The Toyota 4S-FE is a classic 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine produced by Toyota from 1987 to 1999. It became known for its reliability and durability, but like any unit, it has its own peculiarities and problems.
Characteristics of the Toyota 4S engine
| Characteristics | Toyota 4S |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Kamigo Plant |
| Engine Brand | Toyota 4S |
| Years of production | 1987-1999 |
| Cylinder block material | Cast iron |
| Power system | Injector |
| Type | Ready |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 82.5 |
| Compression ratio | 9.3, 9.5 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1838 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 105/5600, 115/5600, 125/6000 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 149/2800, 157/4400, 162/4600 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km (Mark II) | City: 8.2, Highway: 5.2, Mixed: 6.7 |
| Oil consumption, g/1000 km | At 1000 |
| Engine oil | 5W-30, 10W-30 |
| Engine oil volume, l | 3.3 (Chaser, Cresta, Mark 2), 3.9 |
| Oil change is carried out, km | 10000 |
| Engine operating temperature, deg. | 95 |
| Installed in cars | Toyota Corona, Toyota Camry, Toyota Carina, Toyota Carina E, Toyota Caldina, Toyota Celica, Toyota Vista, Toyota Mark II, Toyota Chaser, Toyota Cresta |
4S-Fi/4S-FE Engine Troubleshooting and Repair
The Toyota 4S engine is the youngest in the late S-series lineup, the other two being the 2.0L. 3S and 2.2l. 5S. The motor replaced the old 1.8 liter 1S and is an absolutely exact copy of the 3S motor, the difference is in the reduced cylinder diameter (from 86 mm to 82.5 mm), intake and exhaust manifolds. First, in 1987, 4S-Fi with single-point injection (mono injection) appeared, and in the 90th year it was replaced by 4S-FE with distributed injection. To the pluses of the motor should be attributed the fact that when the timing belt breaks, 4S does not bend valves. Nevertheless, it is not worth to test the fate, once in 100 thousand kilometers, replace the belt. In contrast to 3S, the motor was not madly improved and there are only three versions of it, about them below.
Modifications of Toyota 4S engine
- 4S-Fi – the first version of the engine, mono-injection, compression ratio 9.3, power 105 hp. The engine was produced until the 91st year.
- 4S-FE Gen 1 – second version, distributed injection, power increased to 115 hp. The motor was in production from 1989 to 1999 and was installed on the Toyota Corona.
- 4S-FE Gen 2 – the last version of the 4S, came out in ’95 and was produced until 1999. The compression ratio increased to 9.5, power reached 125 hp.
Faults and their causes
Advantages:
- Simple and reliable design: the Toyota 4S-FE is known for its simplicity and reliability. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value durability and minimal maintenance costs.
- Unpretentious operation: The engine does not require complicated maintenance and tolerates various operating conditions well. This makes it popular with owners who use the car as daily transportation.
- Many upgrade options: There are many options to improve the performance and reliability of the engine thanks to a wide range of new and used parts.
- A wide selection of spare parts: Toyota 4S-FE spare parts are readily available, both new and used, making maintenance and repairs easy.
Disadvantages:
- Olderly design: In the modern context, the Toyota 4S-FE engine is considered obsolete. It cannot offer the same fuel economy and performance as modern units.
- Noise and Vibrations: In operation, the engine exhibits significant noise and vibrations, especially at idle or at high rpm.
- Oil consumption at high mileage: At mileage over 200,000 kilometers, increased oil consumption may begin to occur due to piston ring seizure.
- Valve adjustment: The valves are adjusted by adjusting the washer, which requires periodic adjustment every 100,000 km.
Toyota 4S-FE engine service schedule:
- Oil service: Oil changes are recommended every 10,000 km. The engine has a lubricant capacity of approximately 4.5 liters, and approximately 3.9 liters of oil is required for replacement. Recommended oils: 5W-30, 5W-40.
- Gas distribution mechanism: The type of timing drive is belt. Replacement of the timing belt is recommended every 100,000 km.
- Valve thermal clearances: Adjustment of valve thermal clearances – once every 100,000 km, using a selection of washers.
- Replacement of consumables: Air and fuel filters are replaced every 40,000 km, spark plugs – every 20,000 km.
Problems and breakdowns:
- Friendship crank: On engines of the last years of production, there can be problems with connecting rod bolts, which leads to the breakage of the connecting rod at high rpm.
- G timing belt breakage: Although the valves don’t buckle, a timing belt breakage is an inconvenience due to the need for replacement and repair.
- Oil addiction: At high mileage, piston rings may be seized, resulting in increased oil consumption.
- Small Breakdowns: Aging components can cause oil leaks, sensor failures, ignition system problems, and rapid wear of powertrain mounts.
Toyota 4S-FE Engine Tuning
Chip tuning. Atmo. Turbine
Refinement of the engine 4S task is terribly difficult and illogical, but we need to do something, so we put a cold air intake, on the exhaust spider 4-2-1 and full straight-through exhaust, Apexi S-AFC II and get up to 10 hp. There is no sense to climb further, because the car will not get off the elevator. About the turbine, the question of supercharging periodically prevents to sleep the owner of 4S motor, but let’s think sensibly, 4S-FE will not withstand pressure and the whole bottom will be replaced, instead it is put light forging under low SJ, the head will require porting, installation of light enlarged valves, replacement of camshafts, to put it simply, only the cylinder block will remain factory. Plus turbo kit, injectors, exhaust and tuning. The most correct tuning 4S-FE is the replacement with the initially fast and reliable 3S-GTE.
MOTOR RATING: 3+