12 - LE9 Ecotec

2012 ECOTEC 2.
4L I-4 VVT (LE9)
Vehicle Applications
 Chevrolet Malibu
Product Highlights
 Optimized piston skirt design
 DOHC with continuously variable valve timing
 Electronic throttle control
 E85 flex-fuel capability
 Revised oil pump/front cover
 170 horsepower (127 kW) at 6,200 rpm – gas / 175 horsepower (130 kW) at
6,300 rpm – E85
 158 lb.-ft. of torque (214 Nm) at 5,200 rpm – gas / 170 lb.-ft. of torque (230 Nm)
at 4,700 rpm – E85
Overview
GM's versatile and technologically advanced Ecotec 2.4L (LE9) engine is offered in the
efficient Chevrolet Malibu (fleet only) and HHR. Like other versions of the Ecotec 2.4L,
the LE9-code engine uses continuously variable valve timing to optimize performance,
efficiency and emissions. It is also E85 flex-fuel-capable, allowing it to run on 100-
precent gasoline, 100-percent E85 ethanol or any combination of the two.
Using gas, the Ecotec 2.4L (LE9) is rated at 170 horsepower (127 kW) and 158 lb.-ft. of
torque (214 Nm) in the Malibu and 175 horsepower (130 kW)/170 lb.-ft (230 Nm) using
E85. In the HHR, the output numbers are 172 hp (128 kW) and 167 lb.-ft. (226 Nm)
using gas and 176 hp (131 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. (230 Nm) using E85. The greater
horsepower achieved when using E85 is due to the ethanol-based fuel’s higher octane
rating.
The Ecotec 2.4L (LE9) is based on the same engine in other GM models such as the
Buick LaCrosse and GMC Terrain, but without direct injection. As with other variants, it
features durability and technology features familiar in premium V-type engines, including
low-friction hydraulic roller-finger valve operation and an electronic throttle. A hydraulic
tensioner keeps the timing chain adjusted for life, and extended-life spark plugs deliver
100,000 miles (160,000 km) of service. Additional Ecotec family traits include:
 Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder
 Twin counter-rotating balance shafts to cancel the second-order vibration typical
in four-cylinder inline engines
 Full-circle transmission attachment and a structural oil pan that bolts to both the
engine block and transmission bell housing.
Optimized Piston Skirt

The Ecotec 2.4L (LE9) features pistons with a slight barrel shape, which helps smooth
the glide through the cylinders and reduce lateral movement. It results in quieter –
especially on cold starts – and smoother operation. The Ecotec 2.4L's pistons use
lightweight aluminum pistons, for less reciprocating mass inside the engine that
enhances efficiency, decreases vibration and bolsters the feeling of performance as rpm
increases.
The pistons are used with strong, forged powdered metal connecting rods, which are
linked to a nodular iron crankshaft. It is a durable and proven rotating assembly.
DOHC with Continuously Variable Valve Timing

Overhead cams are the most direct, efficient means of operating the valves, while four
valves per cylinder increase airflow in and out of the engine. This arrangement is
integrated on the Ecotec 2.4L's lightweight aluminum cylinder head.
Continuously variable valve timing optimizes the engine's performance, efficiency and
emissions. Both the intake and exhaust cams have hydraulically operated vane-type
phasers that are managed by a solenoid and directed by the engine control module
(ECM). The phasers turn the camshaft relative to the drive sprocket, allowing intake and
exhaust valve timing to be adjusted independently.
Cam phasing changes the timing of valve operation as conditions such as rpm and
engine load vary. It allows an outstanding balance of smooth torque delivery over a
broad rpm range, high specific output and good specific fuel consumption. Cam phasing
also provides another effective tool for controlling exhaust emissions. Because it
manages valve overlap at optimum levels, it eliminates the need for a separate exhaust
gas recirculation (EGR) system.
The Ecotec 2.4L camshafts feature 4X timing reluctors with digital sensors. This state-of-
the-art control system allows the ECM to accurately measure and adjust valve timing,
with consistent performance over the engine’s anticipated useful life. The cam reluctors
work in conjunction with a 58X crankshaft position encoder to ensure the precisely
accurate spark timing required of a direct injection engine. This dual timing system also
provides a reliable backup in the event either a camshaft or crankshaft sensor fails.
Electronic Throttle Control

GM has led the industry in applying electronic throttle control (ETC). With ETC, there is
no mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body. A sensor at the
pedal measures pedal angle and sends a signal to the engine control module (ECM),
which in turn directs an electric motor to open the throttle at the appropriate rate and
angle. ETC delivers a number of benefits to the customer.
With the ECM measuring throttle pedal angle and monitoring other data, including the
transmission’s shift status and traction at the drive wheels, the ETC system can deliver
outstanding throttle response and greater reliability than a mechanical connection, which
typically uses a cable that requires adjustment – and sometimes breaks. Cruise control
electronics are integrated into the system, further improving reliability and simplifying
engine assembly.
E85 Flex-Fuel Capability

E85 is a clean-burning, domestically produced alternative fuel, composed of 85 percent
ethanol alcohol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is renewable, biodegradable and
produces fewer greenhouse gases in the combustion process. It can be produced from
various feed stocks, including corn and wheat stalks, forestry and agricultural waste and
even municipal waste.
The Ecotec 2.4L’s flex-fuel technology is both sophisticated and durable. Hardware
changes are limited to the injectors with a higher maximum flow rating. Because ethanol
has fewer BTUs (less energy) than the same volume of gasoline, more fuel is required to
produce the same horsepower at wide-open throttle.
A special fuel sensor is not required for the engine; it uses a “virtual sensor” within the
Engine Control Module that takes readings from the oxygen sensors, fuel level sensor
and vehicle speed sensors to adjust the length of time the fuel injectors open for the type
of fuel used.
Revised Oil Pump/Front Cover

For 2011, all Ecotec engine front covers incorporate a more efficient “goosehead”-port oil
pump design, which reduces cavitation at higher engine speeds and results in a
measurable reduction in noise, especially in cold-start and drive-away operation. The oil
pump also includes a pressure-balanced oil relief valve, further improving the durability
and reliability of the lubrication system, as well as a lower friction crank seal.
Oil Changes
Routine maintenance with the Ecotec 2.4L is limited to oil and filter changes; and with a
paper filter replacement cartridge those are made as easy as possible. GM’s industry-
leading Oil Life System determines oil-change intervals according to real-world operation
rather than a predetermined mileage interval.
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12 - LE9 Ecotec

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2012 ECOTEC 2.

4L I-4 VVT (LE9)

Optimized Piston Skirt

DOHC with Continuously Variable Valve Timing

Electronic Throttle Control

E85 Flex-Fuel Capability

Revised Oil Pump/Front Cover

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