Engine Opel Z22YH

The 2.2-liter Opel Z22YH engine was assembled from 2003 to 2010 at a plant in Germany and installed on a number of popular models of the company, such as Vectra, Zafira or Signum. The same unit, but in a modification with phase regulators, was installed on Alfa Romeo as 2.2 JTS.

The Z family also includes engines: Z20LET, Z22SE, Z24SED, Z28NET and Z32SE.

The Opel Z22YH engine is a powerful engine that can withstand heavy loads. It was released as a replacement for the Z22SE motor, which the company considered obsolete. However, the predecessor is still used, which cannot be said about the Z22YH.

The Opel Z22YH 2.2 engine began to be produced based on the Z22SE. Compared to its predecessor, some changes have been made to the engine, namely:

1. there is a new crankshaft and new pistons;
2. compression ratio increased from 9.5 to 12;
3. there is an improved direct injection cylinder head;
4. the timing chain has been used.

There were practically no other changes. All dimensions and functions are fully preserved.

The engine was installed on:

• Opel Signum A (Z03) in 2003 – 2008;
• Opel Vectra C (Z02) in 2003 – 2008;
• Opel Zafira B (A05) in 2005 – 2010.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Kaiserslautern plant
Displacement, cc	2198
Fuel system	direct injection
Power, hp	150 – 155
Torque output, Nm	215 – 220
Cylinder block	aluminum R4
Cylinder head	aluminum 16v
Piston stroke, mm	94.6
Cylinder bore, mm	86
Compression ratio	12.0
Features	Twinport
Hydraulic lifters	yes
Timing drive	two chains
Phase regulator	no
Turbocharging	no
Euro standards	Euro 4
Recommended engine oil	5.0 liters 5W-30, 5W-40
Fuel type	petrol
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Vectra 2007) — city — highway — combined	10.4 6.1 7.7
Engine lifespan, km	250 000
Weight, kg	140

Pros and cons of the engine

Opel Z22YH advantages

• Reliable powerful motor, withstands heavy loads.
• Easy to repair.
• Sufficiently low fuel consumption for such indicators.
• Direct injection contributes to fuel economy.

Disadvantages of the Opel Z22YH

• If the oil is incorrectly selected (or poor-quality), the timing chain will have to be changed several times more often.
• In the first models (since 2002) there is an error in the tensioner design, due to which the timing chain breaks more often.
• There are almost no spare parts, you need to look for auto dismantlers.
• New ones are no longer being produced, overhaul can cost a pretty penny.
• Care must be taken when choosing fuel and oil, otherwise repairs will be expensive.

Frequent problems

Breakdown of the high-pressure fuel pump: it fails not only due to low-quality fuel, but also due to refueling with gasoline with detergents. Signs of a breakdown of the fuel pump are obvious: the engine does not develop more than 3000 rpm, the power drops, the Check Engine lights up. A breakdown is precisely diagnosed by checking the pressure in the fuel rail. On the one hand, direct petrol injection provides excellent throttle response and fuel efficiency, but on the other hand, it can be very upsetting with sudden death.

Timing chain and balancer shaft. The chain on the Z22YH motor breaks with all the ensuing serious consequences. But the gap occurs when the mandatory interval of its replacement is missed: the manufacturer recommends changing the chain every 150,000 km. If this is not done, wear of all timing gears will begin, and only then you can wait for the chain to break. The worn timing chain on the Z22YH engine emits extraneous sounds: on a cold one you can hear strong diesel even under the hood. Diesel stops as the engine warms up. The motor can still be saved if you buy a new chain and the entire timing set, including the balance shaft.

The air dampers of the Z22YH motor are wedged in a certain position. Signs – increased fuel consumption, slow response to the accelerator. When the engine is warmed up with the climate off, the instantaneous flow rate is 0.5-0.9 l / h (this range is determined by the existence of additional consumers that cannot be turned off manually).