The engine debuted in 2012 at the Moscow Motor Show alongside the Chevrolet Cobalt, which entered sales in early 2013. Since 2016, the same model has been marketed in some markets as the Ravon R4. This powerplant was also used in the Daewoo Gentra and the Ravon Nexia R3.
Robust design
Part of the S-TEC III family, this four-cylinder engine was developed by Chevrolet’s Korean division primarily for use in vehicles from emerging markets. Its straightforward, unpretentious design with port fuel injection is a clear strength.
Key technical characteristics include:
- a rigid, durable cast-iron cylinder block;
- two camshafts driven by a multi-row, multi-disc chain;
- absence of phase shifters, which keeps the drive simple and reliable;
- modest power output of 106–107 hp from a 1.5-liter displacement;
- an octane rating of 92 is acceptable due to a low compression ratio of 10.2:1.
Many engines surpass the factory maintenance projection of 350,000 km. Rebuilding the engine is relatively straightforward: the cylinder block can be bored to repair size, new pistons and rings installed, the cylinder head rebuilt, and the crankshaft necks polished when good oil is used.
The catalytic converter is housed separately, allowing easy removal and replacement of the filling.
However, the engine has its drawbacks. Below are common complaints from owners of cars equipped with the B15D2 engine, along with the real causes of the issues.
Insufficient power
Both automatic and manual transmissions owners report this issue. The main reason lies in the expectations some drivers place on the engine. It should be clear that a relatively lightweight body does not respond with tiger-fast acceleration from this powerplant.
The B15D2 engine serves as the base and sole unit for the models listed above. Unfortunately, there were no more powerful options offered for these configurations.
High fuel consumption
In attempts to achieve strong performance, many drivers push the engine into low gears and high revs, which leads to elevated fuel use.
With sensible driving, fuel consumption can align with norms for cars in this class. For those aiming to save fuel while maintaining speed, alternative models with small turbo petrol or diesel engines may be preferable.
Frequent valve adjustment
The need for valve adjustments is not unusual for engines without hydraulic lifters in the timing drive. A typical interval is around 90,000 kilometers to inspect the valve cover and gaps.
Cold-engine gaps (at +20°C) are generally:
- inlet valves: 0.075–0.125 mm;
- exhaust valves: 0.245–0.295 mm.
When gaps fall outside tolerances, the procedure can be lengthy: removing camshafts, measuring pushers, and replacing parts as needed. Some practitioners grind lifters to restore correct clearance. This is a common maintenance step across many cars, from affordable Solaris to higher-end X-Trails.
On vehicles equipped with gas equipment, valve adjustments occur roughly twice as often.
Oil leaks
Oil leaks typically appear around the front crankshaft seal and the valve cover, often caused by a clogged crankcase ventilation system.
Excessive wear or the use of low-quality or counterfeit oils accelerates deposit buildup and degrades lubricant performance.
The engine features a complex, branched crankcase ventilation system.
Throttle lock
Throttle issues can arise from earlier malfunctions when oil enters the intake tract and contaminates the throttle. Keeping the crankcase ventilation system clean minimizes oil consumption and prevents throttle contamination.
Regularly cleaning separator cavities in both the valve cover and the spark plug cover helps prevent problems.
Our experience
The editorial piece Behind the Wheel documents a Chevrolet Cobalt with the same engine undergoing a prolonged test. The car surpassed 150,000 km with no engine-related problems under regular maintenance.
To summarise
This engine, built for heavy-duty use, has proven itself reliable and durable. It delivers modest power but offers long service life and high reliability, values that are highly regarded today.
- Behind the Wheel can be read on Odnoklassniki.