Engine Hyundai-Kia G4KE

The 2.4-liter Hyundai G4KE engine was produced in South Korea and the United States from 2008 to 2019 and was installed on many of the company’s large models, such as the Sonata, Sorento and Santa Fe. This powertrain is still assembled at Hyundai’s Chinese plant for the local market.

In 2008, an updated line of Theta II gasoline engines was introduced and at first it consisted of two atmospheric engines with distributed injection of 2.0 and 2.4 liters. The main difference from the predecessors of the Theta family was the presence of phase shifters on both camshafts, as well as a new intake manifold with a geometry change system. Otherwise, these are all the same engines with an aluminum block, an open cooling jacket, cast-iron sleeves, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head without hydraulic lifters and a timing chain. As in many large displacement 4-cylinder engines, there is a block of balancers in the sump.

The manufacturer has constantly upgraded this power unit and the engines of different years are different. For example, in 2010, a different oil pump appeared, combined with a block of balancing shafts, and since 2012, such engines began to be equipped with piston cooling oil nozzles.

Theta 2.4L family: G4KC, G4KE, G4KG, G4KJ, G4KK.

Specifications

Production years	2008-2019
Displacement, cc	2359
Fuel system	distributed injection
Power output, hp	170 – 180
Torque output, Nm	220 – 230
Cylinder block	aluminum R4
Block head	aluminum 16v
Cylinder bore, mm	88
Piston stroke, mm	97
Compression ratio	10.5
Hydraulic lifters	no
Timing drive	chain
Phase regulator	yes
Turbocharging	no
Recommended engine oil	5W-30, 5W-40
Engine oil capacity, liter	5.2
Fuel type	petrol
Euro standards	EURO 4/5
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Hyundai Santa Fe 2011) — city — highway — combined	11.7 7.2 8.8
Engine lifespan, km	~300 000
Weight, kg	136.3

The engine was installed on:

• Hyundai Grandeur 4 (TG) in 2009 – 2011, Grandeur 5 (HG) in 2013 – 2016;
• Hyundai ix35 1 (LM) in 2009 – 2015;
• Hyundai Sonata 5 (NF) in 2008 – 2010, Sonata 6 (YF) in 2009 – 2014, Sonata 7 (LF) in 2014 – 2019;
• Hyundai Santa Fe 2 (CM) in 2009 – 2012, Santa Fe 3 (DM) in 2012 – 2018;
• Kia Cadenza 1 (VG) in 2009 – 2011;
• Kia Forte 2 (TD) in 2008 – 2013;
• Kia Magentis 2 (MG) in 2008 – 2010;
• Kia Rondo 3 (UN) in 2009 – 2010;
• Kia Sorento 2 (XM) in 2009 – 2017;
• Kia Sportage 3 (SL) in 2010 – 2016.

Disadvantages of the Hyundai G4KE engine

• The main complaints about the powertrains of the Theta line are related to scuffing in the cylinders, which appear due to crumbs from the catalyst falling directly into the combustion chambers. Usually, a progressive oil consumption immediately appears, and then a piston knock.
• The abrasive formed when scuffing appears is carried throughout the entire oil system and contributes to accelerated wear of both the camshaft journals and the oil pump gears. And a drop in oil pressure in the system often leads to crankshaft liners turning. Since the end of 2011, inserts with a composite coating have been installed, their resource is even less.
• Despite the fact that, according to the officials, the chain is designed for the entire life of the engine, most often it is already seriously stretched to runs from 100 to 150 thousand kilometers. The main danger is that the extended chain often jumps, and the valves is bent here.
• Also, there are very weak gaskets and seals, and therefore lubricant leaks often occur, and attachments are not the highest resource for this unit.

Frequently asked questions about the Hyundai-Kia G4KE