Toyota Prado J120 - engine oil

Production of the 4.0-liter V-shaped six-cylinder 1GR-FE engines began in 2002. Large Toyota/Lexus SUVs and pickups are equipped with these engines; Russians are familiar with the power unit primarily from the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado model. In total, there are two modifications of the power unit: with a variable valve timing system only on the intake valves (VVT-i) and with phase shifters on the intake/exhaust (Dual VVT-i, produced since 2009).

During the 2009 modernization, the “six” received not only dual VVT-i, but also a modified cylinder head, an optimized combustion chamber, lightweight pistons and a modified intake manifold. The compression ratio was increased from 10.0:1 to 10.4:1, and maximum power increased from 239 to 282 hp. The 1GR-FE engine is considered one of the most reliable in the Toyota line and, with proper care, can travel more than 300,000 km.

Engine 1GR-FE photo

What kind of oil

Which oil to choose for the Toyota Prado 120 engine?!

The manufacturer recommends using motor oil with viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-30, 15W-40, 20W-50. For diesel engines, the following types of oils are recommended: G-DLD-1, API CF-4 or API CF; in extreme cases, it is possible to use API CE or CD grades.

When choosing a lubricant, it is important to remember that the viscosity of the engine oil must correspond to the temperature regime of the climatic conditions in which the vehicle is used.

Recommended oil viscosity from the manufacturer for gasoline Prado 2.7 TRJ120/TRJ120W/TRJ125W 2TR-FE, Prado 2.7 RZJ125W/LA-RZJ125W 3RZ-FE, Prado 3.4 V6 VZJ125W/TA-VZJ125W 5VZ-FE, Prado 4.0 V6 GRJ120/GRJ 120W/GRJ121W 1GR -FE

Recommended oil viscosity from the manufacturer for diesel Prado 3.0 KDJ120/KN-KDJ120W 1KD-FTV and Prado 3.0 LJ120 5L-E

Most Toyota LC Prado 120 owners use 0W-20 and 5W-30 engine oils. Regarding 5W-30, this type of oil is used all-season in some warmer regions. As for 0W-20, it is not recommended for use in hot climates and if the car is heavily loaded for a long time (trailer, high speed, long trips). This is due to the fact that the oil and crankcase heat up to high temperatures, due to which the viscosity of the oil is lost, and under certain unfavorable conditions there may be a risk of engine wear (apparently for this reason, Toyota recommends 5W-20 instead of 0W-20).

In practice, everyone selects oil to suit their individual needs, circumstances and operating mode. Some pour 0W-20 in winter, 5W-20 in summer, others, due to loads, increase the viscosity - in winter 0W-30 in summer 10W-30, others pour 0W-30, 0W-40 or 5W-40 into the Toyota Prado 120 engine all year round

For cars with LPG, we do not recommend considering ACEA A5/B5 oil first. Oils of this type are acceptable, but their use is not necessary, since the gas burns cleaner, with a high alkaline number, and therefore a high ash content is not advisable.

As an alternative to original oils from the engine manufacturer, for Toyota LC Prado J120 engines it is possible to use motor oils from other manufacturers that are in demand and have positive reviews from owners of a mid-size SUV:

In any case, it is necessary to experiment with oil until you find exactly what is best suited for the engine of your Prado J120, since some oils from the list of the best above may not be available in your region.

If you find it difficult to choose engine oil, at your next change try, for example, United Eco Elite 5W-20 and listen to the sound of the engine and how it works in comparison with the previous option. If the result does not suit you, then next time fill Kixx G1 Dexos1 5W-30 and compare the result. Etc. Only by selection method is it possible to understand whether the oil is suitable for the engine or not.

Regarding the brand, start from the budget. If finances allow, it is possible to fill in more expensive oils, but you should not count on the fact that they do not lose their lubricating and cleaning properties by 10,000 km, maximum 7,500, and then this is a moot point, since it is necessary to take into account driving style, loads, temperature, etc. In most cases, the brand does not play a special role, and each owner chooses based on personal considerations, experience, reviews and availability for sale, so when choosing a manufacturer, you need to pay special attention to the authenticity of the oil, since there are a lot of fakes, especially the most popular brands.

Buy motor oil only from a trusted seller or an official dealer, whose stores can be found on the official website of the brand you are interested in.

And if you have doubts about the quality of the already filled oil, check the level and color of the oil in the first days. If your assumptions are confirmed and you notice, for example, excessive consumption, change the engine oil again in the near future.

The most popular engine for Land Cruiser Prado cars

Since there are not many models that were equipped with the same engines as the Prado SUV, it is logical to consider the most popular unit among all models. Without a doubt, the champion of the first decade of the 21st century in terms of frequency of use was the most powerful unit, the four-liter gasoline 1GR-FE. Its premiere under the hood of the Prado instead of the outdated 5VZ-FE was dated 2002.

Due to the fantastic popularity of SUVs and rear-wheel drive pickups on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, in addition to Japan, its production was established in the United States of America.

Engine 1GR-FE

The motor is produced in two versions:

• with VVTi phase regulator;
• Dual-VVTi.

Volume - 3956 cm³. It differs from other units used in Prado in the V-shaped arrangement of cylinders (camber angle 60°). Peak engine torque at 3200 rpm. – 377 N*m. The negative aspects of the technical characteristics include high levels of harmful emissions (up to 352 g/km) and high noise levels. The operation of the nozzles is heard like the soft clatter of horse hooves.

The aluminum cylinder block, characteristic of the line of Toyota engines of the new century, is complemented by cast iron liners. After replacing the too heavy elements of the piston group and crankshaft in 2009 with lighter ones, with the Dual-VVTi phase regulator, the engine was able to develop a power of 285 hp.

In addition, during restyling the intake mode was changed, due to which the compression ratio increased to 10.4:1.

In 1GR-FE, the designers, in addition to lightweight pistons. We installed a new squish combustion chamber. The advantage of this know-how is obvious. In addition to the already noted significant increase in power, the efficiency of gasoline consumption has increased (passport version - AI-92). Gasoline condensation was prevented thanks to the use of a new shape of slightly smaller intake ducts compared to the 5VZ-FE.

Adjusting the valves of the 1GR-FE engine

Pre-styling engine copies avoided the widespread problem of oil leakage. But another whim awaited drivers: the slightest overheating could lead to a breakdown of the cylinder head gasket. This required additional attention to the operating mode of the power system. Due to the lack of hydraulic compensators. Every hundred thousand km. The mileage required adjusting the valve clearance using special washers. With proper care and prevention of minor malfunctions (triple movement, cracking clutches, “swimming” at idle, etc.), the standard engine life was 300 thousand km.

When to change

The best oil change period for a Toyota LC Prado 120 engine is the more often, the better, and the most optimal interval is 5,000 km or 6 months.

5 thousand kilometers is the best interval for reliable Toyota engines and for those who want to maximize the life of the engine without serious problems. 7500 km is also a completely reasonable replacement period, but provided that the car is used infrequently.

When using a car in most cases on the highway, and these are light operating conditions, the oil wears out by 50% over 5,000 km, so in this case, depending on the average speed, replacement will be necessary after 10,000 km.

Engine hours

The best and most accurate way to determine the need for an oil change is by checking the engine hours.

• 250 mph is the best “caring” interval and ideal for city traffic;
• 300-320 mph - if the car is not used often or in most cases outside the city / on the highway;

How many engine hours can be found out using the on-board computer; if there is no BC, you can install it separately or use the form below:

Engine hours: ...

How much oil

Video: replacement instructions

The above engines were installed not only on cars officially available in the CIS, but also for Japan, the UAE, Europe and the USA. For example, the 2.7 2TR and 3RZ engines were installed on the Prado 120, intended only for Japan and the UAE.

1. TOYOTA oil
2. Oil for Prado
3. Engine oil for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado J120

Engines for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The all-wheel drive giant can easily compete in terms of production duration with the long-lived car market developed by the Toyota team - Corolla, Chaser, Celica, Camry, RAV4. Moreover, only two units were installed on the first two generations of Prado - 1KZ-TE and 5VZ-FE. Only in the new century the line of engines was slightly updated. Such complex and heavy mechanisms require a serious design approach and are produced for a long time. Over 28 years, only six branded large-capacity Toyota engines have become part of the Prado’s power plant.

Despite very specific technical characteristics, Prado engines were excellent for installation on other large-sized Toyota car models (16 units in total):

As always, Japanese accuracy and a penchant for calculating long-term economic benefits played a role. When using the principle of unit unification, managers and designers simply did not need to spend time and money on designing new units if ready-made examples of excellent quality were available.