The 5.2-liter Jeep ELF or Magnum 318 V8 engine was produced by the company from 1992 to 2002 and installed in many of its pickups and SUVs, such as the Dakota, Durango and Grand Cherokee. This engine was distinguished by high reliability and endurance, but high fuel consumption.
The Magnum series also includes internal combustion engines: EML.
Specifications
| Production years | 1992-2002 |
| Displacement, cc | 5210 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 210 – 230 |
| Torque output, Nm | 380 – 410 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V8 |
| Block head | cast iron 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 99.3 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 84.1 |
| Compression ratio | 9.1 |
| Features | OHV |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Jeep Grand Cherokee 1994) — city — highway — combined |
20.1 13.1 15.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~450 000 |
| Weight, kg | 245 |
The engine was installed on:
- Dodge Dakota 1 (AN) in 1992 – 1996, Dakota 2 (DN) in 1996 – 2000;
- Dodge Durango 1 (DN) in 1997 – 2000;
- Dodge Ramcharger 2 in 1992 – 1993;
- Dodge Ram 1 (BR) in 1992 – 1993, Ram 2 (DR) in 1993 – 2002;
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 1 (ZJ) in 1992 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the ELF engine
- This engine is very reliable and has no weaknesses, but its consumption is high;
- The most famous failure is air leakage through the intake manifold;
- Saving on the quality of lubricant here often leads to sticking of hydraulic lifters;
- The impressive mass of this power unit greatly limits the resource of its supports;
- Not the highest resource is also distinguished here: a gasoline pump and a water pump.
Frequently asked questions about the Jeep ELF
How much power does the Jeep ELF make?
The Jeep ELF develops 210 - 230 hp and 380 - 410 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Jeep ELF take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Jeep ELF have a timing belt or chain?
The Jeep ELF uses a timing chain.
Is the Jeep ELF turbocharged?
No, the Jeep ELF is naturally aspirated.
Does the Jeep ELF need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Jeep ELF has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Jeep ELF last?
The typical lifespan of the Jeep ELF is ~450 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Jeep ELF?
Jeep Grand Cherokee 1994: city 20.1, highway 13.1, combined 15.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Jeep ELF installed on?
Dodge Dakota 1 (AN) in 1992 - 1996, Dakota 2 (DN) in 1996 - 2000; Dodge Durango 1 (DN) in 1997 - 2000; Dodge Ramcharger 2 in 1992 - 1993; Dodge Ram 1 (BR) in 1992 - 1993, Ram 2 (DR) in 1993 - 2002; Jeep Grand Cherokee 1 (ZJ) in 1992 - 1998.
What are the common problems of the Jeep ELF?
This engine is very reliable and has no weaknesses, but its consumption is high. The most famous failure is air leakage through the intake manifold. All known problems.





