Engine K20A: specifications and reviews

The K20A engine is a modern four-cylinder two-liter in-line gasoline engine, which is manufactured by Honda Motor Co. Ltd. The motor of this type is installed in many modern models of Honda cars. At the moment, this engine is the most high-performance and perfect serial "heart" of the brand "Honda".

Engine K20A: specifications

As it was already announced, the unit is installed in cars with front-wheel drive. The compression ratio of this engine family varies from model to model. The volume is 2.0 liters, the number of valves is 16. The power depends on the car, designed to install the engine. The "strangled" version develops 150 liters. With., Whereas the analog for active and confident driving - 220 liters. from. The maximum torque practically does not change and ranges from 179 Nm to 206 Nm.

The claimed maximum is reached at different speeds: from 4000 rpm to 7000 rpm. Electronic-limited 8500 rpm - the maximum speed, which can work two-liter engine K20A. The technical characteristics of this unit are considered to be the most perfect among competitors.

Location

"Where is the engine number K20A?" - Many motorists are asking this question. The fact is that finding this number is not so easy. It is necessary to have some knowledge. For example, in order to understand where the engine number is K20A, you need to pay attention to the hole in the grille, behind which is the bonnet lock.

After that, with the flashlight, it is necessary to illuminate that part of the engine that is located between the cylinder head and the radiator grille, and look through the hole in the grate at about an angle of 45 degrees. If you do not see the required engine number, you should contact the authorized service center with the appropriate question.

Engine K20A: device

The arrangement of the engine in relation to the body of the car is transverse, a row four-cylinder arrangement is used. Cylinders are numbered so that the first of them is at the crankshaft pulley. Distribution shafts, by the way, there are two of them, are located on top. Liquid cooling is used.

All engines of the K20A series are equipped with a variable valve timing system VTC and the lifting height of the VTEC valves. The VTEC system, in turn, can be implemented for both shafts and only for the inlet. This parameter is the main difference between K20A and K20A6 engines.

Block of cylinders and cylinder head

The cylinder block is cast from an aluminum alloy using GDC technology. In order to increase the rigidity of the main unit, the main bearings are closed by the lower integral cover, which is fixed to the block with 24 bolts. For cooling in the cylinder block, special channels are used, through which the liquid flows for cooling. In order to lubricate the pistons, crankshaft and connecting rods, as well as to supply oil to the oil nozzles, a whole system of special horizontal channels is used. The front of the unit is equipped with a vertical channel in order to be able to supply oil to the cylinder head.

The cylinder head is cast from an aluminum alloy. The timing mechanism is based on two camshafts (DOHC). In motion, the camshafts are driven by a chain connected to the crankshaft. In the cylinder head there is also a bed for the camshafts. It is equipped with rocker arms that are part of the VTEC system. The engine uses new modern materials, which made it possible to reduce the mass of the springs and the probability that resonance oscillations will arise.

Crankshaft and camshafts

The crankshaft is made of steel and is five-faced. With the use of a block of balancing shafts, eight counterweights are installed on the crankshaft. If the block of balancing shafts is absent, then only four counterweights are used. Oil to the crankshaft is supplied by means of a special channel, which is carried out from the side of the main block of cylinders. On the crankshaft of the engine, the timing gears and the oil pump drive gears are located.

Each camshaft fulfills its function: one of them drives the intake valves, the other - the exhaust valves. Adjustment of K20A engine valves and clearance in their drive is performed with special adjusting screws. Each camshaft has five support necks. In order to lubricate the cams and necks with engine oil, it is first fed to the rocker arm of the VTEC system, then into special oil channels, which are located on the camshaft in the second supporting neck. The timing of the valve timing on the intake valves is automatic and is carried out using the VTC system.

Timing Chain and Drive Chain Tensioner

The timing mechanism in this type of engine is driven by chain transmission. There is a special tensioner, which works by means of oil pressure and automatically regulates the tension of the timing chain. In order to eliminate unnecessary oscillations of the chain, there are special stabilizers, which are installed from above and from the side. In order to reduce the amount of noise during the operation of the timing chain, the drive chain step is reduced.

Cooling and lubrication system

The K20A engine is equipped with a closed-type liquid cooling system. The circulation of the cooling liquid is forced. The belt, which serves to drive the mounted units, also carries out the drive of the cooling liquid pump. The thermostat with a bypass valve, designed to maintain the optimum temperature of the cooling system, is located in the inlet for the coolant. This device determines on which circle, small or large, let the liquid cool down through the radiator.

The oil used to lubricate the engine passes through a full flow cleaning and is supplied under pressure to the main moving parts and engine components. An oil pump of trochoid type is used. Inside such a pump are two rotors - a leading and a driven one, their engagement - internal. And they rotate in one direction. The pump is driven by a chain from the crankshaft. The oil filter is at the bottom in a horizontal position. Oil cooler, located between the oil filter and the cylinder block, serves to reduce the temperature of the oil, which is fed into the engine lubrication system.

Fuel injection into K20A engine: device and characteristic

The fuel injection system used in this engine is the PGM-FI (or PGI-Programmed Fuel Injection) system, which allows sequential multi-point injection.

The installed fuel pressure regulator makes it possible to control the pressure under which the fuel is fed through a special filter to all injectors via a pump. In order to simplify the fuel system, to save space and improve the reliability of the fuel injection system and its operation, fine and coarse fuel filters, a sensor for indicating fuel level, and a fuel pressure regulator are located in the fuel pump housing.

Based on the testimony of various sensors, the control unit regulates the amount of mixture that is needed for injection, the composition of the mixture and the ignition timing. According to the reading of the oxygen sensor and the mixture sensor, which is installed in front of the catalyst in the exhaust system, the control unit can preset different compositions of the fuel-air mixture. In addition, it calculates the amount of fuel supplied to the K20A engine per cycle, and does this in the following sequence:

1. There is a decision on whether to make fuel injection.
2. The definition of the mode in which the car moves begins. For this mode, the position in which the accelerator pedal is located is calculated. The speed of the vehicle and the frequency with which the crankshaft rotates are also determined by reading the sensor signals.
3. A preliminary calculation of the amount of fuel injected is started, based on the frequency with which the crankshaft rotates and on the readings given by the absolute air pressure sensor in the intake manifold. At the same time, the best fuel economy parameters are achieved when driving in different modes.
4. The control unit repeatedly reads the signals that the sensors supply: throttle valve positions, intake air temperatures, coolant temperature, atmospheric pressure device, oxygen level, mixture composition, battery voltage, opening of the electropneumatic valve in the recirculation system. Based on these readings, corrections are made to the calculated amount of fuel.
5. The closing action - the control system gives a signal about how much fuel must be supplied to the system.

In order to increase the economy, make sure of complete combustion of fuel and to better spray it using special nozzles, which are 8-9 holes.

The control unit reads the information from the camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft sensor to determine which of the cylinders it is necessary to feed the mixture at the moment, as well as the injection timing.

The control unit is equipped with an overload protection function. This allows you to automatically stop fuel injection in the event that the crankshaft rotates at a frequency that exceeds the maximum permissible. As a result of such manipulations, the engine speed falls.

Diagnostics

It is worth noting and the diagnostic system, which is equipped with a K20A engine. Characteristics and work process consists of the following items:

1. The electronic control unit (ECU) is equipped with a built-in self-diagnosis system that continuously monitors the state of the engine on the signals of various sensors. In the event of a malfunction, the system identifies it and notifies the driver by activating the Check Engine indicator on the instrument panel. In this case, a corresponding diagnostic code of the ISO 15031-6 standard and the manufacturer's codes are written directly to the computer's memory.
2. In order to read the diagnostic codes, you need to connect a special scanner to the DLC connector. There is the possibility of deleting codes and reading Freeze Frame data with a scanner. The connector for diagnostics is made according to the SAE standard, and pin No. 7 is manufactured in accordance with the international ISO standard. This conclusion supports the exchange of information on K-LINE.
3. When writing most of the codes, an algorithm is used that consists of two stages. It is used in such a way that at the first manifestation of a malfunction, its code is temporarily stored in the computer's memory. If this malfunction occurs again during the next operating cycle, then the Check Engine indicator is activated. Driving test No. 2 is carried out in the same way and with the same driving mode, but the obligatory condition is that between cycles it is required to turn off the ignition.
4. If any malfunction occurs, the conditions under which it occurs are stored in the memory of the computer (Freeze Frame).

Air intake systems and additional air supply

The intake manifold installed on the K20A engine is located in the front, between the radiator and the cylinder head. Graduation - on the contrary, behind, next to the location of the engine compartment partition.

Submission of additional air to the nozzles is carried out using a separate system. Fuel injected into the engine goes through a mixing stage with the supply air, which helps the fuel to evaporate better and prepare a more efficient fuel-air mixture. With this, a more even combustion process can be achieved, even if the mixture is depleted. The result of these actions is a reduction in the amount of hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases and facilitating the start of the unheated engine. In the branch pipe of the cooling system there is a special valve that regulates the air supply. The level of its opening is regulated depending on the change in the volume of paraffin, which, in turn, depends on the temperature of the liquid used for cooling.

Intake and exhaust manifolds, exhaust system

The intake manifold is made of an aluminum alloy and can be equipped with a geometry change system. The exhaust manifold is made of steel, which serves to reduce its weight.

In sports versions of Honda cars there is a special valve installed inside the muffler. It is used to reduce the reverse resistance when exhaust gases are released. The valve is opened by pressure, which occurs at high speeds of rotation of the crankshaft. In this case, the exhaust gases leave the silencer without any resistance.

Choice of oil

Probably, every car owner is interested in the issue of oil change. What kind of oil should I pour? The K20A engine responds most favorably to its native lubricant.

Since the engines of the K family are highly revolving, it is worth noting that the range of oils suitable for use is minimized. In general, like any manufacturer, "Honda" recommends pouring oil of its own production. Characteristics of the oil to be filled depends on the temperature spectrum at which the car is operated. But if there is no possibility to fill the factory oil, some car owners recommend the products of Mitasu or Zeppro Idemitsu as a good alternative.

If there is a knock on the K20A engine tray, there is no reason to hesitate to contact the service center or the nearest competent service station. The most common problem is directly in the wrong choice of oil, as well as in inappropriate operating conditions of the engine.

The opinion of car owners

Thanks to the fact that Honda engines are known for their reliability and high performance, the cars themselves have gained immense popularity among different age groups and population groups all over the world.

If the user needs a compact minivan, then you can buy a Honda Stream. The K20A engine, whose reviews are the most positive, is just the "heart" of this car. The dynamic characteristics and performance characteristics of this brand made it one of the most popular family cars around the world. It is perfect for family trips to a picnic, on a visit and on any long trip.

Another wonderful car for a family with high capacity uses the same engine - the Honda Steppagon. K20A allows even such a large and heavy minivan to confidently stay on the road and give odds to opponents.

If the car enthusiast is a young and ambitious person, or simply prefers speed and drive to boring driving, then the Honda Integra or Honda Civic with the renowned Type R designation is easy for them. These cars are famous for their reliability, increased body stiffness and optimum stability. The increased level of dynamics is due to the installation of a 220-horsepower K20A.

The same powerful and reliable engine is also used in a car designed for comfortable travel over long distances - the Honda Accord with a sporting character and Euro-R signature. In this configuration, the car can accelerate to the cherished "hundreds" in less than eight seconds!

In addition, it should be noted that the engine "Honda" K20A - this is an excellent opportunity to increase the capacity of almost any front-wheel drive car. At present, it is a favorite means for installation in the VAZ cars of the tenth family. Most often the owner of a domestic vehicle buys a contract engine K20A and installs it, changing the system of fastenings and adapting to the technical needs of his car.