Engine Overview and Common Failures
The dry weight of the G4LA engine is 82 kg (excluding attachments). The engine number G4LA is located at the front, where it meets the gearbox. Overheating is a common issue with this reliable unit, and owners often complain more about noise and vibrations than actual breakdowns. However, it cannot tolerate overheating at all. If the radiator cleanliness is not maintained, all gaskets and seals will soon become hardened, causing lubrication to leak from all gaps.
Timing chain stretch: The timing chain here is fairly thin, but for a cautious owner, it can last up to 200,000 km. However, with excessive use, it may stretch as early as 100,000 km. The replacement procedure is inexpensive unless expensive phase regulators need to be renewed.
Other drawbacks: This unit has an aluminum block with an open cooling jacket, and oil consumption due to cylinder distortion is not uncommon, especially around the 200,000 - 250,000 km mark. The unreliable evaporative valve and short-lived supports are also considered weak points.