When I was driving the Known Universe’s Very Firstest Hybrid RV, I was very curious about the internal combustion engine being used as the range extender. While being walked through the tech by Harbinger CEO John Harris, I asked about where that little inline-four engine was sourced from. John didn’t tell me.
I pressed him a bit, but he wasn’t budging. It was the kind of engine almost every carmaker makes right now: an inline-four, seems naturally aspirated, and I bet somewhere around two liters or so. There’s a plastic intake manifold, like many carmakers use, and everything else about it looks pretty… normal.
So who made the damn thing?
Now, I’m not entirely sure why John didn’t want to give me the source of the engine, but I’m sure he has a number of very valid and rational reasons. But it also makes me really want to know who made this engine now!
I told John I was going to ask our readers, the one group in the world that I feel is most capable of looking at a generic-seeming inline-four and somebody recognizing some shape of the cylinder head or the way the exhaust manifold bolts to the block and having that spark of recognition to figure out what this thing is, and he just shrugged, either confident that none of us would figure it out, or, perhaps more likely, because he’s a man with his own important shit going on and just doesn’t care.
But I care! And I bet we can figure it out! Maybe it’s from an OEM we all know, maybe it’s some little-known (here) Chinese brand? Maybe it’s from a carmaker we all know well, but from deep in their catalog of industrial engines? I’m not sure.
So, I’m asking everyone, let’s see if we can figure this out! What is this engine? I wish I had more pictures, but the thing is set pretty well in between those frame rails, so these overhead shots are all I could really get. Hopefully, that’s enough?
I guess we’ll find out. This is a challenge, but every time I’ve thought I brought something genuinely challenging here, you’ve all made short work of it. I suspect this will be similar.
Anyway, have at it, and shove your guesses in the comments! Let’s show these people they can have no automotive secrets from the might of Autopian Geekery!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387430556926?_skw=suzuki+swift+engine&itmmeta=01JAGNK8DF5VV4FJ0SS20B4YKN&hash=item5a34a924fe:g:e48AAOSwjFhlfJeQ&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKnske4kIE6xB8DSCw1WV0p3a30UTJ7WX0NCNtddKtO5g7elr3laRBVqHQx9Csy4zwd%2BGoNZjQyEg4RDfdjVxAt4hy6ZoqlsR%2BOnZzqBxhNwujuTTrpKp%2BeORkuizsUBOQeoCEUA1zL4D3S0Ccfn3HP4BrDKWv06dJro9nfrJSlMdIeeSQDa9SX5chEOygFj6UILpMU0ZHSm2t%2Ft0H8yQ4ReN2z%2BGt0n2ag2kMBA%2Fs0mBHq23CsFc%2FLRWVjmM8QLVOOl%2BRr4S5J4VlPOtPka%2BvL2njQlkFVPlRztQcDVgLRsDg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-yGzZXUZA
I think it could be this. Suzuku M13.
The oil fill cap is on the correct side, over the cam sprocket, the dipstick hole opposite the oil fill cap. Two hose connections on same side of valve cover as dipstick. It also has only 3 bolts on the valve cover.
https://imgur.com/SUO2P6S
Look closer. There are a lot of differences between those two valve covers.
Close. I think it’s a Suzuki K12. Or a knock-off of one.
https://enginemti.en.made-in-china.com/product/TnxRKXuCHIhS/China-Brand-New-K12-K12b-a-Engine-Suzuki-1-2L-Engine-Assembly-Parts.html
Yes. This is closer yet. Seems to be the only K series with 7 bolts fixing the valve cover to the head.
Not an Ecotec or Duratec engine. I thought it could be a Tigershark 2.4 from Stellantis, but they have a goofy valve cover to help with the oil actuated valves (and oil cap is on the wrong side).
It’s not a Nissan 2.5, even though the oil cap location is on the timing chain cover. Usually this is something you’d see on a V6 (Ford 3.5, 3.7, etc.) nor any Toyota or Honda job.
The dipstick is very disntinctive. Same one as I have my Mini Paceman S. This could be a BMW 4 cylinder with an aftermarket valve cover on it? Or a chinese knock off one?
It’s probably a Happy Panda Vacation Frog Dancer X14ble4c or a copy
Has the Harbor Freight Predator line of Chinese clones expanded to 4cyl automotive configs?
Their OPE/go kart stuff is cribbed from discontinued Honda designs.
This could be a knock-off of one of the major auto OEM designs.
No idea on the engine but I wonder how they plan to service it back there. Usually that’s where a bed or bath is going on an RV which seems like a tough place to put an access hatch. Hate to have to drop the engine when it needs an oil change.
Rear bathroom would likely start just back from it, over the gas tank, so the access hatch would be just forward of it. Propping up the bed to open the engine cover wouldn’t be too big of a deal.
GM is a partner with Suzuki, and the K14B valve cover looks pretty similar, with the same style arch near the left side. So I’m gonna guess this is from Suzuki. Ebay link For reference, and I know it’s not exactly the same, but the style looks it. Someone else can dig deeper! https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/225801809122
I like that the oil fil cap is on the cam side and the dipstick is part of the valve cover.
Except it has too many bolt holes. This has 3 on the one side we can see.
Right, I’m not saying it is that specific engine, but this video for the K15 has the same valve cover line. Yes, the oil filler is on the other side, but the warning hand for the exhaust looks like the same icon. So I’m pretty sure this is a Suzuki K series, and may have had some customization, or is a newer model than this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHEfRbo1Fo0
I’m pretty sure you’re on to it. Looks like a K15B-C
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_K_engine#:~:text=Brunei%2C%20FWD%20only)-,K15B%2DC,-%5Bedit%5D.
K15C is available in Hybrid in, at least, India.
Yeah, it’s as good a match as we’ve found. The part sticking out the right side of the engine in jason’s pics also matches the look of the same part on K15b. I’m trying to find that part for a K15 and cross reference the part number. Seems it’s 100454-014 1#. Something to that effect anyways.
Also, here is a 3 bolt per side of valve cover suzuki engine. The M13.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387430556926?_skw=suzuki+swift+engine&itmmeta=01JAGNK8DF5VV4FJ0SS20B4YKN&hash=item5a34a924fe:g:e48AAOSwjFhlfJeQ&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKnske4kIE6xB8DSCw1WV0p3a30UTJ7WX0NCNtddKtO5g7elr3laRBVqHQx9Csy4zwd%2BGoNZjQyEg4RDfdjVxAt4hy6ZoqlsR%2BOnZzqBxhNwujuTTrpKp%2BeORkuizsUBOQeoCEUA1zL4D3S0Ccfn3HP4BrDKWv06dJro9nfrJSlMdIeeSQDa9SX5chEOygFj6UILpMU0ZHSm2t%2Ft0H8yQ4ReN2z%2BGt0n2ag2kMBA%2Fs0mBHq23CsFc%2FLRWVjmM8QLVOOl%2BRr4S5J4VlPOtPka%2BvL2njQlkFVPlRztQcDVgLRsDg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-yGzZXUZA
2.5L Iron Duke
I’ve struck out on ebay and alibaba finding that valve cover.
Do you have any other pictures? It looks like there is a label of some sort with a barcode above the “do not touch” symbol on the exhaust.
The valve cover is very odd. Oil fil cap on the cam sprocket. Dip stick on the valve cover?
I think it is not from a major manufacturer. Probably Chinese.
1) gut look at the finish on the wire harness and wire ties used
2) coolant cap material seems more like what a metal shop would put together instead of paying to get something molded. (low volume manufacturer)
3) Mandarin on coolant cap.
4) engine oil dipstick (yellow) looks like something from Alibaba
Also, maybe why they wouldn’t say where it is from. Because if they said it was a cheap unbranded Chinese engine it would make their product appear cheaper.
Yeah the wiring harness with all the different materials is really strange. Especially the fabric tape towards the top and that one strap of tape at the Y that looks like an after though 🙂
most of the zip ties are the kind that require a lot of labor to install, compared to what major manufacturers use nowadays. Also, the harness tape is all done manually which again is very labor intensive. So, it’s probably a place where labor is cheap and not a major engine supplier. Not that it’s bad in any way (I wouldn’t know by looking at it) but that’s the vibe I’m getting.
It looks like the coolant cap is in Thai, something about January 31 according to Google translate
Google translate said it was Chinese on my iPhone
Danger
Don’t recommend capital when its hot
LOL
Chinese radiator cap would lend me to believe a Chinese engine.
Found the ECU, I thinkhttps://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=14054617&cc=0&pt=2896&jsn=1196&_nck=Ekt6BqBF1pwlXdx0gYlm1esw98pF26vehMm%2FGG3C%2Fl2QOXSJubi7Wbtv3UuYQU5UpCsieVxbLU%2BzXhH01FTOH%2Bmo2%2BNMFE2E6brEH1CTERd32dq0VjwdqWrd5EZRxO7uccXeQV46BV0Vxk2fPYzo0O5mg4la%2FJWVtJYowKxIPhPQaYnAy9dzbS1aHK2of9eU9vMfpGrlZ3jbVV7ezPKrK%2F1sKuuwh9HxAPxbG2fTUo2wbYYPqVMii0blsOTkiVrscSP0uRzn7%2F8q4a0do7xsvi8%2B23%2FPdXlvmZWCrwfxKQk0R2Nf5nCn60uChHJeEDrEUDdCsdZq9dsSWb20kcEmSvsku86gEfUM15s9TyvZew6LKEXdA31BvHrOGyMvua7Ynvm. Bad wildcard result
One of those part numbers comes up with a 2004 Maxima, but looking up Nissan 4 cylinders comes up with a 2 liter that looks awfully close to the one pictured (the MR20DE).
I was thinking it was a Skyactiv 2.0 or a Smartstream Hyundai motor, but maybe it is a Nissan 4 banger!
I was just looking at a picture of an Altima 2.5 that matches a lot of the hardpoints, but it’s got the plastic cover on, and the exhaust manifold is different. Definitely getting Nissan vibes from it though.
What do we think the thing on the right side of the photo, with number 100454 on it is? Search for that part number with whatever that part might be.
Also, what language are those asian characters on the yellow cap on the right?
Chat GPT said they were Chinese and mean “danger” or “hazard”.
I think it’s longer than that. I keep finding oil filters under that number, on top of A/C blower motors and wiring harnesses.
Yes, I agree the number is longer than 100454. Wonder what the part is.
Whatever it is, it needs to be emissions certified. Can we find any info on that front?
So a range extender engine has the same emission requirements?
I’m sure the engine has to be listed somewhere in the manufacturing details with DOT approval, or something like that?
I too am strong in the Toyota of some type camp. 5SFE maybe?
Microsoft Copilot AI says very confidently:
The engine you’re looking at is a General Motors (GM) 2.0L turbocharged inline-four. It’s common in various GM vehicles, known for its balance of performance and efficiency. Good choice if you’re into modern engineering with a bit of kick.
Is it right? What do the Autopians have to say?
If only Jason’s Apple II had access to AI.
Probably needs to upgrade to a IIe.
Actually Torch does not need AI. His hallucinations are much more impressive.
Is it a turbo engine? And gm valve/cam.covers are blockier
It does kind of look like an LNF, but the dipstick and oil fill cap are in the wrong spots. The cutout on the valve cover on the timing side looks like LNF, but that curvy bit before the bumpout for the timing chain/belt doesn’t match.
HMMMM. This is a toughie. There are a couple of things that make me suspect its a small GM powerplant… but it’s got IDI, and I think they are all direct injection now. I’m guessing if they aren’t telling, it’s a Chinese version of something that already exists.
I’m going to guess Chinese knock-off of a Toyota motor. There’s really no reason not reveal the engine type unless it’s been sourced illegally or are from a source that might incur negative reactions from buyers or regulators.
This is probably the correct answer – as Google Images kept pointing me to Toyota engines.
I could see a third option. This prototype uses a random knock off engine but they’re working with a manufacturer to source one for production and don’t want to talk about it.
That’s a good point. We don’t know what stage of development the prototype is in and maybe they haven’t settled on or negotiated a final supplier, or plan to use more than one.
Thor used his Nordic connections to get a great deal on surplus Saab 4 cylinder engines.
That intake says VW to me.
I think that is actually the DO NOT TOUCH symbol.
Yeah I thought the same as him at first, but the top image has a better view. It is indeed a DO NOT TOUCH symbol on the exhaust.
So, Stellantis then?
Is it a Toyota 2.4l 2AZ-FE 2AZ?
Nope, cam cover is the wrong shape. That distinctive curve should be a givaway when we find it
I want to say toyota of some sort.