Hyundai Excel engines

Hyundai Excel (North American variant – Pony) is a middle-class car of the South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company. Manufactured during 1985-2000. The Excel was the first self-made car by the company, as before that it was only engaged in the assembly of Ford cars. Released 3 generations of Excel in 3 and 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan. The car quickly gained popularity not only in the Korean domestic market, but also in the United States, Europe, South America and Africa.

The Hyundai Excel was offered with 5 engines between 1985 and 1995 (5 petrol). Displacement ranges from 1.3 to 1.5 liters, power output from 60 to 110 hp. 1 use a timing chain and 5 a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Hyundai G4ER (about 300,000 km).

Hyundai Excel engines by generation

EngineYearsVolumePowerFuelTimingOilLifespan
Hyundai Excel 1 (X1) 1985–1989
Hyundai G4DJ1985–19891.5 L R476–86 hppetrolbelt3.3 L~200,000 km
Hyundai G4DG1985–19891.3 L R465–75 hppetrolbelt3.3 L~200,000 km
Hyundai Excel 1 (X1), Excel 2 (X2) 1985–1995
Mitsubishi 4G151985–19951.5 L R470–110 hppetrolbelt3.6 L~300,000 km
Mitsubishi 4G131985–19951.3 L R460–86 hppetrolbelt3.6 L~300,000 km
Other Hyundai Excel engines generation not specified
Hyundai G4ER1995–20001.5 L R499 hppetrolchain + belt3.3 L~300,000 km

Hyundai Excel engine FAQ

What engines were used in the Hyundai Excel?

Hyundai Excel 1 (X1) (1985–1989): Hyundai G4DJ and Hyundai G4DG; Hyundai Excel 1 (X1), Excel 2 (X2) (1985–1995): Mitsubishi 4G15 and Mitsubishi 4G13.

Which Hyundai Excel engine is the most durable?

By rated service life the most durable Hyundai Excel engines are: Hyundai G4ER — about 300,000 km; Mitsubishi 4G13 — about 300,000 km; Mitsubishi 4G15 — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.

How much oil does the Hyundai Excel engine take?

Engine oil capacity with filter: Hyundai G4DG — 3.3 L (10W-40); Hyundai G4DJ — 3.3 L (10W-40); Hyundai G4ER — 3.3 L (5W-40); Mitsubishi 4G13 — 3.6 L (5W-30, 5W-40); Mitsubishi 4G15 — 3.6 L (5W-30, 5W-40).

Does the Hyundai Excel have a timing belt or chain?

Timing chain: Hyundai G4ER; timing belt: Hyundai G4DG, Hyundai G4DJ, Hyundai G4ER, Mitsubishi 4G13 and Mitsubishi 4G15. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.

Was the Hyundai Excel available with a diesel engine?

No, all Hyundai Excel engines in our database run on petrol.

Engine details

Hyundai G4DG

Hyundai G4DG

1985–1995 · 1.3 L R4 · petrol · 65–75 hp · belt

The main problem of the engine is oil consumption due to stuck piston rings.

Hyundai G4DJ

Hyundai G4DJ

1985–1995 · 1.5 L R4 · petrol · 76–86 hp · belt

The most famous problem is the oil burner due to stuck piston rings.

Mitsubishi 4G13

Mitsubishi 4G13

1985–2012 · 1.3 L R4 · petrol · 60–86 hp · belt

The most famous problem of the Orion family of engines is increased or floating engine speed at idle due to strong backlash…

Mitsubishi 4G15

Mitsubishi 4G15

1985–2012 · 1.5 L R4 · petrol · 70–110 hp · belt

The trademark problem of the Orion engine family is throttle wear, which is expressed in increased or, most often, floating idle speeds.…

Hyundai G4ER

Hyundai G4ER

1995–2000 · 1.5 L R4 · petrol · 99 hp · chain + belt

The unit as a whole is reliable, it is often let down by the build quality and some components.

Models with the same engines

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