From 1999 to 2008, the 2.2-liter General Motors L61 or 2.2 Ecotec engine was manufactured in the United States and fitted to popular vehicles like the Saturn VUE, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Malibu. On Opel vehicles, this power unit is referred to by its own Z22SE index.
LSJ and L61 are part of the first generation of GM Ecotec.
Specifications
| Production years | 1999-2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 2198 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 135 – 145 |
| Torque output, Nm | 190 – 210 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 94.6 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5-10.0 |
| Features | balance shafts |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Saturn VUE 2006) — city — highway — combined |
10.7 8.1 9.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 135 |
The engine was installed on:
- Chevrolet Cavalier 3 in 2002 – 2005;
- Chevrolet Cobalt 1 (GMX001) in 2004 – 2008;
- Chevrolet HHR 1 (GMT001) in 2005 – 2008;
- Chevrolet Malibu 6 (GMX380) in 2003 – 2007;
- Oldsmobile Alero 1 (GMX130) in 2001- 2004;
- Pontiac G5 1 (GMX001) in 2005 – 2006;
- Pontiac Grand Am 5 (GMX130) in 2002 – 2005;
- Pontiac Sunfire 1 in 2001 – 2005;
- Saturn Ion 1 (GMX357) in 2002 – 2007;
- Saturn L-series 1 (GM2900) in 1999 – 2004;
- Saturn Vue 1 (GMT315) in 2001 – 2007.
Disadvantages of the GM L61 engine
Up until 2004, engines had a timing chain tensioner that was incredibly unreliable.
There are numerous instances of timing chain breaks and valves colliding with pistons on the network.
Endless oil leaks, particularly from beneath the valve cover, come in second.
Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid overtightening the candles because this could cause the head to burst.
Short-lived attachments are another one of this motor’s weaknesses.