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Toyota engines
Engines
1970s
Japan

History

Toyota 3A Engine

1979 to 1989
Toyota 3A Engine range
Manufacturer Toyota
Production 1979–1989
Combustion chamber
Displacement 1.5 L (1,452 cc)
Cylinder bore 77.5 mm
Piston stroke 77.0 mm
Cylinder block alloy cast-iron
Cylinder head alloy aluminum
Valvetrain SOHC
Combustion
Fuel type gasoline

 

The 1.5 L 3A was produced from 1979 through 1989. The 3A engine is the successor of Toyota's first A engine, the 1A. All variants were belt-driven eight-valve counter-flow SOHC engines.

3A, 3A-C

Output:

  • 71 PS (52 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 108 Nm at 3,800 rpm (compression at 9.0:1, EU spec)

Applications:

  • AL12 Tercel 1979–1982 (excluding Japan)
  • AL21/25 Tercel 1982–1988 (excluding Japan)

 

3A-U, 3A-LU

toyota 3a lu engine

Using Toyota TTC-C catalytic converter. On some models marked as 3A-II.

Output:

  • 83.5 PS (61 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 118 Nm at 3,600 rpm (compression at 9.0:1)

Applications:

  • AA60 Carina 1981–1987 (Japan only)
  • AT150 Carina 1984–1988 (Japan only)
  • AE70 Corolla 1979–1983 (Japan only)
  • AE81/85 Corolla 1983–1987 (Japan only)
  • AL21 Corolla II 1982–1986 (Japan only)
  • AT140 Corona 1982–1987 (Japan only)
  • AT150 Corona 1983–1987 (Japan only)
  • AL12 Corsa (Japan only)
  • AL21/25 Corsa 1982–1989 (Japan only)
  • AW10 MR2 1984–1989 (Japan only)
  • AE70 Sprinter 1979–1983 (Japan only)
  • AE81/85 Sprinter 1983–1987 (Japan only)
  • AL25 Sprinter Carib 1982–1988 (Japan only)
  • AL21/25 Tercel 1982–1989 (Japan only)

 

3A-HU

High compression version with Toyota TTC-C catalytic converter.

Output:

  • 86 PS (63 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 121 Nm at 4,000 rpm (compression at 9.3:1)

Applications:

  • AL21 Corolla II 1982–1984 (Japan only)
  • AL21 Corsa 1982–1984 (Japan only)
  • AL21 Tercel 1982–1984 (Japan only)

 

3A-SU

Twin carburetted swirl-intake version with Toyota TTC-C catalytic converter, introduced in August 1984 along with a facelift for the Tercel (and its sister variants) in Japan. Features two variable-venturi carburetors, which Toyota wanted to test in Japan before launching them in export along E series engine, albeit in single carburetted version. Because of the swirl-intake, the sealing surface between cylinder head and valve cover is different from other SOHC A-engines, featuring vertical curves on the manifold side of the head. Thus, those parts are not interchangeable between each others.The swirl was supposed to improve burning of the air-fuel mixture, thus enabling cleaner emissions, improving fuel economy, and increasing power.

Output:

  • 90 PS (66 kW) at 6,000 rpm (compression at 9.3:1)

Applications:

  • AL21 Corolla II 1984–1986 (Japan only)
  • AL21/25 Corsa 1984–1989 (Japan only)
  • AL25 Sprinter Carib 1984–1988 (Japan only)
  • AL21/25 Tercel 1984–1989 (Japan only)

toyota 3a engine history

Technical

  • Toyota 3A Engine Technical details and specifications (1979-1989) 

    Toyota Tercel 1.5 Engine type: 3A (1982-1988)

    No. of cylinders 4/OHC
    Capacity 1452 cc
    Firing order 1-3-4-2
    Compression ratio 9.0:1
    Suitable for unleaded petrol Yes
    Fuel system Make Aisan Type 14100 Carb-2V
    Ignition coil Make Denso
    Distributor Make Denso No.15090/15100
    Distributor Contact breaker gap 0.45mm
    Starter motor Make Denso Type 12V 0.6 kW
    Minimum starting voltage 11.0V
    Maximum cranking amps 122-149A
    Alternator Make Nippon Denso
    Regulated voltage 13.8-14.8V
    Oil pressure 2.5 bar
    Thermostat opens 80-84°C

    © Motor car History

     

Service

  • Toyota 3A Engine  Service Guide (1979-1989) 

    Toyota Tercel 1.5 Engine type: 3A (1982-1988)

    Spark plugs Original equipment NGK Type BPR5EY
    Spark plug Electrode gap 0.8-1.1mm
    Spark plugs Tighten 15-20 Nm
    Spark plugs Make Bosch Type WR8DC
    Spark plugs Make Champion Type RN9YCC4
    Spark plugs Make NGK Type BPR5EY
    Valve clearance - INLET 0.20mm Check hot
    Valve clearance -EXHAUST 0.30mm Check hot
    Drive belt size - alternator 10x985mm
    Drive belt tension - alternator 10-12mm
    Engine oil grade - moderate climate 10W/30SAE or 20W/50 SAE
    Engine oil with filter 3.9 litres
    Manual gearbox oil grade 80W-90W SAE 3.9 litres
    Differential rear oil grade 90 SAE 1.0 litres
    Cooling system 5.0 litres

     

    © Motor car History

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