The 1.4-liter Opel Z14XEP or LJ2 engine was produced in Austria from 2003 to 2010 and was installed on many compact models of the company, such as Astra, Corsa, Combo and Meriva. This unit is one of the most popular low-volume engines with the Twinport system.
The Z14XEP engine uses a lightweight cast iron cylinder block with a cast iron crankshaft and an aluminum overhead camshaft head with 2 chain drives (DOHC) and 4 valves per cylinder. This engine used TwinPort technology – dual intake ports with a throttle closing one of the ports at low revs, providing a strong air swirl for higher torque levels and better fuel economy. The engine uses ECU Bosch ME7.6.1 / Bosch ME7.6.2.
Explanation of Z14XEP marking
- Z – Euro 4 engine;
- 14 – 1.4 liters;
- X – Compression ratio from 10 to 11.5: 1;
- E – multi-point fuel injection system;
- P – increased power.
Z10 family: Z10XE, Z10XEP, Z12XE, Z12XEP, Z14XE, Z14XEP.
Specifications
| Production years | 2003-2010 |
| Displacement, cc | 1364 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 90 / 5600 rpm |
| Torque output, Nm | 125 / 4000 rpm |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73.4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 80.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | Twinport |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | single row chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.50 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Astra 2006) — city — highway — combined |
8.2 5.2 6.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~275 000 |
| Weight, kg | 105 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Astra G (T98) in 2003 – 2009, Astra H (A04) in 2004 – 2010;
- Opel Corsa C (X01) in 2003 – 2006, Corsa D (S07) in 2006 – 2009;
- Opel Combo C (F06) in 2004 – 2010;
- Opel Meriva A (X03) in 2004 – 2009.
Disadvantages of the Z14XEP engine
- the biggest problem here is the constantly stuck Twinport dampers;
- a single-row timing chain can stretch and start rattling on a run up to 150,000 km;
- the reason for floating revolutions and a drop in thrust is most often in a clogged EGR valve;
- the source of the lubricant leak is usually the oil pressure sensor and the valve cover;
- oil pump, thermostat and ECU control unit have a low resource here.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel Z14XEP
How much power does the Opel Z14XEP make?
Power output of the Opel Z14XEP, hp: 90 / 5600 rpm. Torque, Nm: 125 / 4000 rpm.
How much oil does the Opel Z14XEP take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.50 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel Z14XEP have a timing belt or chain?
Timing drive of the Opel Z14XEP: single row chain.
Is the Opel Z14XEP turbocharged?
No, the Opel Z14XEP is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel Z14XEP need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Opel Z14XEP has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Opel Z14XEP last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel Z14XEP is ~275 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel Z14XEP?
Opel Astra 2006: city 8.2, highway 5.2, combined 6.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel Z14XEP installed on?
Opel Astra G (T98) in 2003 - 2009, Astra H (A04) in 2004 - 2010; Opel Corsa C (X01) in 2003 - 2006, Corsa D (S07) in 2006 - 2009; Opel Combo C (F06) in 2004 - 2010; Opel Meriva A (X03) in 2004 - 2009.
What are the common problems of the Opel Z14XEP?
the biggest problem here is the constantly stuck Twinport dampers. a single-row timing chain can stretch and start rattling on a run up to 150,000 km. All known problems.
