What does L4 engine mean?
2 Answers
L4 refers to a conventional inline 4-cylinder engine. The vast majority of small-displacement vehicles are equipped with L4 engines, and such cars are the most common, such as Jetta, Santana, Besturn, etc. The inline four-cylinder engine is not a balanced structure. Although the imbalance is minimal in low-displacement and low-power configurations, vibrations increase as the engine size and power grow. Most inline four-cylinder engines with displacements below 2 liters rely on their built-in damping effects to reduce vibrations. Today, most engines with displacements above 2 liters use balance shafts. A four-cylinder engine requires two balance shafts to reduce its vibrations, operating at twice the frequency of the crankshaft. Despite this, there are still several large inline four-cylinder engines that do not use balance shafts. The smallest inline four-cylinder engine was the 1961 Mazda P360 Carol kei car, with a displacement of just 358cc. The Mazda OHV engine was quite ordinary except for its overhead valves. However, most inline four-cylinder engines have displacements above 1 liter. There are also mass-produced cars that reach the upper limit of 2.5 liters. Larger engines (up to 4.3 liters) can be found in racing and light truck engines, especially diesel-powered ones. The Porsche 3.0L (2990cc) inline four-cylinder engine in the Porsche 968 is a well-known example that uses balance shafts. The largest non-diesel inline four-cylinder engine was the 1953.2L (3188cc) engine fitted in the 1961 Pontiac Tempest.
The L4 engine actually refers to an inline-four cylinder engine, with four cylinders arranged vertically in a straight line, a very compact design. When I handle vehicle maintenance, this type of engine is most commonly found in family cars and economy models because of its simple construction, low manufacturing cost, and relatively inexpensive maintenance. High fuel efficiency is its strong suit, with average fuel consumption around 6 liters per 100 kilometers, making it very suitable for urban commuting. In terms of vibration, modern technologies like balance shafts have significantly reduced shaking issues, improving smoothness considerably. However, power output can be slightly weaker during acceleration, not as robust as six- or eight-cylinder engines, especially noticeable when climbing hills or under full load. Regular oil changes and air filter replacements are essential to prevent minor issues and extend the engine's lifespan to over 100,000 kilometers. Remember, considering budget and usage is crucial when choosing a car—the L4 is a hassle-free option.
