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.
