1969, a slightly modernized KV rolled off the assembly line - the same engine, but with a dual carburetor.
It installed:
- Toyota Corolla;
- Toyota Public.
In 1969, it was replaced by the Toyota 2K engine. It has several modifications. For example, for New Zealand it was manufactured with a power of 54 hp / 5800 rpm, and 45 hp were supplied to Europe. The engine was produced until 1988.
Installed on:
- Toyota Publica 1000 (KP30-KP36);
- Toyota Starlet.
In parallel, from 1969 to 1977, the 3K engine was produced. He was somewhat more powerful than his brother. It was also produced in several modifications. Interestingly, the 3K-V model was equipped with two carburetors. This innovation made it possible to increase the power of the unit to 77 hp. In total, the engine had 8 modifications, but the models did not differ in a large power spread.
The following Toyota models were equipped with this power unit:
- Corolla
- Deer;
- LiteAce (KM 10);
- Starlet;
- TownAce.
In addition to Toyota, the 3K engine was installed on Daihatsu models - Charmant and Delta.
The Toyota 4K engine marked the beginning of the use of fuel injection. Thus, since 1981, the era of carburetors has slowly begun to wind down. The engine was produced in 3 modifications.
His place was on the same car brands as 3K.
The 5K engine differs from the 4K engine in improved performance. Refers to low-powered power units.
In various modifications, it has found application on the following Toyota models:
- Carina Van KA 67V Van;
- Corolla Van KE 74V;
- Corona Van KT 147V Van;
- LiteAce KM 36 Van and KR 27 Van;
- Deer;
- Tamaraw;
- TownAce KR-41 Van.
The Toyota 7K engine has a larger volume. Accordingly, the power increased. Equipped with manual transmission and automatic transmission. It was produced both with a carburetor and with an injector. Had several modifications. It was installed in the same car models as its predecessor, additionally - on the Toyota Revo.
The manufacturer did not indicate the resource of the K series engines, but there is evidence that, with timely and proper maintenance, they calmly nurse 1 million km.
Technical specifications
The characteristics of Toyota K series engines presented in the table help to visually trace the path of their improvement. It must be remembered that each engine had several varieties that changed the digital values. Discrepancies can be, but small, within ± 5%.
| К | 2K | 3K | 4K | 5K | 7K | |
| Manufacturer | ||||||
| Years of issue | 1966-1969 | 1969-1988 | 1969-1977 | 1977-1989 | 1983-1996 | 1983 |
| Cylinder block | ||||||
| Cylinders | ||||||
| Valves per cylinder | ||||||
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 75 | 72 | 75 | 75 | 80,5 | 80,5 |
| The piston stroke, mm | 61 | 61 | 66 | 73 | 73 | 87,5 |
| Engine volume, cc (l) | 1077 (1,1) | 993 | 1166 (1,2) | 1290 (1,3) | 1486 (1,5) | 1781 (1,8) |
| Compression ratio | 9,0 | 9,3 | ||||
| Power, hp / rpm | 73/6600 | 47/5800 | 68/6000 | 58/5250 | 70/4800 | 80/4600 |
| Torque, Nm / rpm | 88/4600 | 66/3800 | 93/3800 | 97/3600 | 115/3200 | 139/2800 |
| Timing drive | ||||||
| Fuel system | Carb/eng | |||||
| Fuel | AI-92, AI-95 | |||||
| Fuel consumption, l / 100 km | 4,8 | 7,7 | 9,6-10,0 | |||
Reliability
All engines of the K series are characterized as extremely reliable, with a large margin of safety. This is confirmed by the fact that they hold the record for longevity. Indeed, there is not a single model that has been produced for such a long time (1966-2013). Reliability is evidenced by the fact that Toyota engines of the K series were used in special equipment and on cargo and passenger minivans. For example, Toyota Lite Ace (1970-1996).
No matter how reliable the engine is considered, problems can always arise in it. Most of the time this is due to poor maintenance. But there are other reasons as well.
For all engines of the K series, one common problem is characteristic - self-loosening of the intake manifold mount. Perhaps this is a design flaw or a collector defect (which is unlikely, but ...). In any case, by tightening the fastening nuts more often, this misfortune is easy to avoid. And don't forget to replace the gaskets. Then the problem will go down in history forever.
In general, according to reviews of motorists who came into close contact with the engines of this series, their reliability is beyond doubt. Subject to the manufacturer's recommendations for the operation of these units, they are able to nurse 1 million km.
Possibility of engine repair
Motorists who have internal combustion engines of this series on their cars practically do not know problems with them. Timely maintenance, the use of recommended operating fluids make this unit "indestructible".
The engine is adapted to any type of repair, even capital. The Japanese don't make it though. But we are not Japanese! In case of wear of the CPG, the cylinder block is bored to the repair size. The crankshaft is also replaced. The cushions of the liners are bored to the desired size and only the installation remains.
Spare parts for the engine are available in almost every online store in any assortment. Many auto services have mastered the overhaul of Japanese engines.
Thus, it can be stated with confidence that not only are the K series motors reliable, they are also absolutely maintainable.
Motorists call the K-series engines "low-speed and high-torque." In addition, they note their high endurance and reliability. The good news is that there are no problems with the repair either. Some parts are interchangeable with parts of other models. For example, 7A cranks are suitable for 7K. Wherever the Toyota K-series engine is installed - on a passenger car or minivan, with proper maintenance, it works flawlessly.
