2.4L K24A/K24Z/K24W Engine - In-Depth Look at Design and Reliability (2024)

The K24 is another member of the Honda K engines family. This 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine debuted in the 2001 Honda CRV and it was the K24A1 version. K24 engine design is similar to the 2.0-liter K20 unit has but with enlarged bores size and stroke, and some changes needed due to increased displacement. Honda used the K24 as a fresh alternative for the old F23A engine.

The K24A series

Like the K20, the K24A has an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron. The engine got the new crankshaft with an increased stroke by 13 mm, and cylinders were bored out by 1 mm. That gave a 200cc gain in displacement. K24A block has a deck height of 231.5 mm. Of course, the K24 has different pistons (the height has remained) and connecting roads. The cylinder head design stayed untouched: it's made from aluminum, 16 valves (four valves per cylinder), dual overhead camshaft, central-located spark plugs with individual coils (coil-on-plugs), and i-VTEC system. The chain-driven intake and exhaust camshafts open and close valves via roller rocker arms without hydraulic tappets. The periodic valve clearance adjustment is needed.

The base K24A1 version was produced from 2001 to 2006. It was a start line for the all K24 engine series. This power unite had the i-VTEC on the intake camshaft only. The intake valve diameter is 35 mm, exhaust valve - 30 mm; valve stem diameter is 5.5 mm. It was equipped with a variable geometry intake manifold (Honda's 2-stage PPA intake manifold made from aluminum and composite material) and a 60 mm throttle body. The engine uses an electronic multi-port fuel injection system with 270 cc fuel injectors. The K24A1 had the lowest compression ratio between others in the series - 9.6:1.

There was one more mass-market modification in the engine range - the K24A4. This engine has its own pistons and increased compression ratio up to 9.7:1, modified intake and exhaust ports inside the cylinder head, an aluminum 1-stage RAA intake manifold, and other i-VTEC settings over the K24A1 had. The K24A4 was slightly upgraded in 2006 and got a new index - K24A8. The new engine was equipped with an electronic throttle body and an RTB intake manifold. With the following changes, the engine was able to fit in the more stringent environmental standard.

Besides those regular engines, the K24A series also includes the true Honda's performance unit for their sporty models. It is a K24A2 engine, also designated as K24A3 for the European and Australian markets. First of all, the K24A2 has a deeply revised bottom end. The engine block came with dual balance shafts, a forged crankshaft, reinforced connecting rods, and lightweight pistons. The compression ratio rose to 10.5. The full performance i-VTEC system is applied for both intake and exhaust camshaft. Cam specs by themselves are more aggressive. The engine breathes a lot better thanks to a high-flow exhaust header and a 1-stage RBB intake manifold with the enlarged throttle valve (60 mm). It also uses a drive-by-wire throttle and has EGR castings on the manifold. With VTEC kicking after 6,000 rpm, the engine produces 197 hp and 171 lb-ft (232 Nm) of torque.

2006+ K24A2 engines came with a fully upgraded intake system. It has an 80 mm air intake duct, new intake camshaft specifications, 36 mm intake valves, and 64 mm throttle body. The 2.25" exhaust was added as well. Those engines produced 205 hp and 164 lb-ft (222 Nm) of torque.

The K24Z series

The K24Z1 replaced the K24A1 in the 2007 Honda CRV. The new 2.4-liter engine uses a two-piece, die-cast aluminum engine block with cast-in iron cylinder liners. The oil filter has been relocated to the lower center portion of the block. Inside, there are a forged steel crankshaft and an internal balancer unit. The compression ratio is 9.7:1. The engine also has a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC head. The previous 2-stage intake was replaced by a new 1-stage RTB intake manifold, fitted with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle body. The exhaust system has a high-density catalytic converter that helps the engine meet emission standards. In 2008, Honda's engineers had to optimize the K24Z1 to keep it in compliance with higher environmental standards. As a result, the less powerful K24Z4 version became an answer for that.

The K24Z3 debuted in the 2008 Acura TSX. This engine was fitted with chain-driven dual balance shafts, proper i-VTEC system on intake and exhaust camshafts (engagement at 5,100 rpm), high-strength connecting rods, lightweight alloy pistons, and Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). The cylinder head is equipped with 31 mm exhaust valves. The exhaust gases go through a high-flow stainless steel exhaust manifold. The CR is 11.0. This description and specs are correct for the K24Z7 as well. The only difference is an application (The K24Z7 was used in Honda Civic Si and Acura ILX).

The K24Z3 for the US Honda Accord had a 10.7:1 compression ratio, produced less power and torque; it was just a K24Z2 engine but with a high flow exhaust system. The true K24Z2 features a 10.5:1 compression ratio, R40 intake manifold, and an integrated exhaust manifold. This engine replaced the K24A8 on production and meets the highest emission standards. The K24Z5 and K24Z6 are the same K24Z2 with minor differences. The first one is available only in China, the second was offered for the Honda CR-V (USDM).

Honda's Earth Dreams K24W

In 2013, Honda began production of freshly designed K24W. It was an entirely new 2.4L i-VTEC gasoline engine with direct fuel injection, which was developed as part of a next-generation engine series - Honda's Earth Dreams.

The K24W shares with previous K24 engines only the bore and stroke sizes. The overall design is completely different. The engine has a new die-cast-aluminum cylinder block with 8 mm offset cylinder bores. Inside the engine block, there are a new forged steel crankshaft and lightweight pistons with dishes in crowns. On top, the 2.4L Earth Dreams engine has a new lightweight pressure-cast aluminum cylinder head with four valves per cylinder, a high-pressure multi-hole injector between the intake valves, DOHC, i-VTEC system, and an integrated exhaust manifold. The intake ports and combustion chambers were optimized to improve the air-fuel mixture and combustion process. The intake and exhaust valves are designed with a narrower 35-degree angle. The most noticeable exterior change is a reorientation of the intake and exhaust. Now the intake faces back while the exhaust is faced forward.

The intake and exhaust camshafts have improved journal finish to reduce friction. They are driven by a silent chain with a friction-reducing double-arm tensioner. At the end of the exhaust camshaft, there is a high-pressure fuel pump for direct injection. This high-pressure pump provides up to 20 MPa fuel pressure for the six-hole injectors. To meet the latest emission regulations (California ULEV-2 and Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 certifications), the engine was equipped with two high-efficiency catalytic converters. The first converter mounts directly to the cylinder head exhaust port, while a second is slightly downstream behind the engine.

Modifications

K24A1 - 160 hp (119 kW) at 6,000 rpm, 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) at 3,600 rpm. This engine was offered for Honda CR-V.
K24A2 - 197/205 hp (147/153 kW) at 6,800/7,000 rpm, 164-171 lb-ft (222-232Nm) at 4,500 rpm. Application: Honda Odyssey Absolute, Honda Accord Type-S (JDM), Acura TSX, Acura TSX.
K24A3 - 197 hp (147 kW) at 6,800 rpm, 164 lb-ft (222 Nm) at 4,500 rpm. This engine is a Honda Accord engine.
K24A4 - 160 hp (119 kW) at 5,500 rpm, 161 lb-ft (218 Nm) at 4,500 rpm. Application: Honda Element, Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey.
K24A8 - 166 hp (124 kW) at 5,800 rpm, 160 lb-ft (217 Nm) at 4,000 rpm. Application: Honda Element, Honda Accord.
K24Z1 - 166 hp (124 kW) at 5,800 rpm, 161 lb-ft (218 Nm) at 4,200 rpm. Application: Honda CR-V.
K24Z2 - 177 hp (132 kW) at 6,500 rpm, 161 lb-ft (218 Nm) at 4,300 rpm. Application: Honda Accord LX/LX-P, Proton Perdana.
K24Z3 - 190-201 hp (142-150 kW) at 7,000 rpm, 162-172 lb-ft (220-233 Nm) at 4,300 rpm. Application: Honda Accord and Acura TSX.
K24Z4 - 161 hp (120 kW) at 5,800 rpm, 161 lb-ft (218 Nm) at 4,200 rpm. Application: Honda CR-V.
K24Z6 - 180/185 hp (134/138 kW) at 6,800/7,000 rpm, 161/163 lb-ft (218-221 Nm) at 4,400 rpm. Application: Honda CR-V.
K24Z7 - 201-205 hp (150-153 kW) at 7,000 rpm, 170-174 lb-ft (230-236 Nm) at 4,400 rpm. Application: Honda Civic Si and Acura ILX.
K24W - 185 hp (138 kW) at 6,400 rpm, 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) at 3,900 rpm. Application: Honda CR-V, Honda Accord.
K24W7 - 206 hp (138 kW) at 6,800 rpm, 182 lb-ft (247 Nm) at 3,900 rpm - Acura TLX engine.

2.4L K24A/K24Z/K24W Engine - In-Depth Look at Design and Reliability (2024)

FAQs

How reliable is Honda K24A engine? ›

Beyond that, the K24 has repeatedly shown it can last at least 200,000 miles with regular maintenance, but no engine is entirely devoid of its weak points.

Which K24 engine is the best? ›

If you're looking for the best K24 engine right out of the box, then you'll want to take a look at the K24A2. However, given the convenience of upgrades, modifications, and matching parts between the various K-series engines, we certainly wouldn't stress too much about making sure we got our hands the A2.

What is the problem with the Honda Earth Dreams engine? ›

Problems in certain Earth Dreams 1.5L direct injection engines may cause fuel to build up, causing the bearings to wear out. When the bearings in an engine wear out, this can cause engines to stall and fail. This engine defect causes affected vehicles to consume high amounts of oil.

What is the difference between K24A and K24A2? ›

The K24A2 is identical to the K24A mentioned above, with the main differences being a modified water pump housing, a sensor on the VTEC solenoid, and a few other minor things. While the K24A has to be imported, K24A2 is readily available stateside as it came in the Acura TSX from 2004-2008.

Does the K24 have a timing belt or chain? ›

The timing chain system in Honda engines, including the K24, is designed to synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and camshafts.

How long do K24s last? ›

Like any car, quite a long time if maintained well. Unlike any car, it's a Honda with a bullet proof K24 engine and minimal electronics/tech. Many owners on here with 300,000+ miles and some with 500,000 plus.

Which Honda Civic engine is most reliable? ›

Most Reliable Honda Engine

The Honda K20 and K24 are some of the most reliable engines ever built. They come in vehicles from 2000 to around 2015, like the Civic, Acord, Acura, and more. The K20 (i-VTEC) is an inline 4-cylinder, 2L engine making - depending on other components - making 150-221 HP/131-151 lb-ft.

Which Honda engine is better, 2.4 or 1.5 turbo? ›

2019 Honda CR-V's 2.4L Engine is the Best Pick Thanks to its Durability and Solid Fuel Economy. While the 1.5L turbo engine is slightly more efficient and offers quicker acceleration than the 2.4L inline-four, it has shown some reliability quirks that have put a dent in Honda's reputation.

What year did Honda have engine problems? ›

The recall encompasses 2015-2020 Acura TLX and the 2016-2020 MDX. 2018 and 2019 Honda Odysseys, 2016, 2018 and 2019 Pilots, and Ridgelines manufactured between 2017 and 2019 are also potentially affected.

How heavy is a K24A engine? ›

2.4L K series: 413 pounds

For example, the TSX's K24A2 that features VTEC on both camshafts weighs in at the top, followed by 2.4L Accord engines and finally the CR-V's K24Z1.

Does the K24A have VTEC? ›

Eco K24a makes ~160 hp and ~160 lb ft, performance makes ~200 hp and ~170 lb ft mainly because it has 3 lobe VTEC.

How long do Honda K-series engines last? ›

definitely, it's a honda. as with all cars, just remember to keep up with maintenance. I've read that all Honda engines are designed to last a minimum of 200,000 miles. i bought my 03' TypeS wrecked.. with 15,500 miles on it... if this car can withstand a wreck and go 200K+ i'll be a happy camper..

Does the K24a have VTEC? ›

Eco K24a makes ~160 hp and ~160 lb ft, performance makes ~200 hp and ~170 lb ft mainly because it has 3 lobe VTEC.

How reliable are K-series? ›

Things to watch out for. Honda's legendary reliability carries over to the K-series. With few common flaws, a standard compression check is just about all that's needed to ensure a healthy engine is chosen for your project.

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