Engine Cover - Why Not?

[morsk]

I was watching an older Car Care Nut video on our T24A-FTS engine, and he mentions that the engine cover for the T24A-FTS engine in other Toyota/Lexus models serves as an air channel to cool the turbo in the back (03:04 - 04:10 timestamp).

I thought this was an interesting design and was curious as to why Toyota decided not to give us engine covers on the 4Runners. Thoughts?

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[Jmac2408]

Just a guess but my thought would be that our engine sits longitudinal instead of transverse so the airflow required is different.

 

[NotApplicable]

Just a guess but my thought would be that our engine sits longitudinal instead of transverse so the airflow required is different.

Exactly. Beyond orientation, the cooling systems are different. I think the longitudinal and transverse versions only share like 60% of parts or something.

 

[morsk]

Just a guess but my thought would be that our engine sits longitudinal instead of transverse so the airflow required is different.

Exactly. Beyond orientation, the cooling systems are different. I think the longitudinal and transverse versions only share like 60% of parts or something.

Thanks! Makes a lot of sense. Something I didn't think about...

A tangential question, if you know the answer: The label/sticker on my engine reads: "T24A-G21." Is the "G21" in reference to the longitudinal version of the T24A-FTS family? Always wondered what this actually indicated.

 

[BluRunner]

Yes, why not! No reason other than cool.

 

[127.0.0.1]

no engine cover
allows systems to cool better when parked

maybe it's about heat, maybe it's about weight, maybe it's
about not annoying mechanics who hate engine covers
'cuz they just get in the way

 

[IRFAN0922]

The engine orientation is different in the 4Runner and Tacoma, which is why the cover is not required. .OMG

 

[ThatSickRIp]

So are we removing our engine covers to let them breathe, or leaving them for OEM design and looks? I cant keep up

 

[morsk]

I personally never cared for an engine cover, and didn’t mind not having one. However, when I came across that video, I was curious why we don’t have one if other models with this engine have one and is meant to aid cooling

I did not know our engine was oriented differently

 

[Mike N]

I added a Victory 4X4 powder coated aluminum cover. It sits up allowing good air circulation under it plus aluminum is a good conductor of heat theoretically helping to absorb and dissipate. It's made so most everything is still accessible for service and looks great too. I can't say for sure it improves cooling but if your inclined to add one I think this one is a better choice over plastic covers.

 

[Woodsmith]

This is kind of related to the engine cover question. My 5th gen had the cover and I pressure washed the whole engine bay (after it cooled of course) to get rid of mud and dust and leaves, etc. I read somewhere that I can't do that with my '26 iForce Max Hybrid. Any ideas on how to keep that part of my 4Runner nice and clean after playing in the hills?

 

[josiahg52]

This is kind of related to the engine cover question. My 5th gen had the cover and I pressure washed the whole engine bay (after it cooled of course) to get rid of mud and dust and leaves, etc. I read somewhere that I can't do that with my '26 iForce Max Hybrid. Any ideas on how to keep that part of my 4Runner nice and clean after playing in the hills?

I think you'll find the same warning for pretty much every generation of 4Runner regarding spraying water onto the engine. I don't see any specific hybrid warning in the owner's manual. I don't know of any auto manufacturer who would endorse pressure washing off hand. Maybe low pressure water under specific conditions.

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