Rover L-Series engine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The L-Series engine is an automotive diesel engine built by Powertrain Ltd, a sister company of MG Rover.

[edit] History

The L-Series engine commenced production in January 1995 and was the first in-house designed and manufactured direct injection diesel for use in Rover Cars applications and derived from the established Perkins MDi Prima engine used in the Austin Montego, Austin Maestro, and LDV Sherpa van. The L series is extremely versatile and has been fitted in the Land Rover Freelander, Rover 200 Mk3, Rover 400 Mk2, Rover 600, and European versions of the Honda Accord and Honda Civic. A development of the L series engine (The G-Series) was underway when MG-Rover ceased production, but the company's closure prevented it from being fully developed and released.

[edit] Technology

There are several forms of this engine.

The first is a non intercooled, mechanically controlled fuel injection system. This version is available in Rover 200 and Rover 400 models and the model designation ends in "D", i.e. SD, SLD etc., etc.

The second is intercooled and has an electronically controlled fuel injection system. This version is available in Rover 200, Rover 400 and Rover 600 models. The model designation ends in "Di", i.e. SDi, SLDi etc., etc.

The last and most recent engine is intercooled and also has an electronically controlled injection system which is slightly more advanced and produces more torque but the same power output as earlier intercooled models. This is the version that is used in the Rover 25, Rover 45, MG ZR, and MG ZS.

All versions use Bosch fuel injection equipment of various designs.

The engine is extremely environmentally friendly in terms of its emissions. It is quiet in operation owing to its two stage fuel injection & ECU controlling fuel for most models and timing for them all. The engine currently satisfies ECD IIl derogated Diesel emissions legislation when installed with an appropriate specified oxidation catalyst.

Sensors around the engine consistently give feedback to the ECU regarding injection timing, engine speed, load, fuel and coolant temperature, boost pressure etc to ensure that optimum running conditions are maintained.

The basic engine is a conventional 4 cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder operated by a single overhead camshaft and hydraulic tappets.

The block is made of cast iron with aluminium alloy head and sump. An Allied Signal GT15 turbo charger supplies boosted air. A fully modulated, either air or water cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is incorporated into the intake/exhaust system.

All accessories (PAS, aircon, water pump, vacuum pump, alternator) are all driven off a single poly-vee-belt drive with autotensioner. Camshaft and injection pump drives are via two multi-toothed belts with either automatic or manual tensioners.

[edit] Specifications

The L-series engine has been availbable in 3 specifications.

84 bhp (63 kW) Turbo/Non-intercooled (ceased production in 2000)
104 bhp (78 kW) Turbo/intercooled
111 bhp (83 kW) Turbo/intercooled

General
Bore - 84.5 mm (3.33")
Stroke - 88.9 mm (3.5")
Displacment - 1994 cc
Firing order - 1-3-4-2
Compression ratio - 19.5:1
Boost pressure - 14 psi

Fuel pressure - 20,500 psi maxv