From 1998 to 2003, a Japanese company produced the 1.5-liter Mazda ZL-DE engine, which was limited to Asian versions of the 323 family, also referred to as the Familia. There are no particular variations, but the version of this motor intended for the European market is simply known as ZL.
The Z-engine family also includes:
- 1.3 L – ZJ‑VE;
- 1.5 L – Z5‑DE, ZL‑DE, ZL‑VE, ZY‑VE;
- 1.6 L – Z6, ZM‑DE.
The engine was installed on:
- Mazda 323 BJ in 1998 – 2003;
- Mazda Familia BJ in 1998 – 2003.
Specifications
| Production years | 1998-2003 |
| Displacement, cc | 1489 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 110 |
| Torque output, Nm | 137 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 78 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 78.4 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 323 1999) — city — highway — combined |
8.5 5.7 6.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~320 000 |
| Weight, kg | 127.9 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda ZL-DE engine
This motor is dependable, and the majority of its issues stem from inadequate maintenance;
We advise replacing candles as soon as possible because they have very gentle ignition coils;
The timing belt is replaced every 60,000 kilometers, but the valve hardly ever bends when it breaks;
Since there are no hydraulic lifters, the valves are adjusted once every 100,000 kilometers; an oil burn may occur after 200,000 kilometers due to wear on the valve stem seals.