What are the known faults of 1MZ-FE engine if any?

[CrazyDragon]

I have a Toyota Landcruiser Prado KZJ 78. It had the 1KZ-TE engine which was very famous for cracking heads. Unfortunately mine just went bout a month ago. To be honest it's a little expensive to maintain as it's almost 18 years old. It's still my favourite vehicle but as I'm studying right now, I don't really have enough time to learn how to fix it. I decided to sell it cheap and maybe look for a 2000-2002 Camry instead.

I understand that there are two variants of the 2000-2002 Camry. One comes with the 2.2L Engine and the other comes with the 3.0L 1MZ-FE engine. I tried googling any known faults for 1MZ-FE engines and everything seems quite random. If you google known faults of 1KZ-TE pretty much everything points to blowing head gasket/cylinders.

So I need to ask around and do my research before actually start looking for a Camry. What are the known faults of both 2.2L and 3.0L engines if any? Does anyone have a 2000-2002 model? The XV20? What are your thoughts about it? What should I be careful of when I'm looking for one?

Any advice is appreciated

Thanks,

Kevin

[xoom]

I actually own an Avalon which shares the 1mz and have put over 330k kms on it.

Have kept it well maintained and other than the occasional oil leak which was a result of a gasket or something else minor knock on wood no major engine probs wat so ever,

Obviously I can't comment on the other aspects of the car ur looking at since its an Avalon that I own & not a Camry .

Wat I can suggest is stick with the 3L ..... The 2.2 ull find u r having to be up it always to get the car moving whereas the added torque and power from the 1mz makes it a much smoother ride

Just my thoughts

[Andrew357]

The 1mz has 1 known 'issue' which is the over-sensitive knock sensors. Not really a problem if you aren't boosting it. As Xoom has said, the leak but that's due to time (gasket losing it's sealing ability) and the engine's tilt how it is mounted.

A good semi-synthetic oil every change is sufficient and you'll have yourself a very reliable engine.

[trentmeyer23]

The 1MZ is actually one of Toyota's more bullet-proof engines.

[Milgram]

In my experience, the 1MZ-FE in my Camry has given me no troubles. I did have the rocker cover gasket replaced around the 180,000kms mark to fix a minor oil seep. I am now up to 235,000kms.

[STYLSH]

Known problem is the rear valve cover gasket will leak. It is inevitable because of the way the engine is mounted. (Tipped backwards).

Sludge build up is also another if it hasn't been looked after. These engines will go forever even without an oil change until it dies from sludging.

[CrazyDragon]

What do you mean by over sensitive knock sensors? And what do you mean not boosting it? How much will the gasket leak cost to fix? I've had my eye on one 2001 Camry with 145,000kms on it.

[trentmeyer23]

If you don't know what boost is, you don't need to worry about the knock sensors.

[CrazyDragon]

Okay did a bit more research and found out that oil sludge build up is mainly due to driving for short distances where optimum temperature was not reached. And also not changing the oil filter regularly.

Changing oil filter won't be a problem as I'm always 100% on time for each service and I'll use Toyota service instead of other mechanics. Don't really trust other mechanics anymore. Got scammed too many times.

Now here's my dilemma. I live around 650km away from my family. I'll go back 4 times a year. But when I don't, I'll only drive the car around town maybe 3 times a week for grocery shopping and bringing my dog to a park. Will this cause a sludge build up?

Is it possible to check if the car I'm looking at has any sludge build up? What are the symptoms of it? What else should I be aware of before buying it?

This is the one I'm hoping to get http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=496360398

Thanks for all your replies guys. Appreciate them.

[nikki1970]

I havnt owned my Camry with the 1zme motor for not long enough to be an expert, but I purchased a V6 Camry 2000 on the basis of all forums I had read, all quoted how solid and reliable they are, if you service them as per book or more regular as I like to which is every 5k, 10k is ok as well but must consider time frame as well if you dont drive often, then every 6 months apply or 12 months for oil & filter change. From what I have ready and have had no negative reports, the 2.2ltr and v6 motors are bullet proof and very reliable. To boot I concur on both engines.

[CrazyDragon]

Right now I'm just really worried about the sludge issue. Since I'm buying it 2nd hand, I really have no idea if there is already any sludge issues in the car. If there's none then great I can keep it that way.

Right now I have 2 choices. Either get a 1mz-FE Camry or the famous Nissan v6 maxima. Apparently that Nissan engine has won best engine for 6 years in a row. But that car has a terrible turning circle though. My mom has one.

[Andrew357]

Get the Nissan then.

If either engine has been poorly maintained they are both likely to be duds anyway.