The Toyota 3K — H is a 1,300 cc, inline — four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1974 and 1980. It features a cast iron block, aluminum head, SOHC with two valves per cylinder, and a single — barrel downdraft carburetor. Its design prioritized fuel efficiency and low — speed torque for urban driving in compact vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the KE70 Corolla, K30 Corolla, and TE27 Corona, the 3K — H was engineered for economical city commuting and light — dut…
Toyota
Production years 1974–1979 meet Japanese Emission Standards; 1980 models may have revised emissions controls depending on market .
The Toyota 3K-H is a 1,300 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact passenger cars (1974-1980). It combines a cast iron block with an aluminum SOHC head and a single-barrel carburetor to deliver consistent low-RPM torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Japanese Emission Standards, it balances durability with fuel efficiency for daily transportation.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,300 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 73.5 mm | |
Power output | 47–51 kW (64–70 PS) | |
Torque | 98–105 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Carbureted (Single-barrel downdraft) | |
Emissions standard | Japanese Emission Standards (1974–1979); Revised for 1980 | |
Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 105 kg |
The Toyota 3K-H was used across Toyota's KE70/K30 platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced valve springs in the KE70 and modified ignition timing curves in the TE27-and from 1977 the facelifted KE70 adopted the hardened camshaft revision, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The 3K-H is mechanically simple and robust when maintained properly. Early units (pre-1977) suffered from camshaft lobe wear, but post-1977 revisions resolved this. With regular oil changes using SAE 10W-40 mineral oil and attention to carburetor upkeep, these engines commonly exceed 180,000 km without major work.
The biggest issues are camshaft lobe wear on pre-1977 engines, carburetor degradation from modern fuel, timing chain rattle from stretched chains, and water pump seal leaks. These are well-documented in Toyota service bulletins and owner manuals.
The 3K-H was used in the KE70 and K30 Corolla sedans and wagons, and the TE27 Corona sedan from 1974 to 1980. It was never used in other brands or markets outside Toyota's own lineup.
Limited. The 3K-H’s carburetor and low-compression design restrict tuning potential. Basic upgrades like a free-flowing exhaust or K&N air filter offer marginal gains. ECU remapping is impossible due to the lack of electronic control. Significant power increases require swapping to a 4A-C engine.
Excellent for its era. In a lightweight KE70 Corolla, expect approximately 7.5 L/100km (38 mpg UK) in mixed driving. On steady highway cruising, figures improve to around 6.2 L/100km (46 mpg UK). Economy depends heavily on carburetor condition and tire pressure.
No. The 3K-H is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons will not contact the valves. While valve damage is unlikely, the engine will stop running immediately and require chain replacement before restarting.
Toyota specifies SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SG or earlier standards. Modern synthetic oils are not recommended due to compatibility with original seals and bearing materials. Change oil every 5,000 km or six months, whichever comes first, to protect the camshaft and valve train.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.