Opel X18XE1 engine characteristics
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Szentgotthard engine plant |
| Engine make | X18XE1 |
| Years of manufacture | 1998-2000 |
| Cylinder block material | cast iron |
| Power system | injector |
| Type | row |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88.2 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 80.5 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1796 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 115/5400 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 170/3400 |
| Fuel | 95 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 2 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | (for Opel Astra G) |
| – city 10.9 | |
| – highway 6.0 | |
| – mixed. 7.8 | |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | to 600 |
| Engine oil | 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40, 15W-40 |
| How much oil in the engine, liters | 4.25 |
| Oil change is carried out, km | 15000 |
| Engine operating temperature | 85-90 |
| Engine life, thousand kilometers | in practice 300+ |
| Tuning | potential 300+ |
| Motor installed | Vauxhall/Opel Astra G, Vauxhall/Opel Vectra B, Vauxhall/Opel Zafira A |
The Szentgotthard plant produced X18XE1 engines between 1998 and 2000. These four-cylinder units had an in-line configuration and consisted of a cast iron cylinder block with four valves per cylinder.
The X18XE1 engine specifications included such parameters as piston stroke of 88.2 mm, cylinder diameter of 80.5 mm and compression ratio of 10.5. The engine displacement was 1,796 cubic centimeters. Power output reached 115 horsepower at 5400 rpm, and torque was 170 Nm at 3400 rpm.
Environmental standards corresponded to the Euro 2 level. Fuel consumption for Opel Astra G was 10.9 liters per 100 km in the city, 6.0 liters per 100 km on the highway and 7.8 liters per 100 km in the mixed cycle. Oil consumption did not exceed 600 grams per 1000 km.
Recommended oil types for the X18XE1 engine included 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40 and 15W-40. The engine oil capacity was 4.25 liters and oil changes were recommended every 15,000 km.
The operating temperature of the engine ranged between 85-90 degrees Celsius. Although there is no information on engine weight, in practice the engine life could reach more than 300 thousand kilometers.
Faults and repair of the Opel X18XE1 engine
X18XE1, released in 1998, was the successor of the X18XE in the line of Opel motors. Despite similar indexes, these engines differed significantly from each other. Unlike the X18XE, which was based on the X20XEV, the X18XE1 was based on the 1.6-liter X16XEL. The cylinder diameter in the block of this motor was increased from 79 mm to 80.5 mm, and a crankshaft with a piston stroke of 88.5 mm was installed inside. The length of connecting rods remained unchanged – 129.75 mm, and the compression height of pistons was reduced to 24.1 mm. All this allowed to assemble a 1.8-liter motor based on the X16XEL block.
The cylinder head was 16-valve with two camshafts, similar to the X16XEL, but with a larger combustion chamber. The inlet valves were 31.2 mm in diameter and the exhaust valves were 27.5 mm in diameter, with a valve stem thickness of 5 mm. Camshaft characteristics: phase 241/233, lift 8.5/8.0 mm.
The timing drive on the X18XE1 was belt drive, requiring replacement every 60 thousand kilometers. Driving on a worn belt could lead to serious problems, up to and including valve damage.
Unlike its predecessor, the X18XE1 used a SIMTEC 70 ignition module and ECU. This motor has a VIS variable geometry manifold on the intake.
This motor was produced until 2000, after which it was replaced by the Z18XE.
Opel X18XE1 engine problems and disadvantages
- One of the most common problems is the ECU failure. In this case, the car may stall, hard to start, drop in revs, and errors may appear. To eliminate this problem, you need to replace the ECU or contact a specialist to repair such control units.
- There may also be problems with floating revolutions. In such cases, you should check the condition of the throttle valve and, if necessary, clean it. It is also worth paying attention to the EGR valve – perhaps it is clogged and requires cleaning or complete disconnection.
In general, with proper care, this is a standard and reliable motor that can serve long enough (250-300 thousand kilometers and more) without serious problems.