Opel Z16SE engine characteristics
Opel Z16SE engine is a reliable in-line 4-cylinder unit, produced in 2000-2004 and used in a number of Opel models. It is characterized by simple design, low fuel consumption and high reliability, suitable for everyday use.
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Szentgotthard engine plant |
| Engine make | Z16SE |
| Years of production | 2000-2004 |
| Cylinder block material | Cast iron |
| Power system | Injector |
| Type | Ready |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 79 |
| Compression ratio | 9.6 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 84 / 5400, 87 / 5400 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 138 / 2600, 138 / 3000 |
| Fuel | AI-95 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 4 |
| Engine weight, kg | – |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | city: 9.6, highway: 5.6, mixed: 7.1 |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | up to 600 |
| Engine oil | 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40, 15W-40 |
| Oil volume, liters | 3.25 |
| Oil change interval, km | 15,000 (7,500 recommended) |
| Engine operating temperature, °C | – |
| Engine life, thousand kilometers | Factory: -, in practice: 300+ |
| Tuning (potential) | – |
| Fitted to models | Opel Astra G, Opel Meriva, Opel Combo C, Opel Corsa C |
Troubleshooting and repair of Opel Z16SE engine
In 2000, it was decided to replace the old mono-injection X16SZR with something newer and more modern. Such a motor became Z16SE. This 8-valve engine was developed on the basis of its predecessor and differs from X16SZR distributed fuel injection with a new intake manifold, injectors, different cylinder head gasket, pistons, compression ratio of 10.5, as well as a different exhaust manifold, electronic throttle, control unit and a number of other smaller electronic changes. Among other things, the environmental performance of the Opel Z16SE engine has been tightened up to Euro-4 levels.
Replacement of the timing belt on the Z16SE should be done after every 120 thousand kilometers of mileage. In case of timing belt breakage, this motor does not bend valves.
This motor was produced until 2004, and then it was replaced by a 16-valve Z14XEP.
Problems and disadvantages of Opel Z16SE engines
The most common disease of Z16SE is oil burn. If you have such a problem, then the motor has arrived and here only an overhaul with boring for repair pistons will save. As savings, you can get by with the replacement of rings and caps, but the car will drive for a year and you will have to return to this issue again. It will be correct to completely recapitalize the engine.
Also keep an eye on the catalytic converter, it tends to fail, and its ceramic dust can be pulled up into the engine and form scoring.
Otherwise, regular and quality maintenance plus the use of high quality oil and gasoline will keep you away from possible problems.
Opel Z16SE Engine Tuning
There is no point in investing a lot of money in a motor with a dead-end 8-valve head, which will always be worse than a 16-valve with similar improvements. Therefore, the logical maximum for this motor is a cold intake with straight-through exhaust without a catalytic converter and aggressive tuning of the control unit. This will allow to reach 100 hp and improve the sound of the motor. If that’s not enough, it’s worth changing cars or buying a more powerful 2 liter motor.
MOTOR RATING: 4