The 2.2-liter General Motors L61 or 2.2 Ecotec engine was assembled in the USA from 1999 to 2008 and installed on such well-known models as the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Grand Am and Saturn VUE. This power unit on Opel cars is known under its own Z22SE index.
Ecotec family:
1st gen – LSJ, L61;
2nd gen – LDK, LHU, LNF, LAF, LEA, LE5, LE9;
3rd gen – LSY, LTG, LCV, LKW.
Specifications
| Production years | 1999-2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 2198 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 135 – 145 |
| Torque output, Nm | 190 – 210 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 94.6 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5-10.0 |
| Features | balance shafts |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Saturn VUE 2006) — city — highway — combined |
10.7 8.1 9.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 135 |
The engine was installed on:
- Chevrolet Cavalier 3 in 2002 – 2005;
- Chevrolet Cobalt 1 (GMX001) in 2004 – 2008;
- Chevrolet HHR 1 (GMT001) in 2005 – 2008;
- Chevrolet Malibu 6 (GMX380) in 2003 – 2007;
- Oldsmobile Alero 1 (GMX130) in 2001- 2004;
- Pontiac G5 1 (GMX001) in 2005 – 2006;
- Pontiac Grand Am 5 (GMX130) in 2002 – 2005;
- Pontiac Sunfire 1 in 2001 – 2005;
- Saturn Ion 1 (GMX357) in 2002 – 2007;
- Saturn L-series 1 (GM2900) in 1999 – 2004;
- Saturn Vue 1 (GMT315) in 2001 – 2007.
Disadvantages of the GM L61 engine
- On engines until 2004, there was an extremely unreliable timing chain tensioner.
- On the network you will find many cases of timing chain breaks and valves meeting with pistons.
- In second place are endless oil leaks, and especially from under the valve cover.
- It is also important not to overtighten the candles, as the head may not withstand and burst.
- The weak points of this motor also include short-lived attachments.
Frequently asked questions about the GM L61
How much power does the GM L61 make?
The GM L61 develops 135 - 145 hp and 190 - 210 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the GM L61 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the GM L61 have a timing belt or chain?
The GM L61 uses a timing chain.
Is the GM L61 turbocharged?
No, the GM L61 is naturally aspirated.
Does the GM L61 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the GM L61 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the GM L61 last?
The typical lifespan of the GM L61 is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the GM L61?
Saturn VUE 2006: city 10.7, highway 8.1, combined 9.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the GM L61 installed on?
Chevrolet Cavalier 3 in 2002 - 2005; Chevrolet Cobalt 1 (GMX001) in 2004 - 2008; Chevrolet HHR 1 (GMT001) in 2005 - 2008; Chevrolet Malibu 6 (GMX380) in 2003 - 2007; Oldsmobile Alero 1 (GMX130) in 2001- 2004; Pontiac G5 1 (GMX001) in 2005 - 2006 and 5 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the GM L61?
On engines until 2004, there was an extremely unreliable timing chain tensioner. On the network you will find many cases of timing chain breaks and valves meeting with pistons. All known problems.
