engine

Long Block Replacement

for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Expert

Time

12.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers complete long block replacement for the 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 engine, including removal of the old engine assembly and installation of a new or remanufactured long block.

Warnings

⚠️Ensure engine hoist is rated for minimum 1000 lbs and properly secured before lifting engine. Failure can result in serious injury or death.

⚠️Relieve fuel system pressure before disconnecting fuel lines. Fuel under pressure can spray and cause fire or injury.

⚠Allow engine and exhaust system to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns.

⚠Mark all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hoses during disassembly to ensure correct reinstallation.

ℹ️This procedure assumes the long block includes cylinder head, block, pistons, and crankshaft assembly. Transfer all external components from old engine to new long block.

⚠Several bolts use torque-to-yield (TTY) specifications and must not be reused. Replace all TTY fasteners with new parts.

Tools required

Engine hoist with levelerEssential

Engine support bar or fixtureEssential

Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential

Torque angle gaugeEssential

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Metric socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential

Metric wrench setEssential

Fluid drain pans (minimum 6 qt capacity)Essential

Pry bar set

Wire labels or masking tape

Breaker barEssential

Coolant pressure tester

Transmission jack

Harmonic balancer puller

Parts

Long block assembly (remanufactured or new) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Engine oil filter × 1 — 04152-YZZA6
Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90430-12031
Valve cover gasket × 1 — 11213-0T011
Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Engine coolant × 2 — Toyota Super Long Life Pink
Engine oil 0W-20 × 2 — 00279-0WQTE-01
Intake manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Exhaust manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Engine mount insulators (if worn) × 3 — Inspect before reuse
RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Toyota Genuine or equivalent
Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper-based high temp

Fluids

Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 4.5 qt
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 7.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
Remove engine cover and air intake assembly
Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
Drain engine coolant from radiator and engine block drain plugs
Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump relay and cranking engine until it stalls
Remove front wheels and plastic underbody panels for access
Label and photograph all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hose routing before removal
Support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points

Procedure

1
Remove hood and disconnect engine accessories
With assistance, mark hood hinge positions and remove hood bolts. Remove hood and store safely. Disconnect all electrical connectors from engine including alternator, starter, knock sensors, oxygen sensors, throttle body, ignition coils, injectors, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, oil pressure switch, and engine coolant temperature sensor. Disconnect throttle cable (if equipped) and accelerator pedal position sensor wiring.
2
Disconnect cooling system and fuel lines
Remove radiator upper and lower hoses from engine. Disconnect heater hoses at firewall connections. Remove radiator and cooling fans as an assembly for clearance. Disconnect fuel supply and return lines at engine connections using proper fuel line disconnect tools. Cap or plug all open fuel lines immediately.
3
Remove exhaust system connections
Spray exhaust fasteners with penetrating oil. Remove oxygen sensor connectors. Remove exhaust manifold to front pipe nuts/bolts. Support exhaust system and disconnect at flanges. If removing manifold from old engine for transfer, remove exhaust manifold nuts working from center outward.
Torque spec
Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4
Disconnect transmission from engine
For automatic transmission, remove torque converter access cover and mark torque converter to flexplate position. Remove torque converter bolts while rotating crankshaft. Support transmission with transmission jack or floor jack with wood block. Remove all transmission to engine bolts noting their locations as they are different lengths. For manual transmission, disconnect clutch hydraulic line and remove shift cables.
Torque spec
Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5
Remove accessory drive components
Remove serpentine drive belt. Remove alternator and bracket assembly. Remove power steering pump with lines attached and secure to chassis without disconnecting lines. Remove A/C compressor with lines attached and secure to chassis. Do not disconnect A/C lines unless system has been properly evacuated by certified technician.
6
Disconnect engine mounts and prepare for removal
Install engine support bar across engine bay or attach engine hoist to engine lifting eyes. Apply slight upward tension to support engine weight. Remove right side engine mount through-bolt and mounting bolts. Remove front engine mount through-bolt and mounting nuts. Remove left side transaxle mount bolts. Ensure all electrical connections, hoses, and cables are disconnected and clear of engine.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7
Remove engine from vehicle
Double-check all connections are disconnected. Attach engine hoist with chains or straps to engine lifting eyes ensuring balance. Apply tension slowly and verify engine is level. Carefully lift engine while guiding transmission input shaft clear of clutch or torque converter. Tilt engine as necessary for clearance. Lift engine up and forward out of engine bay. Place engine on sturdy engine stand or suitable work surface.
8
Transfer external components to new long block
Remove the following components from old engine for transfer to new long block: flywheel/flexplate (mark position before removal), rear main seal housing, oil pan, oil pickup tube, timing chain cover, valve cover, alternator bracket, engine mounts and brackets, water pump and thermostat housing, exhaust manifold, intake manifold, fuel rail and injectors, ignition coils, all sensors, throttle body. Inspect all components for wear and replace as needed. Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly.
Torque spec
Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
Intake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9
Install timing components on new long block
Install timing chain cover with new gasket using RTV sealant where specified. Install cover bolts in sequence from center outward. Install timing chain tensioner with compression pin or clip in place. Verify timing marks align correctly at TDC. Install camshaft caps in original positions, tightening cap bolts in sequence from center outward in multiple passes to final torque.
⚠Verify camshaft and crankshaft timing marks are properly aligned before installing timing cover. Incorrect timing will cause severe engine damage.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
10
Install oil system components
Install oil pickup tube ensuring proper seating in block. Install oil pan with new gasket, applying RTV sealant to corners where specified. Tighten oil pan bolts in cross pattern from center outward. Install oil drain plug with new crush washer. Install oil filter after engine installation.
Torque spec
Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11
Install intake and exhaust manifolds
Install exhaust manifold with new gasket. Apply anti-seize compound to exhaust stud threads. Install nuts working from center outward (hot to cold). Install intake manifold with new gasket, ensuring all port openings align correctly. Tighten intake manifold bolts in sequence from center outward.
Torque spec
Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
Intake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12
Install valve cover and accessories
Install valve cover with new gasket. Tighten valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward. Install ignition coils and spark plugs (if not pre-installed). Install all sensors in original locations. Install alternator bracket, power steering pump bracket, and A/C compressor bracket. Install flywheel or flexplate in marked position, tightening bolts in star pattern.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13
Install engine into vehicle
Attach engine hoist to new long block assembly with all transferred components installed. Carefully lower engine into engine bay, aligning with transmission input shaft or torque converter. Guide engine into position ensuring proper alignment with engine mounts. Install engine mount bolts and through-bolts finger-tight. Once all mounts are engaged, torque mount bolts to specification.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14
Connect transmission and install torque converter bolts
Install all transmission-to-engine bolts in original locations, ensuring proper thread engagement. For automatic transmission, align torque converter to flexplate using marks made during removal. Install and tighten torque converter bolts while rotating crankshaft. Install torque converter access cover. For manual transmission, reconnect clutch hydraulic line and shift cables.
Torque spec
Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
15
Reconnect all systems and fill fluids
Install power steering pump, A/C compressor, and alternator. Install serpentine drive belt ensuring proper routing. Reconnect all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hoses using labels from disassembly. Connect fuel lines ensuring proper seating and locking. Install exhaust system connections with new gaskets. Install radiator and cooling fans. Connect all coolant hoses. Install air intake system. Fill engine with 4.5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil and install new oil filter. Fill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant mixture. Reconnect battery.
Torque spec
Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Install hood aligning with marks made during removal
Install front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
Install plastic underbody panels
Double-check all fluid levels including engine oil and coolant
Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and secured
Inspect for any loose fasteners or disconnected components

Verification

Before starting engine, verify oil level is correct on dipstick
Turn ignition to ON position without starting and check for fuel leaks at all connections
Verify check engine light illuminates then extinguishes during key-on self-test
Prime fuel system by cycling ignition on/off three times before first start attempt
Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds
Allow engine to idle and inspect for coolant, oil, and fuel leaks at all connections
Monitor coolant temperature gauge for normal operating range
After engine reaches operating temperature, check coolant level and top off as needed
Bleed cooling system by running engine with radiator cap off until thermostat opens and air bubbles cease
Perform test drive monitoring for proper operation, unusual noises, or warning lights
Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off as necessary
Verify no diagnostic trouble codes are stored using OBD-II scanner
Recheck engine mount bolt torque after 50-100 miles of operation