A Coruña, Spain – A thorough technical analysis of the 1.2 PureTech engine, widely used in vehicles of the Stellantis group (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel), reveals that while its fundamental design is sound, its reliability depends largely on rigorous preventive maintenance and attention to its weakest point: the oil-immersed timing belt.
The video, which delves into the construction and operation of the engine, highlights the following key points:
- Overall design: The engine, a 1.2-liter three-cylinder, was conceived to offer fuel efficiency and low emissions. Its aluminum block, cast iron cylinder liners and forged iron crankshaft are well-designed elements, even when shared with more expensive engines.
- The central problem: the oil-soaked timing belt. This system, while seeking to reduce noise and improve lubrication, is the main focus of concern. Contamination of the oil with particles from the degraded belt can clog the lubrication lines and affect the operation of the variable timing system and the oil pump.
- Preventive maintenance: the key to reliability. The video emphasizes that, if owners are proactive, watch for signs of belt wear and perform preventive oil and belt changes, the engine can be reliable.
- Possible long-term solution: the distribution chain. The video suggests that replacing the oil-immersed belt with a timing chain could transform this currently criticized engine into one of the best.
An engine with potential, but a critical weakness
The analysis concludes that while the basic design of the PureTech engine is good, its reliability is intrinsically linked to the maintenance of the lubrication system and the resolution of the known problems with the oil-immersed timing belt.
For more information, you can watch the full video on YouTube.