Opel Z14XEP 1.4L engine highlights

The Z14XEP engine is valued for its stable performance and low fuel consumption. In turn, the biggest disadvantages are considered to be poor driving dynamics and fairly frequent oil leaks. An LPG system can also be connected to the drive. What else is worth knowing about it? See our article!

Basic device information

This is a four-cylinder, four-stroke and naturally aspirated engine with a volume of 1.4 liters - exactly 1 cm364. This is a representative of the second generation of Ecotec engines from the GM Family O family, which was developed by Opel engineers - then owned by General Motors. Its production took place from 2003 to 2010.

In the case of this motorcycle, individual symbols from the name mean:

• Z - complies with Euro 4 standards;
• 14 - capacity 1.4 l;
• X - compression ratio from 10 to 11,5: 1;
• E - multi-point fuel injection system;
• R - increased power.

Z14XEP engine - technical data

Opel's Z14XEP petrol engine has intake and exhaust diameters of 73,4mm and 80,6mm, respectively. The compression ratio is 10,5:1, and the maximum power of the power unit reaches 89 hp. at 5 rpm. Peak torque is 600 Nm at 125 rpm.

The power unit consumes oil up to 0.5 liters per 1000 kilometers. The recommended type is 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 and 10W-40 and the recommended type is API SG/CD and CCMC G4/G5. The tank capacity is 3,5 liters and the oil needs to be changed every 30 km. The engine was installed in cars such as Opel Astra G and H, Opel Corsa C and D, Opel Tigra B and Opel Meriva. 

Design decisions - how was the engine designed?

The design is based on a lightweight cast iron block. The crankshaft is also made from this material, and the cylinder head is made from aluminum with two DOHC camshafts and four valves per cylinder, for a total of 16 valves. 

The designers also decided to implement TwinPort technology - dual intake ports with a throttle that closes one of them at low speeds. This creates a strong air vortex for higher torque levels and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Depending on the selected drive model, a Bosch ME7.6.1 or Bosch ME7.6.2 ECU version was also used.

Drive Unit Operation - Most Common Problems

The first question is the high oil consumption - we can say that this feature is the hallmark of all Opel engines. At the beginning of operation, the parameters are still in the optimal range, but during long-term operation, special attention must be paid to the oil level in the tank.

The next aspect to pay attention to is the timing chain. Despite the fact that the manufacturer assured of stable operation of the element, sufficient for the entire life of the engine, it must be replaced - after exceeding 150-160 km. km to XNUMX thousand km. Otherwise, the drive unit will not provide power at the proper level, and due to detonation, the engine will make an unpleasant noise. 

Problems also arise because of the so-called. wave. 1.4 TwinPort Ecotec Z14XEP engine stops working properly due to clogged EGR valve. Despite these problems, the engine does not cause serious problems during operation. 

Should I choose a car with a 1.4 engine from Opel?

The German motor is a good design. With regular maintenance and proper care, it will perform well even with a range of more than 400 km. km. A big plus is also the low price of spare parts and the fact that both cars equipped with the unit and the Z14XEP engine itself are very well known to mechanics. In all aspects, an Opel engine would be the right choice.