Opel A18XER

The Opel A18XER is a 1.8 l (1,796 cc, 109.6 cu-in) straight-four four-stroke natural aspirated gasoline engine from the third generation of GM Family 1. The engine was developed by Opel (a subsidiary of General Motors) and manufactured since 2008. The A18XER is an EURO 5 version of the Z18XER. This engine is also produced under the name F18DA for Korean market and 2H0.

The Opel A18XER engine uses a cast grey iron block with five-bearings crankshaft and aluminum head with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder (16 valves in total). The engine is equipped with a sequential fuel injection system, Double Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (DCVCP), Variable Two Step Runner Length Intake Manifold, Electronic Throttle Control, Electronic Controlled Cooling System, Cylinder Selective Adaptive Knock Control, Engine Oil Cooler with Individual Piston Cooling Jets, Coil on Plug High Energy Ignition, Extended Life Coolant.

Cylinder bore and piston strokes are 80.5 mm (3.17 in) and 88.2 mm (3.47 in), respectively and compression ratio rating is 10.5:1. The A18XER engine produces 140 PS (103 лW; 138 HP) at 6,300 rpm of maximum horsepower and 175 Nm (17.8 kg·m; 129.1 ft·lb) at 3,800 rpm of maximum torque.

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

• A – Euro 5 engine;
• 18 – 1.8 Liter displacement
• X – Comression ratio from 10 to 11.5:1
• E – Multi Point Fuel Injection system
• R – Power is increased compared to A18XE

General information

Cylinder block

The A18XER cylinder block is based on the proven hollow-frame concept. Gray cast iron provides an extremely durable foundation, optimized with a deep skirt that minimizes both wear and vibration. Pistons apply a floating-pin design. The wrist pins, which attach the piston to the connecting rod, “float” inside the rod bushing and pin bores in the piston barrel. Pistons also have oil-spray cooling. Each piston has its own individual directed jet that sprays oil toward its skirt, coating its underside and the cylinder wall with an additional layer of lubricant.

Connecting rod bearing cap bolt tightening procedure and torque specs:

• Step 1: 35 Nm (3.6 kg·m; 25.8 ft·lb)
• Step 2: Turn all bolts 45°
• Step 3: Turn all bolts 15°

Crankshaft Bearing Cap Bolt:

• Step 1: 50 Nm (5.1 kg·m; 36.9 ft·lb)
• Step 2: Turn all bolts 45°
• Step 3: Turn all bolts 15°

Cylinder head

The cylinder head is made of an aluminum alloy. The A18XER engine has Double Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (DCVCP) on the intake and exhaust sides. The camshafts are driven by timing belt. The engine has a composite intake manifold and fabricated stainless steel maniverter 4-1 with a close-coupled catalyst.

Head tightening procedure and torque specs:

• Step 1: 25 Nm; 2.5 kg·m; 18.5 ft·lb)
• Step 2: Turn all bolts 90°
• Step 3: Turn all bolts 90°
• Step 4: Turn all bolts 90°
• Step 5: Turn all bolts 45°

Maintenance data

Vehicle applications

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