Supra (A70)

1986-1993 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A70) problems All workshop issues

Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Low Oil Pressure at Idle

Symptoms

Oil pressure drops below 10 psi at hot idle. The factory oil pressure warning light may flicker or illuminate at idle, particularly in traffic on hot days. The engine may develop bearing noise (deep knocking from the bottom end).

Cause

The oil pump wears internally over time, reducing output at low RPM. The oil pressure relief valve spring weakens with age, allowing the valve to open too early and dump pressure back to the sump. Using incorrect oil viscosity (too thin) compounds the problem.

Fix

Start with an upgraded relief valve spring, this is a $30-50 part and a 30-minute job.

It's a bandaid but effective if the oil pump is only mildly worn.

For a proper fix, replace the oil pump ($200-400 for the pump, plus labour to access it).

An oil cooler relocation kit ($150-300) moves the oil cooler from the factory position to a more exposed location for better cooling, which helps maintain oil viscosity in hot conditions.

Use 15W-40 or 10W-40 oil, do not use 5W-30 in a high-mileage 7M.

Cost mentioned in fix

$30-50$200-400 for the pump$150-300

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// More Supra (A70) problems

Other known issues

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Head Gasket Failure

The head gasket blows, allowing coolant into the combustion chambers and/or oil passages. White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss without visible external leak, overheating under boost, milky oil on the filler cap, and bubbles in the coolant overflow tank. In severe cases, hydrolock (coolant filling a cylinder and bending a connecting rod on startup).

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

CT-26 Turbo Failure

Loss of boost pressure, excessive oil smoke (blue/grey) on startup or deceleration, whistling or grinding noises from the turbo, and oil in the intercooler piping.

Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Cooling System Inadequacy Under Boost

Coolant temperature climbs rapidly under sustained boost, particularly in traffic or on hot days. The temperature gauge sits higher than normal and doesn't recover quickly.

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Fan Clutch Wear

The engine runs hotter than normal, particularly at low speeds and idle. The cooling fan doesn't seem to pull much air through the radiator.

Critical Engine, 7M-GE (Naturally Aspirated)

Head Gasket Failure (Less Common)

Common Transmission

W58 Synchro Wear

Crunching or grinding when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear, particularly when cold or during quick shifts. The synchros may improve slightly once the gearbox oil is warm.

View all 17 Supra (A70) problems