Engines Opel Z14XE, Z14XEL
Engines

Engines Opel Z14XE, Z14XEL

A modified version of the X14XE, which was on Opel small-capacity models until 2000, received a serial number - Z14XE. The updated engine began to comply with EURO-4 environmental standards, and this is its main difference from its predecessor. The motor was produced at the Szentgotthard engine plant and was equipped with a new release, two oxygen sensors and an electronic accelerator.

Engines Opel Z14XE, Z14XEL
ICE 1.4 16V Z14XE

The 1.4-liter unit, Z14XE, as well as its close relative, was intended for small cars of the Opel brand. A short-stroke crankshaft was installed inside the cast-iron BC. The compression height of the pistons began to be 31.75 mm. Thanks to innovations, the minders managed to maintain the height of the BC and make the volume 1364 cm3.

The analogue of the Z14XE is the F14D3, which can still be found under the hoods of Chevrolet. The age of the Z14XE turned out to be short-lived and its production was permanently stopped already in 2004.

Specifications Z14XE

Key Features of Z14XE
Volume cm31364
Max power, hp90
Max torque, Nm (kgm)/rpm125 (13) / 4000
Fuel consumption, l / 100 km5.9-7.9
A typeInline, 4-cylinder
Cylinder diameter, mm77.6
Max power, hp (kW)/r/min90 (66) / 5600
90 (66) / 6000
Compression ratio10.05.2019
The piston stroke, mm73.4
Modelsrace
Resource, outside. km300+

*The engine number is located under the oil filter housing (transmission side) on the cylinder block.

Z14XEL

The Z14XEL is a significantly improved but less powerful variant of the regular Z14XE. The BC is covered with a twin-shaft 16-valve head.

Compared to its predecessor, the Z14XEL received smaller cylinders (73.4 instead of 77.6 mm), but the piston stroke was increased from 73.4 to 80.6 mm.

Engines Opel Z14XE, Z14XEL
General view of the Z14XEL engine

Z14XEL was produced from 2004 to 2006.

Specifications Z14XEL

Main characteristics of Z14XEL
Volume cm31364
Max power, hp75
Max torque, Nm (kgm)/rpm120 (12) / 3800
Fuel consumption, l / 100 km06.03.2019
A typeInline, 4-cylinder
Cylinder diameter, mm73.4
Max power, hp (kW)/r/min75 (55) / 5200
Compression ratio10.05.2019
The piston stroke, mm80.6
ModelsAstra
Resource, outside. km300+

*The engine number is located on the transmission side, under the oil filter housing on the cylinder block.

 Pros and typical malfunctions of the Z14XE / Z14XEL

The underlying diseases of Z14XE and Z14XEL overlap as these aggregates are nearly identical to each other.

pros

  • Dynamics.
  • Low fuel consumption.
  • Great resource.

Cons

  • High oil consumption.
  • EGR problems.
  • Oil leaks.

Zhor oil is not uncommon for both engines. Z14XE and Z14XEL valve seals have a tendency to fly off, and to fix this, you will have to change the valve guides. Also, when symptoms of an oil burner appear, it may be likely that the occurrence of piston rings has occurred. We'll have to capitalize the engine, decarbonization in this case will not help.

 The reason for the floating speed and the drop in traction most likely indicate a clogged EGR valve. Here it remains to either clean it regularly, or muffle it forever.

The source of oil leakage is usually the valve cover. In addition, the oil pump, thermostat and control unit have a low resource in the Z14XE and Z14XEL.

The engines have a timing belt, which needs to be changed after a run of 60 thousand km. On Astra G models 2003-2004. release, this interval is increased to 90 thousand km.

Otherwise, these small-capacity units are the most average and with good original oil, regular maintenance, and high-quality gasoline, they can last quite a long time.

Tuning Z14XE/Z14XEL

Investing in tuning low-volume engines is a very dubious undertaking, however, the “idea lives on” and if you have a great desire to refine any of the above engines to a volume of 1.6 liters, boring cylinders for X16XEL pistons can help.

Engines Opel Z14XE, Z14XEL
Engine tuning for Opel Astra G

After, inside it will be possible to put the crankshaft and connecting rods from the same unit. A cold intake, a 4-1 exhaust and a flashing of the control unit will help complete the tuning. All this will add about 20 hp to the rated power.

Conclusion

Motors Z14XE and Z14XEL have proven themselves on the positive side. They "run" well and for a long time, structurally quite good. Instead of a timing chain, there is a belt that also turns the pump (the original belt drive kit with rollers and tensioner - up to 100 USD). It is important to remember that in the event of a belt break, both motors bend the valves.

Consumption in the urban cycle: 8-9 liters, of course, depending on how to "twist". On normal fuel and with active driving, the consumption in the city will be in the region: 8,5-8,7 liters.

Opel. Timing chain replacement Z14XEP

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