
Yuexiang engines are all equipped with domestically produced 472Q-16 valve electronically controlled multi-point fuel injection engines, so they belong to the category of domestic engines. The model of the Changan Yuexiang 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is JL473QF, with a maximum horsepower of 107 hp, a maximum power of 78.5 KW, a maximum power speed of 5500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 145 N.m. The model of the 1.4L naturally aspirated engine is JL473Q4, with a maximum horsepower of 101 hp, a maximum power of 74 KW, a maximum power speed of 6000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 135 N.m. For daily maintenance of the Changan Yuexiang engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil should be selected based on the additional devices of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions; for diesel engines, CB--CD grade diesel engine oil should be selected according to the mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's specified requirements; Regularly change the oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, the performance deteriorates, which can cause various problems for the engine. To avoid faults, oil should be changed regularly according to usage conditions, and the oil level should be kept moderate; When oil passes through the fine holes of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter is blocked and oil cannot pass through the filter element, the filter element may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to pass through the bypass valve and bringing contaminants back to the lubrication area, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal pollution; Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gas, acid, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and the cylinder wall, mixing with metal powder produced by part wear to form sludge. A small amount remains suspended in the oil, while a large amount precipitates, blocking the filter and oil holes, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear; Regularly use a radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the normal operation of the engine but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and the engine.

I come from an auto repair background and have worked with vehicles for over a decade. The Yuexiang model has used quite a few engine types - it depends on the specific year and version. The older Yuexiang V3 used a 1.3L G13 engine, while the 1.4L JL473Q1 was the most commonly used later. I've repaired many Yuexiang V5 models equipped with the JL473Q1 - this engine delivers 101 horsepower max, features a durable cast iron cylinder block, and has affordable replacement parts. The newer Yuexiang V7 comes with a 1.6L JL478QEE featuring DVVT technology for better fuel efficiency. Remember that post-2013 models mostly adopted Changan's self-developed Blue Core series - using 5W-30 oil during maintenance can significantly extend engine life.

Last time when accompanying a friend to buy a , I specifically researched the Yuexiang engine. There are significant differences between different model years: the early 2008 model was equipped with a 1.5L JL475Q7, which was later upgraded to the JL475Q8 with electronic throttle. The most common version in the used car market now is the 1.4L variant, offering 90 horsepower which is sufficient for daily use, but requires downshifting to increase RPM when climbing hills. For new cars, the 1.6L engine is more suitable, delivering 131 horsepower paired with a five-speed manual transmission, making acceleration from a standstart noticeably quicker. A special reminder for owners in northern regions: during cold starts in winter, the valve noise from this series of engines can be more pronounced, but it normalizes after warming up for half a minute.

I've been driving the Alsvin V7 for three and a half years. The real-world fuel consumption of the 1.6L engine is 7.2L in city driving and can drop to 5.8L on highways. The cast iron cylinder block provides good heat dissipation but adds noticeable weight, resulting in slightly sluggish acceleration when the air conditioning is at full load. Never skimp on maintenance by using mineral oil – I've consistently used semi-synthetic oil, and at 70,000 kilometers, the engine sound remains nearly identical to when it was new. I've replaced the spark plugs twice; the original NGK iridium plugs lasted 40,000 kilometers. Recently, I noticed the new model has switched to a 1.4T Blue Core engine with significantly improved power.

Organized the engine database, the Yuexiang series has used six engines in total. The basic 1.3L (JL474QK) was commonly seen in taxis, while the later promoted JL473Q1 is an improved version with a compression ratio increased to 10:1. Starting from the 2018 model, the JL478QEE equipped with DVVT and electronic throttle is the most fuel-efficient. Common faults are mainly concentrated on throttle carbon deposits after 80,000 kilometers, and it is recommended to clean them every two years. Replacing the engine mounts can effectively reduce vibrations. The current 1.4T version has a thermal efficiency of 36%, showing significant technological improvement.

Last week, I just helped my cousin pick out a used Yuexiang V5, with a focus on checking the engine condition. The JL473Q2 engine in the 2015 model is prone to oil leakage after 60,000 kilometers, so pay special attention to the valve cover gasket. During the test drive, we deliberately listened for idle sounds; any metallic knocking noise might indicate an issue with the hydraulic lifters. When a used Yuexiang, it's recommended to choose a model with an engine displacement of 1.5L or above, as the older 1.3L version struggles with uphill driving. Remember to check the engine nameplate; models starting with 'CA' are Chang'an's self-developed engines, with maintenance costs 30% lower than the Mitsubishi-based 4G series.


