Home Hyundai KIA 1.4L Engine (Gamma G4FA)

Hyundai KIA 1.4L Engine (Gamma G4FA) Specs, Problems & Reliability

The G4FA engine belongs to the Gamma series, which appeared in 2007. Gamma engines replaced the old Alpha engine series. The new series consists of two engines - this 1.4-liter engine and the 1.6-liter G4FC.

The 1.4-liter G4FA engine has the same aluminum cylinder block as the G4FC. In contrast to the Alpha series, there is timing chain inside Gamma engines. The timing chain and tensioner don't need maintenance for the engine warranty period. The engine is equipped with continuously variable valve timing system CVVT on intake camshaft only. Also, there are no hydraulic tappets installed in the engine, and valve gap adjustment is required.

The G4FA longivity is not great. The cylinder block is not rebuildable. The manufacturer gives 100,000 miles engine warranty, and this is abysmal numbers for our days. But the main advantage is a low price for a complete engine replacement.

Engine Specs

Manufacturer
Beijing Hyundai Motor Co.
Production years
2007-present day
Cylinder block material
Aluminum
Cylinder head material
Aluminum
Fuel type
Gasoline
Fuel system
Electronic fuel injection
Configuration
Inline
Number of cylinders
4
Valves per cylinder
4
Valvetrain layout
DOHC
Bore, mm
77.0
Stroke, mm
75.0
Displacement, cc
1394
Type of internal combustion engine
Four-stroke, naturally aspirated
Compression Ratio
10.5
Power, hp
107-109/6300
Torque, lb ft
100/5000
Engine weight
Firing order
1-3-4-2
Engine oil weight
0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40
Engine oil capacity, liter
3.3
Oil change interval, mile
10,000
Applications
Hyundai Solaris (Accent), Kia Rio, Kia Ceed, Hyundai i20, Hyundai i30

Hyundai-KIA G4FA Engine Problems and Reliability

1. The common issue is a knocking noise inside. If that noise disappears after the engine warmed up, this is timing chain noise. You can relax - this is a unique feature.
2. Vibrations at 3,000-3,500 rpm. Hyundai-KIA said that is the feature of the engine. Engine steps in the resonance at middle RPMs and you can feel some vibration.
3. Whistling. The issue is weak tensioner for alternator belt. Tighten it up and whistling will be gone.