Mazda L engine

The Mazda L-series is a mid-sized inline 4-cylinder gasoline piston engine designed by Mazda as part of their MZR family, ranging in displacement from 1.8 to 2.5 liters. Introduced in 2001, it is the evolution of the cast-iron block F-engine. It was co-developed with Ford, who owned a controlling stake in Mazda at the time. Ford uses it as their 1.8 L to 2.5 L Duratec world engine and holds a license to develop engines based on the L-series in perpetuity. The L-engine uses a chain-driven DOHC, 16-valve valvetrain with an all-aluminum block construction and cast-iron cylinder liners. Other features include fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods and a one-piece cast crankshaft. Other features are intake cam-phasing VVT, VTCS, VICS, a stainless steel 4:1 exhaust manifold and a lower main bearing cage for increased block rigidity. Direct-injection is available on the 2.0-liter LF-VD and the DISI turbocharged L3-VDT engine introduced in 2006 for the Mazdaspeed lineup of vehicles. In 2010, Ford introduced a 2.0-liter GDI turbo variant of the Mazda LF engine design as the EcoBoost, using Ford's own manifold and engine control systems. Ford plans to use the L-engine well into the future for their EcoBoost and Duratec four-cylinder generations. In 2011, Mazda ceased further developments of the L-engine and replaced it with the SkyActiv-G engine—an extensive evolution of the Mazda L-engine. At this time, Ford will be the only manufacturer still using the Mazda L-engine design. The cylinder head design utilizes directly-actuated bucket lifters operating without hydraulic lash adjusters, necessitating mechanical valve clearance adjustments at regular maintenance intervals. To enhance thermal efficiency and structurally rigid lightweight characteristics, the engine utilizes a structural oil pan made of die-cast aluminum alloy that bolts directly to both the cylinder block and the transmission bellhousing, reinforcing overall powertrain rigidity and mitigating NVH...