Engine GM LE5

The 2.4-liter 16-valve General Motors LE5 engine was produced in the USA from 2005 to 2012 and was installed on such popular models as the Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Aura. The modification of this power unit for hybrid vehicles is known under the LAT index.

The second generation of GM Ecotec includes: LDK, LHU, LNF, LAF, LEA, LE5, LE9.

Specifications

Production years 2005-2012
Displacement, cc 2384
Fuel system distributed injection
Power output, hp 165 – 177
Torque output, Nm 215 – 235
Cylinder block aluminum R4
Block head aluminum 16v
Cylinder bore, mm 88
Piston stroke, mm 98
Compression ratio 10.4
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 4
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Chevrolet HHR 2007)
— city
— highway
— combined
12.0
7.3
9.0
Engine lifespan, km ~350 000
Weight, kg 145

The engine was installed on:

  • Chevrolet Cobalt 1 (GMX001) in 2005 – 2008;
  • Chevrolet HHR 1 (GMT001) in 2005 – 2008;
  • Chevrolet Malibu 7 (GMX386) in 2007 – 2012;
  • Pontiac G5 1 (GMX001) in 2006 – 2008;
  • Pontiac G6 1 (GMX381) in 2005 – 2010;
  • Pontiac Solstice 1 (GMX020) in 2005 – 2009;
  • Saturn Aura 1 (GMX354) in 2007 – 2009;
  • Saturn Ion 1 (GMX357) in 2005 – 2007;
  • Saturn Sky 1 (GMX023) in 2006 – 2009;
  • Saturn Vue 2 (GMT319) in 2007 – 2009.

Disadvantages of the GM LE5 engine

  • A known problem with this power unit is the short-lived timing chain.
  • When replacing chains, update the balancer chain tensioner (not included in the timing kit).
  • Ignoring the rattling chains leads to rapid wear of the stars of the phase regulators.
  • On a run of more than 100,000 km, lubricant consumption is often found due to the occurrence of rings.
  • Also here, the crankcase ventilation is often clogged and the exhaust manifold is cracking.

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