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Toyota 2L-T engine: known problems
Used in 2 guides · diesel · 7 known problems
Fuel
diesel
Known problems7
Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.
High
Cracked cylinder head
The 2L-T is notorious for cracking its cylinder head between the valve seats and pre-combustion chambers - the extra heat and cylinder pressure from the turbo, combined with any cooling-system weakness, causes overheating, coolant loss, white smoke and combustion gases in the coolant. Many enthusiasts steer clear of the 2L-T purely because of this.
Fix: Replace with a reconditioned head (uprated/repaired castings exist) and keep cooling immaculate - new radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant. Pressure-test the head and do a combustion-gas (block) test before buying.
Listed for: Toyota Hilux 4th gen
High
Chassis rust
Common on examples used in coastal or wet conditions. Rear wheel arches, chassis rails, cab mounts. Can write off the truck.
Fix: Walk away from rusty examples. Treat dry-state examples with cavity wax and underbody coatings.
Listed for: Toyota Hilux LN106 / LN107 / LN111
Medium
Turbo wear / oil feed issues
The turbo bearings wear with age and heat; a hot shutdown without idle-down can coke the oil feed, leading to shaft play, smoke and lost boost.
Fix: Rebuild or replace the turbo; service the oil feed/return lines and let it idle down after hard runs.
Listed for: Toyota Hilux 4th gen
Medium
Injection pump and injector wear
Mechanical pump and injectors wear at high km causing hard starting, smoke and lost power.
Fix: Diesel-specialist pump and injector recondition; ask for service history.
Listed for: Toyota Hilux 4th gen
Medium
2L-T turbo coking
Shutting down hot causes oil to coke in the turbo journal bearings. Eventually destroys the turbo.
Fix: Always idle for 60 seconds before shutdown. Fit a turbo timer. Use quality synthetic oil.
Listed for: Toyota Hilux LN106 / LN107 / LN111
Medium
Timing belt (2L/3L)
Timing belt service interval is 100,000km. Belt failure = bent valves on these engines.
Fix: Replace on schedule with kit (belt, tensioner, water pump). Easy weekend DIY job.
Listed for: Toyota Hilux LN106 / LN107 / LN111
Low
King pin / front axle wear
Solid front axle king pins wear over time, causing vague steering.
Fix: King pin kit replacement. DIY-friendly with hand tools.
Listed for: Toyota Hilux LN106 / LN107 / LN111
Cars with the 2L-T2
From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.