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Toyota 4A FE engine repair – And 4A GE
🔧 Toyota 4A-FE & 4A-GE Engine Repair Guide
These two engines, while both part of the Toyota A-series, have distinct designs, purposes, and repair considerations. Here’s a breakdown of each and what to look out for when maintaining or repairing them.
🧱 Engine Overview
| Feature | 4A-FE | 4A-GE |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Inline-4, 16-valve DOHC EFI | Inline-4, 16/20-valve DOHC EFI |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) | EFI (Blue Top, Red Top, Black Top), later versions with ITBs |
| Displacement | 1.6L (1587 cc) | 1.6L (1587 cc) |
| Power Output | ~100–115 hp | ~115–165+ hp depending on generation |
| Applications | Corolla, Sprinter, Carina, Caldina, etc. | Corolla GT-S, MR2, AE86, Celica, Levin |
| Timing | Belt-driven camshafts | Belt-driven, high-RPM tuning |
🔍 Common Issues & Repair Guidance
🛠️ For 4A-FE (Economical Daily Use Engine)
1. Oil Leaks (valve cover, cam seals)
- Fix: Replace valve cover gasket, camshaft seals, oil pump O-ring
- Tools: Socket set, seal puller, torque wrench
- Torque Specs:
- Valve cover bolts: 8 Nm
- Camshaft bearing cap bolts: 13 Nm
2. Timing Belt Replacement (Every 100,000 km)
- Symptoms of failure: Rough idle, misfire, no-start
- Torque Specs:
- Crankshaft pulley bolt: 140 Nm
- Timing belt tensioner bolt: 43 Nm
3. Idle Problems / Cold Start Issues
- Cause: Faulty IAC valve or coolant temp sensor
- Repair: Clean or replace IAC; check sensor resistance cold vs hot
- Part Numbers:
- IAC: 22270-15010
- Temp sensor: 89422-20010
4. Poor Fuel Economy or Misfire
- Dirty injectors, weak spark, or faulty MAF
- Repair: Replace spark plugs (NGK BKR5EYA), test coil resistance, clean MAF
🛠️ For 4A-GE (Performance-Oriented Engine)
1. High Oil Consumption (especially in older Red Top or Black Top)
- Cause: Worn valve stem seals or piston rings
- Fix: Replace valve seals or full engine rebuild
- Valve Seal Replacement: No need to remove the head if using air compressor method and valve spring tool
- Valve stem seal torque:
- Camshaft caps: 14 Nm
2. Timing & Valve Issues (esp. in high-rev 20-valve versions)
- Timing Belt Tension: Critical – too loose causes slop, too tight wears bearings
- 20V Black Top VVT-i: Check VVT oil control valve screen for debris
- Belt Tension Spec: Around 3–5 mm deflection cold
3. ECU or Fuel Delivery Issues
- EFI system tuning (especially if engine is swapped into AE86 or other cars)
- Common Upgrades:
- Standalone ECU (e.g. Megasquirt, Haltech)
- Individual throttle bodies (ITBs – stock on 20V)
4. Head Gasket Issues (especially under boost or track conditions)
- Fix: MLS gasket upgrade and proper ARP head studs torque
- Torque Specs:
- Head bolts: 39 Nm + 90° + 90° (or 80 Nm for non-stretch bolts)
- ARP studs (with lube): 60 ft-lb (81 Nm)
⚙️ Torque Specs Summary (Common)
| Component | 4A-FE | 4A-GE |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Head Bolts | 39 Nm + 90° + 90° | Same |
| Main Bearing Cap Bolts | 54 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Connecting Rod Bolts | 37 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Flywheel Bolts | 98 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Spark Plug Torque | 18 Nm | 18 Nm |
| Intake Manifold | 20 Nm | 20 Nm |
📦 OEM Part Examples
| Part | OEM Number (Example) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timing Belt (4A-FE) | 13568-16020 | Gates or Aisin also good |
| Timing Belt (4A-GE 20V) | 13568-19086 | Match with silvertop/blacktop |
| Valve Cover Gasket (4A-FE) | 11213-16020 | Replace with seals |
| Head Gasket (4A-GE) | 11115-16060 | Go MLS if upgrading |
| Camshaft Seal (both) | 90311-32020 | Check both ends |
🔧 Repair Manual & Resources
- Toyota Factory Service Manual (FSM): Search by region https://toyota-tech.eu
- 4A-GE.net – great enthusiast technical reference
- Club4AG – legendary 4A-GE tuning and repair community
Would you like:
- A step-by-step PDF guide for timing belt replacement?
- Wiring diagrams or ECU pinouts for either 4A-FE or 4A-GE?
- Help with performance upgrades or engine swaps?
