The 6 Most Common Problems 3.3 T-GDI V6 G6DP Lambda Engine

We devoted an independent honest review to the Kia Stinger gasoline engine – Lambda G6DP 3.3 T-GDI V6 with a capacity of 365/370/375 horsepower for 24 valves. The article will discuss the design features, technical characteristics, reliability, service intervals, dynamic qualities, real fuel consumption, common problems, resource limit, the pros and cons of the South Korean turbo engine.

From year to year, the demand for models of the South Korean alliance Hyundai / Kia Motors composed by gasoline turbocharged engines that operate using T-GDI (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) direct fuel injection technology is constantly growing, and the demand for cars with similar engines is increasing not only in Europe, North American, but also in the Russian markets.

The main reasons for this popularity include decent economy, relatively good reliability, high traction and power of these engine To date, one of these turbo engines rightfully belongs to a six-cylinder biturbo assembly 3. 3 T-GDi factory series G6DP, the official presentation of which took place at the very beginning of 2016 at the International Motor Show in Geneva.

For the first time, the turbine engine under review was tested on premium sedans Genesis G80 and Genesis G90, and exactly a year later, the new Kia Stinger CK began to be equipped with this engine.

The G6DP 3.3 T-GDI turbo engine considered in the article, which belongs to the Lambda II Generation engine family, was created by South Korean specialists purely for the most “charged” versions of sports and executive sedans.

It is worth noting that the factory-marked G6DP engine with a “V”-shaped six-cylinder arrangement is considered the first engine of the Hyundai / Kia production alliance, which combines a dual turbocharging system and a GDI direct injection mechanism.

According to auto experts, the reviewed turbo engine can be attributed to one of the best modern engines on the market in comparison with competitive internal combustion engines that have a similar design and structure.

It is also worth noting that the turbocharged engine of the G6DP series is more reliable and durable compared to another engine ( G4KL 2. 0 T – GDI ), with which the basic configurations of the Kia Stinger are regularly assembled.

Read Also: The 9 Most Reliable Skoda Engine Ever Made

The “ Lambda I / II Generation ” gasoline engine line also includes the following ICE series: G6DB 3.3, G6DE 3.0, G6DF 3.3, G6DA 3.8, G6DC 3.5, G6DG 3.0, G6DJ 3.8, G6DH 3.3 and G6DK 3.8.

3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine Technical Features, Construction And Characteristics

Exact volume3342 cm³
Supply systemDirect injection
ICE power365 – 375 HP
Torque510 – 515 Nm
Cylinder blockAluminum V6
Block headAluminum 24v
Cylinder diameter92 mm
piston stroke83.8 mm
Compression ratio10
ICE featuresDOHC
hydraulic liftersNo
Timing driveChain
Phase regulatorDual CVVT
TurbochargingTwo Garrett GT14s
What oil to pour7.7 liters of 5W-30
Fuel typeAI-98
Environmental classEURO 5/6
Sample resource280 000 km
  • The weight of the 3.3 T-GDi G6DP engine is 232 kg (with attachments)
  • Engine number 3.3 T-GDi G6DP is located at the junction of the internal combustion engine with a box

Brief reference information on the 3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine:

  • A six-cylinder biturbo petrol engine with a mechanism for controlling the height of the lift and the duration of the opening of the Dual DOHC valves (there are four camshafts and twenty-four lightweight valves);
  • Type of injection: direct, carried out using GDI technology (Gasoline Direct Injection);
  • Family of engines: “ Lambda ”;
  • Factory marking: G 6 DP ;
  • Cylinder capacity: 3342 cubic centimeters (cylinder diameter – 92.0 mm, piston stroke – 83.8 mm);
  • Peak power: 365 / 370 / 375 horsepower (at 4,700 rpm);
  • Torque: 505 / 510 / 515 Newton per meter (at 4,500 rpm);
  • Phase control valve timing system: upgraded Dual CVVT mechanism (two electronically controlled phase shifters are installed on the intake shaft and exhaust shaft). The upgraded regulation mechanism allows you to more effectively control the degree of phasing compared to similar modifications of engine of the Lambda I / II Gen family.

Detailed description of the Lambda 3.3 T-GDi G6DP V6 24v 370 l turbo engine

  • The 3.3 T-GDi G6DP engine is based on a platform of a lightweight sleeved aluminum block (cast-iron inserts are installed) with a “V” – shaped configuration for the arrangement of six cylinders (for reference: the wall thickness of the cast-iron sleeves is 3.3 mm) and a heat-resistant aluminum cylinder head for 24 valves.
  • Design features: the engine is equipped with two completely new cylinder heads with an integrated exhaust manifold and upgraded water jackets, which have an increased volume, which ensures more efficient cooling; the engine is equipped with a modern two-valve oil pump with a variable operating mode; an electronically controlled thermostat is installed, designed for high-precision control of the operating temperature in the system. In addition, internal combustion engines are assembled with ultra-lightweight valves, however, hydraulic compensators are not provided in the system, therefore, the thermal clearances of the valves are adjusted every 60,000 kilometers by selecting pushers.
  • The turbocharging system device: the engine is assembled with two high-performance turbines with lightweight blades with variable geometry Twin-Turbo from VGT (for reference: the first turbine provides a quick set of revolutions up to 2,900-3,000, and the second turbine is connected immediately after 3,000 rpm, while the total supply pressure in the system is 300 bar).
  • The principle of operation of turbocharging: supply air enters the system from two powerful single-scroll turbochargers (one for each cylinder head), equipped with electric bypass valves. Next, compressed hot air passes through an air-to-air intercooler and then enters an intake manifold made of heat-resistant aluminum.
  • Fuel equipment: modern GDI direct injection system (fuel is supplied to the cylinders under high pressure). The supply of gasoline to the combustion chambers is supplied by a powerful high-pressure fuel pump and high-precision nozzles, which are located directly in the cylinders. The maximum pressure in the fuel system is 200 bar. The compression ratio is 10:1.
  • Timing drive: two double timing chains with auto-tensioners are installed (actual service life – 180 thousand kilometers before the first service, when jumping or breaking – valve bending ).
  • Fuel consumption, for example, a Kia Stinger 2021 sedan in the back of a CK, equipped with an automatic transmission is 10.7 liters (in the city – 14.2 liters, on the highway – 7.8 liters) 95 brand gasoline per 100 kilometers.
  • The volume of oil required for replacement is 6.0 liters (Hyundai / Kia recommends filling in only Shell / Motul synthetic motor grease with 5W-20 / 5W-30 tolerances).
  • Environmental class internal combustion engine: Euro-6.
  • The maximum resource of the turbo engine: about 300,000 kilometers (overhaul is not provided).
  • Country of assembly: South Korea, the main engine plant of the Hyundai / Kia alliance in Hwasun.
  • The specifics of the internal combustion engine: the engine in question is combined only with a modern eight-speed automatic transmission of a hydromechanical type from ZF.

Models Equipped With 3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine ( Body, Generation, Years Of Production )

Genesis
G70 1 (I)2017 – present
G80 1 (DH)2016 – 2020
G90 1 (HI)2015 – present
Kia
K900 2 (RJ)2018 – present
Stinger 1 (CK)2017 – present

3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine Fuel Consumption

On the example of a 2018 Kia Stinger with an automatic transmission:

City15.4 liters
Highway7.9 liters
Mixed10.6 liters

3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine Pros And Cons ( By Owners )

Advantages of the 3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine:

  • High torque provides excellent traction and output of the engine, both at low and high speeds.
  • Improved oil nozzles and an electronic thermostat with highly sensitive temperature sensors have been installed, which provide effective cooling of the parts of the cylinder-piston group.
  • Excellent acceleration dynamics, which many competitors in the segment can envy.
  • Sufficiently reliable, thoughtful and strong design, both key and auxiliary engines.
  • Quickly warms up to the required operating temperature, even at negative temperatures outside.
  • High technologies are used in the injection and turbocharging system, which has a positive effect on the technical performance of the turbo engine.
  • Moderately durable timing chain, which is maintenance-free for the entire life of the engines.

Disadvantages of The 3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine:

  • Highly demanding on the quality of fuels and lubricants (gasoline and engine oil) being poured.
  • High tendency to accelerated carbon formation, which leads to a significant reduction in the life of fuel injectors.
  • The turbocharger of the pressurization system is not particularly reliable and durable.
  • Very expensive parts and maintenance, which is desirable to do as often as possible.
  • The absence of hydraulic lifters, which is why the car owner will have to periodically resort to adjusting valve clearances.

The 6 Most Common Problems And Faults Of 3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine

  1. Increased oil consumption. By and large, all the main problems of the monitored turbo engine are directly related to the high consumption of engine lubricant – oil burner. Increased oil consumption at the node in question often appears after 80 thousand kilometers and quite rarely turns into a progressive one (on average, lubricant consumption is in the range of 400-600 grams per thousand kilometers). According to auto mechanics, the problem of increased oil consumption lies in the design features of the turbine engine, so do not forget to periodically check the oil level on the dipstick and, if necessary, add lubricant to the internal combustion engine. For reference, we note that frequent oil changes can extend the life of the cam followers and increase the service intervals for adjusting the thermal clearances of the valves.
  2. Frequent lubricant leaks. The South Korean engine also managed to become famous for frequent leaks of engine oil, which tends to get straight into the cylinder chambers, where it is then mixed and burned along with the fuel. In most cases, such a nuisance occurs due to ill-conceived seals, through which the lubricant begins to seep into the cylinders after a short operation of the engine. As auto experts recommend, the surveyed South Korean engine should not be overloaded with oil in any case (it is better to underfill a little than overfill).
  3. Trimming and floating idle. The South Korean engine is characterized by a problem associated with the rapid accumulation of carbon deposits on the intake valves, which inevitably leads to unstable operation of the engine over time. As a rule, such a nuisance arises due to the systematic use of low-quality fuel and appears closer to 80 thousand kilometers. To remove carbon deposits, auto mechanics recommend using the appropriate auto chemical products. In addition, for the purpose of prevention, it is desirable to clean engine parts from soot every 30-35 thousand kilometers.
  4. Blue smoke from muffler. The appearance of blue smoke from the exhaust pipe when starting the engine, accompanied by extraneous noise, may appear immediately after 100 thousand kilometers, and it often occurs due to excessively worn piston seals or damaged valve guides. In addition, such a nuisance in more rare cases may appear due to wear on the pistons themselves, piston rings, seals and / or a malfunction of the PCV valve. The most terrible cause of a malfunction, auto experts include mechanical damage to the gasket, which is located between the head and the cylinder block, as a result of which antifreeze gets into the oil (the gasket at the assembly in question is not durable).
  5. Ignition misfires at idle. Misfiring or “rough” idling in a Korean engine often appears even at low mileage and this problem is associated with engine oil leaking into the cylinders and severe clogging of spark plugs. As car experts recommend, if you are interested in avoiding such problems, then the candles in the Korean turbo engine under consideration must be changed every 40-45 thousand kilometers.
  6. A sharp decrease in turbocharger performance. A decrease in turbocharger performance occurs due to the use by the car owner of a engine lubricant with a higher degree of viscosity, as a result of which the pressure in the boost system may decrease (this is not recommended). Pour into the engine only the oil that is prescribed by the manufacturer, so as not to get an unpleasant headache when operating the vehicle.

Manufacturer’s Regulations For 3.3 T-GDi G6DP Engine Service Interval

According to auto mechanics, with the systematic operation of the 3.3 T-GDi engine with the G6DP index at high speeds and speeds, it is strongly recommended to reduce the intervals for replacing engine oil with filters, at least up to 8,000 kilometers, which will significantly reduce the risk of accelerated wear of cylinder-piston parts groups.

We also note that at the current time, the cost of a powerful G6DP 3.3 turbo engine from an authorized dealer is about $ 9,000 in terms of, and in the secondary market this engine series is estimated on average from $ 3,350 – $ 4,000 in terms, depending on the technical condition of the engine.

As a result, we add that, according to the South Korean Hyundai / Kia alliance, with full observance of the manufacturer’s maintenance regulations and gentle operation of the G6DP 3.3 T-GDI V6 engine, the minimum service life of this engine is about 250-270 thousand kilometers before the first significant problems (the internal combustion engine capital is not structurally provided).

Conclusion

The Hyundai-Kia G6DP 3.3-liter turbo engine or 3.3 T-GDi has been produced since 2015 and is installed on rear-wheel drive models of the concern, such as the Stinger or Genesis sedans. Recently, such an engine has been actively replaced by the Smartstream 3.5 T-GDi engine.

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