The 2.4-liter General Motors LE9 gasoline engine was produced in the USA from 2008 to 2018 and was installed on such popular concern models as the Chevrolet Captiva, HHR, and also the Malibu. This power unit was only an updated version of the LE5 engine and is similar to the Opel A24XE.
Ecotec family:
1st gen – LSJ, L61;
2nd gen – LDK, LHU, LNF, LAF, LEA, LE5, LE9;
3rd gen – LSY, LTG, LCV, LKW.
Specifications
| Production years | 2008-2018 |
| Displacement, cc | 2384 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 165 – 175 |
| Torque output, Nm | 225 – 230 |
| 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 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Chevrolet Captiva 2012) — city — highway — combined |
12.8 7.4 9.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 145 |
The engine was installed on:
- Chevrolet Captiva 1 (C140) in 2011 – 2018;
- Chevrolet HHR 1 (GMT001) in 2008 – 2011;
- Chevrolet Malibu 7 (GMX386) in 2009 – 2012.
Disadvantages of the GM LE9 engine
- The main complaints of the owners are related to the rather modest resource of the timing chain.
- The balancer chain tensioner is not reliable (not included in the timing kit).
- If you tighten it strongly with the replacement of chains, you will have to buy new phase regulators.
- After 100,000 km of run, lubricant consumption is often encountered due to the occurrence of rings.
- It should be noted that constantly appearing cracks on the exhaust manifold.
Frequently asked questions about the GM LE9
How much power does the GM LE9 make?
The GM LE9 develops 165 - 175 hp and 225 - 230 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the GM LE9 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the GM LE9 have a timing belt or chain?
The GM LE9 uses a timing chain.
Is the GM LE9 turbocharged?
No, the GM LE9 is naturally aspirated.
Does the GM LE9 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the GM LE9 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the GM LE9 last?
The typical lifespan of the GM LE9 is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the GM LE9?
Chevrolet Captiva 2012: city 12.8, highway 7.4, combined 9.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the GM LE9 installed on?
Chevrolet Captiva 1 (C140) in 2011 - 2018; Chevrolet HHR 1 (GMT001) in 2008 - 2011; Chevrolet Malibu 7 (GMX386) in 2009 - 2012.
What are the common problems of the GM LE9?
The main complaints of the owners are related to the rather modest resource of the timing chain. The balancer chain tensioner is not reliable (not included in the timing kit). All known problems.
