00:33 20-10-2025

Toyota 1FZ-FE at 550,000 km: a teardown that proves Land Cruiser longevity

Bloggers tore down a Toyota 1FZ‑FE engine with 550,000 km on the clock, and the result once again reinforced the legend of old Land Cruisers’ durability. The engine used in 80 Series models has stayed in surprisingly good shape despite its age and serious mileage.

The host of the YouTube channel I Do Cars expected to see heavy wear, but inside there were no metal shavings or signs of critical damage. The camshafts, bearings, and even the timing chain looked better than you’d imagine for that mileage. The main issues came down to localized scoring in one cylinder and a thin layer of carbon on the pistons—likely the result of a non‑factory intake that probably let debris in.

Even after such a punishing distance, the piston rings hadn’t coked up, and the factory hone pattern was still visible. The oil pan, oil passages, and filter also showed no shavings, confirming the bottom end was in excellent condition.

Yes, the 1FZ‑FE has weak points—overheating quickly kills the head gasket, and the timing chain guides deteriorate over time. Yet this teardown again shows why the Land Cruiser is valued worldwide: straightforward engineering, a huge safety margin, and longevity modern engines can only dream of.