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Bad Design in Some of Toyota’s V6 Engines
According to a recent Car Care Nut YouTube channel warning, if you own V6 Toyota---especially the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine---you need to be forewarned that it may contain an oil cooler line that is partially made out of rubber! Yes---rubber! Which while it may save a little money in parts for manufacturing, it is a very bad design idea for something that is going to handle a lot of heat every time you drive.
The Car Care Nut host warns that due to the excessive heat the rubber hose has to handle, the rubber becomes increasingly brittle and then ruptures without warning leading to an immediate blown engine before the owner realizes what has happened.
To show viewers what this is exactly all about, the host does a show and tell of a 2009 Toyota Highlander with the V6 possessing rubber oil cooler lines of which he will explain what you need to know about the fix and how to go about doing it.
Furthermore, a complete kit (VVT-1 Supply Line Part No. All Metal Line 15772-31030) for doing the fix the correct way is listed for Toyota owners so that they can ensure---whether they do the fix or have someone else do the fix for them---that it is done correctly to improve an otherwise fine engine that should not blow up on its owner without warning in just a few seconds.
The Value of This Video
The value of this video aside from helping you avoid a blown V6 engine is that although the fix is simple, there are “tricks and tips” to removing the old part that are demonstrated so that DIY car owners can do the part replacement themselves.
THIS Problem Can Destroy Your Toyota V6 Engine! Owners Be Aware!
And finally…
For Toyota models possessing the rubber oil cooling line problem, the host lists the following models in response to related viewer questions:
“This applies ONLY to the 2GR-FE 3.5L engine in the transverse configuration. Typical models that can have this are 2009-2011 Toyota Venza V6, 2007-2011 Toyota Sienna, 2008-2011 Toyota Highlander and 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. On the Lexus Side 2007-2011 Lexus RX350 and 2010-2011 Lexus RX450H. It does NOT apply to other engines, and it does not apply to the GR series engines in other models that are not transverse (Like 4runner, Lexus GS, Lexus IS....etc). It also does not apply to the 2GR-FKS engine which is the updated 3.5L engine which did have a metal line from the factory.”
For additional related articles about Toyota warnings, here are a few for your consideration:
• Toyota Rav4 Engine Warning for Used Car Shoppers
• Prius Owner Repair Warning from Toyota Mechanic
• Toyota Safety Warning: Simple Steps to Find Out Why Your Toyota is So Noisy
COMING UP NEXT: Toyota Offers Catalytic Converter Theft Protection
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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Comments
Great video. Shows how
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Great video. Shows how manufacturers try to save every penny they can to the detriment, in this case, of the engine and owner' pocketbook. My '66 Chevrolet Caprice, 4-door hardtop, had a motor mount recall. Big ole 396 V-8. The recall "fix" was to put a cable around the motor mount/frame area. Was told this was to keep the engine from shifting if the motor mount broke. Folks today don't know the beauty of a 4-door hardtop. My dad had a '71 Chevrolet Impala H/T. Sorry for the rant, but we do share the same hair color. Lol.