This document provides instructions for servicing the 3.0L V6 engine in 1997-1998 Toyota Avalon vehicles. It describes how to locate the engine serial number, adjust valve clearance, and remove and install various engine components. The procedures include draining fluids, disconnecting electrical connections and hoses, removing covers, manifolds and the cylinder head. Torque specifications and cautions are provided to ensure correct removal and installation of parts.

1. 1997-98 ENGINES
3.0L V6
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Engine serial number is stamped on rear of cylinder block. See Fig. 1 .
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE
NOTE: For engine repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE
OVERHAUL PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION article in the GENERAL
INFORMATION.
NOTE: When servicing engine, reference to right and left refers to engine sides as
viewed from rear of engine (drive plate end).
Engine Code
3.0L V6 1MZ-FE
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:29 AM Page 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

2. Fig. 1: Locating Engine Serial Number
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
ADJUSTMENTS
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. On Sienna, remove outer cowl top panel
assembly, including wiper arms and ventilator louver. See Fig. 2 . Remove right fender apron seal.
NOTE: Adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
WARNING: To prevent air bag deployment, disconnect negative battery cable at least
90 seconds before working on vehicle.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

3. Fig. 2: Removing Outer Cowl Top Panel Assembly (Sienna)
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
2. On all models, disconnect control cables from throttle body (if necessary). Disconnect upper radiator hose
at coolant outlet housing. Remove air cleaner cap and airflow meter with air intake hose. Remove nuts
and intake manifold cover located above intake manifold.
3. Disconnect necessary electrical connections and vacuum hoses from vacuum switching valve assembly
located above intake manifold. Remove nuts and vacuum switching valve assembly.
4. Disconnect necessary electrical connections, coolant hoses and vacuum hoses for removal of air intake
chamber located above valve cover. Remove No. 1 engine hanger, air intake chamber support, and EGR
pipe as necessary.
5. Remove bolts/nuts, air intake chamber and gasket. Disconnect electrical connectors for removal of wiring
assemblies located above valve covers. Remove bolts and wiring assemblies.
NOTE: Vacuum switching valve assembly may be referred to as emission control
valve set.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

4. 6. Remove bolts and ignition coil assemblies. Mark ignition coil installation location for reassembly
reference. Remove spark plugs. Remove bolts, valve covers and gaskets. Rotate crankshaft clockwise
(viewed from front of engine) so cylinder No. 1 is at TDC on compression stroke. Cylinder No. 1 is front
cylinder on right side when viewed from rear of engine. See Fig. 3 .
7. Ensure timing mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" mark on timing belt cover. Ensure intake and
exhaust valve lifters on cylinder No. 1 are loose. If conditions are not as described, rotate crankshaft
clockwise one complete revolution.
8. Using feeler gauge, measure and record valve clearance between valve lifter and camshaft on intake
valves of cylinders No. 1 and 6 and exhaust valves on cylinders No. 2 and 3. Perform STEP 1. See Fig.
3 .
Fig. 3: Identifying Valve & Cylinder Arrangement
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
9. Rotate crankshaft clockwise an additional 2/3 turn (240 degrees). Measure and record valve clearance
between valve lifter and camshaft on intake valves of cylinders No. 2 and 3 and exhaust valves on
cylinders No. 4 and 5. Perform STEP 2. See Fig. 3 .
10. Rotate crankshaft clockwise an additional 2/3 turn (240 degrees). Measure and record valve clearance
between valve lifter and camshaft on intake valves of cylinders No. 4 and 5 and exhaust valves on
cylinders No. 1 and 6. Perform STEP 3. See Fig. 3 . Ensure valve clearance is within specification. See
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS .
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS (1)
Application In. (mm)
Exhaust Valve .010-.014 (.25-.35)
Intake Valve .006-.010 (.15-.25)
(1) Adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 4 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

5. 11. If valve clearance requires adjustment, rotate camshaft so lobe on valve to be adjusted is facing upward,
away from valve lifter. Position notch on valve lifter perpendicular to the camshaft. Ensure notch is not
aligned with the camshaft.
12. Valve Clearance Adjuster (SST 09248-55040) is used to remove adjusting shim. Using SST "A" of valve
clearance adjuster, push downward on valve lifter. See Fig. 4 . Place SST "B" between camshaft and
valve lifter with the side marked with a "7" or "9" in the right location, depending on cylinder application.
Side marked with "7" should be used on front valves on No. 1 and 2 cylinders only. Remove SST "A".
13. Using small screwdriver and magnet, remove adjusting shim. Measure and record thickness of removed
adjusting shim. Using measured clearance and adjusting shim thickness, select proper replacement
adjusting shim. See Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 .
14. Install replacement adjusting shim with imprinted number on adjusting shim facing the valve lifter.
Recheck valve clearance. Before installing valve cover and gasket, apply sealant at front and rear areas of
cylinder head. See Fig. 7 .
15. Using NEW gasket, install valve cover. Install and tighten valve cover bolts to specification in several
steps. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Use NEW gaskets. Tighten all fasteners to specification. Fill cooling system and adjust control
cables (if necessary).
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

6. Fig. 4: Adjusting Valve Clearance
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 6 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

7. Fig. 5: Exhaust Valve Adjusting Shim Selection Chart
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

8. Fig. 6: Intake Valve Adjusting Shim Selection Chart
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

9. Fig. 7: Identifying Cylinder Head Sealant Application Areas
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
With ignition off, disconnect negative battery cable. Place an approved gasoline container under fuel line. Cover
fuel line connection with shop towel. Slowly loosen fuel line connection to release fuel pressure. Once fuel
pressure is released, fuel system components may be serviced.
ENGINE
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems
may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer
systems have completed a relearn cycle.
NOTE: For reassembly reference, label all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses and
fuel lines before removal. Also place mating marks on engine hood and other
major assemblies before removal.
WARNING: To prevent air bag deployment, disconnect negative battery cable at least
90 seconds before working on vehicle.
NOTE: Remove engine and transaxle as an assembly.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

10. Removal (Avalon & Camry)
1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE . Drain cooling system and engine oil.
Remove hood, battery and battery tray. Disconnect control cables from throttle body (if necessary).
Remove air cleaner cap and airflow meter with air cleaner hose. Remove air filter and air cleaner case.
2. Remove cruise control actuator and bracket. Remove radiator and coolant reservoir tank. Remove relay
box from left front corner of engine compartment and disconnect electrical connectors. Disconnect
electrical connections at ignitor and noise filter near left strut tower.
3. Disconnect necessary coolant hoses, electrical connections, fuel lines and vacuum hoses. To disassemble
quick disconnect fuel fittings, remove fuel line-to-intake manifold clamp bolt at rear of intake manifold.
Remove fuel pipe clamp from No. 1 fuel pipe at fuel filter. Perform STEP 1. See Fig. 8 . Ensure area
around No. 1 fuel pipe and fuel filter is clean. Depress both sides of retainer and pull No. 1 fuel pipe with
disconnect fitting from fuel filter. Perform STEP 2. See Fig. 8 .
CAUTION: Use care when disconnecting No. 1 fuel pipe from fuel filter, as some
residual fuel pressure may still exist in the fuel system.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 10 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

11. Fig. 8: Disconnecting No. 1 Fuel Pipe From Fuel Filter (Avalon & Camry)
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
4. Remove lower panel on passenger's side of instrument panel. Remove glove box. Disconnect necessary
electrical connections so engine wiring can be pulled out through firewall. Remove nuts and pull engine
wiring through firewall.
5. Remove A/C compressor and power steering pump with hoses attached and secure aside. Raise and
support vehicle. Remove lower engine cover. Remove front exhaust pipe that fits between exhaust
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 11 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

12. manifolds and catalytic converter.
6. Disconnect electrical connections, control cables and oil cooler lines from transaxle. Using Wrench (SST
09631-22020), disconnect pressure hose from hydraulic cooling fan pump. Remove fender apron from
inside fenderwell for axle shaft removal.
7. Remove front wheels. Remove cotter pin and retainer from end of axle shaft. Apply brakes and remove
axle shaft nut. Drain transaxle fluid. Remove nut and separate tie rod from steering knuckle.
8. Remove nut and separate stabilizer bar link from lower control arm. Remove ball joint-to-lower control
arm bolts/nuts. Separate lower control arm from ball joint.
9. Cover axle shaft boot with shop towel. Using soft-faced hammer, tap axle shaft from hub assembly. Push
hub assembly outward and separate axle shaft from hub assembly.
10. To remove left (driver's side) axle shaft, pry axle shaft from transaxle and remove. See Fig. 9 . To remove
right (passenger's side) axle shaft, remove axle shaft bearing retainer bolt. Remove snap ring and axle
shaft. See Fig. 9 .
11. Support engine with hoist. Remove engine mount-to-transaxle bolts. Remove engine mount bolts/nuts.
Remove bolts and engine mount absorber, located on front of engine, near exhaust manifold.
12. Remove engine stabilizer rod, engine mounting bracket and right engine mount brace, located near timing
belt cover. Lift engine and transaxle from vehicle.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 12 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

13. Thank you very much for
your reading. Please Click
Here. Then Get COMPLETE
MANUAL. NO WAITING
NOTE:
If there is no response to
click on the link above,
please download the PDF
document first and then
click on it.

14. Fig. 9: Removing Axle Shafts
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
2. When installing axle shafts, install NEW snap ring on end of axle shaft. Coat axle shaft splines and
sliding surfaces with gear oil. Install axle shafts in transaxle with opening of snap ring facing downward.
3. Ensure left (driver's side) axle shaft will move inward and outward about .079-.118" (2.00-3.00 mm) after
being installed. Ensure axle shaft cannot be pulled from transaxle.
4. When installing right (passenger's side) axle shaft, install NEW snap ring and NEW axle shaft bearing
retainer bolt. Tighten axle shaft bearing retainer bolt to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
5. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Adjust fluid levels and control cables (if
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:23 AM Page 13 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

15. necessary).
Removal (Sienna)
1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE . Drain cooling system and engine oil.
Remove hood, battery and battery tray. Remove cowl top panel assembly. See Fig. 2 . Remove heater air
duct. Remove air cleaner cap and airflow meter with air cleaner hose. Remove air filter and air cleaner
case.
2. Remove cruise control actuator and bracket. Remove radiator and coolant reservoir tank. Disconnect A/T
oil cooler pipe. Disconnect necessary A/C lines, coolant hoses, electrical connections, fuel lines and
vacuum hoses. Disconnect shift control cable from transaxle. Remove front exhaust pipe.
3. Remove fender apron seals. Raise and support vehicle. Remove axle shafts. Disconnect stabilizer bar
links and intermediate shaft assembly. Disconnect power steering hose from power steering reservoir and
reservoir pipe. Remove cover under engine. Attach Engine Hangers (SST 12282-20020). Attach sling
device to hangers.
4. Remove right engine mount. Remove engine mount control rod and No. 2 right engine mount bracket.
Remove 4 lower braces from underneath vehicle. Lower engine, transaxle, and front suspension assembly
from vehicle.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
CYLINDER HEAD & MANIFOLDS
Removal (Avalon & Camry)
1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE . Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain
cooling system.
2. Disconnect control cables from throttle body (if necessary). Remove battery and battery tray (if
necessary). Drain cooling system.
3. Remove air cleaner cap and airflow meter with air cleaner hose. Remove cruise control actuator and
bracket. Disconnect necessary electrical connections, ground straps, coolant hoses, fuel lines and vacuum
hoses for removal of air intake chamber and cylinder head.
4. Remove right engine mount brace, located near timing belt cover. Remove nuts and "V" bank cover,
located above intake manifold. See Fig. 10 . Disconnect necessary electrical connectors and vacuum
hoses from vacuum switching valve assembly located above intake manifold. Remove vacuum switching
valve assembly.
5. Disconnect brackets and hoses from air intake chamber. Remove No. 1 engine hanger and air intake
chamber support. See Fig. 10 . Remove EGR pipe and gaskets (if necessary).
WARNING: To prevent air bag deployment, disconnect negative battery cable at least
90 seconds before working on vehicle.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:24 AM Page 14 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

16. 6. Remove bolts/nuts, air intake chamber and gasket. Disconnect electrical connectors for removal of engine
wiring located above valve covers. Remove nuts and engine wiring.
7. Remove ignition coils and spark plugs. Mark ignition coil installation location for reassembly reference.
Raise and support vehicle. Remove front exhaust pipe that fits between exhaust manifolds and catalytic
converter.
8. Remove timing belt, camshaft sprockets and No. 2 idler pulley. See TIMING BELT . Remove No. 3
timing belt cover from front of cylinder heads. See Fig. 17 .
9. Remove cylinder head rear plate, coolant inlet pipe and air assist hose. See Fig. 10 . Remove intake
manifold bolts/nuts, washers and intake manifold along with delivery pipes and injectors.
10. If removing delivery pipe and injectors from intake manifold, remove No. 2 fuel pipe from delivery pipe.
See Fig. 10 . Remove pressure regulator and pulsation damper (if necessary).
11. To disassemble quick disconnect fuel fittings, remove fuel line-to-intake manifold clamp bolt at rear of
intake manifold. Remove fuel pipe clamp from No. 1 fuel pipe at fuel filter. Perform STEP 1. See Fig. 8 .
Ensure area around No. 1 fuel pipe and fuel filter is clean. Depress both sides of retainer and pull No. 1
fuel pipe with disconnect fitting from fuel filter. Perform STEP 2. See Fig. 8 .
CAUTION: DO NOT allow injectors to fall from delivery pipe when removing from
intake manifold.
CAUTION: Use care when disconnecting No. 1 fuel pipe from fuel filter, as some
residual fuel pressure may still exist in the fuel system.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:24 AM Page 15 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

17. Fig. 10: Exploded View Of Intake Manifold & Components (Avalon & Camry Shown; Sienna Is
Similar)
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
1997-98 ENGINES 3.0L V6
Helpmelearn
November-03-08 10:08:24 AM Page 16 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.