The 2.4-liter General Motors LAF engine was assembled at a facility in the United States from 2009 to 2014 and installed on the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, and also the Canadian version of the Orlando minivan. This unit differed from its predecessors by the presence of a direct fuel injection system.
Ecotec family:
1st gen – LSJ, L61;
2nd gen – LDK, LHU, LNF, LAF, LEA, LE5, LE9;
3rd gen – LSY, LTG, LCV, LKW.
Specifications
| Production years | 2009-2014 |
| Displacement, cc | 2384 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 174 – 182 |
| Torque output, Nm | 233 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 88 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 98 |
| Compression ratio | 11.2 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | Dual VVT |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for GMC Terrain 2010) — city — highway — combined |
10.7 7.3 9.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 145 |
The engine was installed on:
- Buick LaCrosse 2 (GMX353) in 2009 – 2011;
- Buick Regal 5 (GMX350) in 2010 – 2011;
- Chevrolet Equinox 2 (GMT192) in 2009 – 2011;
- Chevrolet Orlando 1 (J309) in 2011 – 2014;
- GMC Terrain 1 (GMT177) in 2009 – 2011.
Disadvantages of the GM LAF engine
- The most famous problem of this power unit is high oil consumption.
- Oil burning due to the occurrence of rings can occur on runs of less than 100 thousand km.
- Another weak point of the engine is the capricious crankcase ventilation system.
- The timing chain does not have a high resource, it is often changed even up to 150,000 km.
- Like all direct-injection combustion engines, intake valves quickly overgrow with soot.
Frequently asked questions about the GM LAF
How much power does the GM LAF make?
The GM LAF develops 174 - 182 hp and 233 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the GM LAF take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the GM LAF have a timing belt or chain?
The GM LAF uses a timing chain.
Is the GM LAF turbocharged?
No, the GM LAF is naturally aspirated.
Does the GM LAF need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the GM LAF has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the GM LAF last?
The typical lifespan of the GM LAF is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the GM LAF?
GMC Terrain 2010: city 10.7, highway 7.3, combined 9.0 L/100 km.
What cars was the GM LAF installed on?
Buick LaCrosse 2 (GMX353) in 2009 - 2011; Buick Regal 5 (GMX350) in 2010 - 2011; Chevrolet Equinox 2 (GMT192) in 2009 - 2011; Chevrolet Orlando 1 (J309) in 2011 - 2014; GMC Terrain 1 (GMT177) in 2009 - 2011.
What are the common problems of the GM LAF?
The most famous problem of this power unit is high oil consumption. Oil burning due to the occurrence of rings can occur on runs of less than 100 thousand km. All known problems.
