The 1.6-liter Opel Z16XEP or LJ7 engine was produced from 2002 to 2009 in Hungary and was installed on most of the concern’s models of its time, such as Astra, Vectra and Zafira. This power unit had a modified version under its own index Z16XE1.
Z15 family: Z16SE, Z16XE, Z16XEP, Z16XER, Z18XE, Z18XER.
Specifications
| Production years | 2002-2009 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 105 |
| Torque output, Nm | 150 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | Twinport |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Meriva 2007) — city — highway — combined |
8.8 5.5 6.7 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 120 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Astra G (T98) in 2002 – 2009, Astra H (A04) in 2004 – 2007;
- Opel Meriva A (X03) in 2005 – 2009;
- Opel Vectra C (Z02) in 2005 – 2008;
- Opel Zafira B (A05) in 2005 – 2007.
Disadvantages of the Z16XEP engine
- Drivers constantly complain about engine traction failures due to failures of the Twinport system;
- A little less often, a clogged EGR valve is to blame for the unstable operation of the power unit;
- The timing belt changes at 150,000 km, but it is better more often, since when it breaks, the valves bend;
- Low resource here also have: ECU unit, thermostat and ignition module;
- There are no hydraulic lifters and every 100 thousand km it is necessary to adjust the valve clearances.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel Z16XEP
How much power does the Opel Z16XEP make?
The Opel Z16XEP develops 105 hp and 150 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Opel Z16XEP take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel Z16XEP have a timing belt or chain?
The Opel Z16XEP uses a timing belt.
Is the Opel Z16XEP turbocharged?
No, the Opel Z16XEP is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel Z16XEP need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Opel Z16XEP last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel Z16XEP is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel Z16XEP?
Opel Meriva 2007: city 8.8, highway 5.5, combined 6.7 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel Z16XEP installed on?
Opel Astra G (T98) in 2002 - 2009, Astra H (A04) in 2004 - 2007; Opel Meriva A (X03) in 2005 - 2009; Opel Vectra C (Z02) in 2005 - 2008; Opel Zafira B (A05) in 2005 - 2007.
What are the common problems of the Opel Z16XEP?
Drivers constantly complain about engine traction failures due to failures of the Twinport system. A little less often, a clogged EGR valve is to blame for the unstable operation of the power unit. All known problems.
