Chrysler 2.4L TigerShark: Everything You Need To Know

The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, also known as the FCA, introduced its newest addition to the lineup under the Tigershark MultiAir II engine badge back in 2013. The machine was designed for more extensive power and torque while minimizing emissions.

But before its introduction, the first to come out was the World Gas Engine in 2007. It was still in production today but on a different variant. 

Now, the engine was more commonly known as the 2.4 Tigershark. Even with a smaller design, the engine is powerful for its built, displaying 285 horsepower. It has excellent efficiency and reliability. 

What are Chrysler 2.4L TigerShark World Gasoline Engines?

The 2.4 Tigershark engine was used by dodge in their R/t trim for the Caliber. There is a turbocharged variant for this engine found in the SRT-4 version of the Caliber. In addition, the 2,4 Tigershark engine does not have a perfect resume and CV.

There are lots of reports regarding the overwhelming oil consumption of the engine. They were drawing away potential buyers of these engines. 

However, with the new technologies today, the engine redeemed itself and allowed the machine to be utilized more efficiently. The update employs an electro-hydraulic technology developed to offer more controlled airflow during the combustion process. 

Let’s have a brief inquiry regarding the complaints of some owners and enthusiasts. 

Several years ago, in a technical service bulletin, some professionals recognized that the engine’s components, such as the pistons, piston rings, and cylinder walls, are starting to deteriorate at a faster rate.

That happens because of a lack of sufficient lubrication. 

Further, a class-action lawsuit alleged that the recommenced oil maintenance schedule does not match the engine’s actual consumption rate. Some say that it is under schedule. Some say it is over the schedule.

But, as time went by, the engine continued to thrive even under the weather and proved that they could improve this one. 

Engine Specifications and Design:

• Production Run: 2016 – Present
• Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
• Cylinder Block Material: Aluminum
• Configuration: Inline 4
• Bore: 84.0 mm
• Stroke: 90.0 mm
• Valvetrain: SOHC four valves per cylinder
• Displacement: 2.0 L (1995 cc)
• Compression Ratio: 10.0
• Weight: 300 lbs. 
• Maximum HP: 270 HP at 5,250 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 295 lb-ft at 3,000 RPM

Engine Design:

The engine design of the 2.4 Tigershark was adapted mostly on its family engine. The engine was made in collaboration with two automotive heavyweights – Chrysler and Fiat. Although the previous world gasoline engine inspired the Tigershark family, the Tigershark engines stand on their own.

The new 2.4 Tigershark engine has most of the prior components redeveloped, significantly increasing fuel economy and performance. 

This newly designed 2.4 Tigershark engine was used in several vehicles. It became available in Jeep Cherokee, Renegade, Ram ProMaster City, Compass, and Fiat models such as the Fiat Toro and Fiat 500X. 

The 2.4 Tigershark engine has a cylinder bore and piston stroke dimensions of 88 mm and 97 mm, respectively. The compression rating is 10.0. 

Going into the cylinder block, the engine has a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with dry cast-iron cylinder liners. Engineers also used a lightweight aluminum ladder frame to add rigidity.

This ladder frame is installed between the engine block and the sandwich-type steel oil pan. On top of that, they also added rotating balance shafts at the engine bottom of the block to offset vibrations.

Rotating components at the engine’s bottom consists of powder-forged steel connecting rods, forged steel crankshaft, and lightweight aluminum pistons with polymer-coated piston skirts, as well as fully floating piston pins with hard carbon coatings.

Mounted under the pistons are oil squirters that spray oils to regulate the temperature and lubrication during cycles. 

Cylinder Head

On top is an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head with a single, chain-driven camshaft and the electro-hydraulic MultiAir II system developed by Fiat. The MultiAir is a variable valve timing and lifts system made for these engines, for which electro-hydraulic valve actuators control them

The 2.4 Tigershark engine is also equipped with a MultiAir I system that operates the opening and closing for the intake valve event. The camshaft actuates the exhaust valves through polished shim-less mechanical buckets.

Moreover, on the intake side, there is an intake cam lobe for every cylinder. These lobes act on roller finger followers. 

The finger follower piston also actuates the last adjuster and hydraulic brakes. The piston supplies oil through the solenoid into the valve assembly. When the solenoid is open, the valve is disconnected from the cam and shuts the pressure applied by the valve spring. 

However, if the solenoid is closed, the valves follow the cam profile provided. It functions almost the same as other’s variable valve technology, but it is suited to optimize fuel economy and performance, no doubt about that. 

Fuel Injection

The 2.4 Tigershark engine uses dual spark plugs to use a multi-port fuel injection system and coil on plug ignition. The intake manifold is plastic-made and is acoustically covered to dampen the noise coming from the component.

Moreover, the 2.4 Tigershark engine is equipped with a two-stage oil-pressure relief system. This system employs maintenance of optimal oil pressure and reduces engine-oil pumping loads. 

Applications of the 2.4L Tigershark World Gasoline Engine:

• 2013 – 2016 Dodge Dart 184 HP at 6,250 RPM and 174 lb-ft 
• 2015 – 2016 Chrysler 200 184 HP at 6,250 RPM and 173 lb-ft 
• 2014 – Present Jeep Cherokee 184 HP at 6,400 RPM and 171 lb-ft 
• 2015 – Present Jeep Renegade 180 HP at 6,400 RPM and 175 lb-ft 
• 2016 – Present Fiat 500X 178 HP at 6,400 RPM and 174 lb-ft 
• 2015 – Present Ram ProMaster City 178 HP at 6,400 RPM and 174 lb-ft 
• 2017 – Present Jeep Compass 184 HP at 6,400 RPM and 179 lb-ft 
• 2017 – Present Fiat Toro 184 HP at 6,400 RPM abd 179 lb-ft 

Problems Surrounding the 2.4L Tigershark Engine:

In this section, we will list some shortcomings or issues that you might encounter with the engine. Though some things listed are pretty familiar to other engines as well, we want to give you a full overview of these problems.

With that, let’s proceed. 

1. Oil Consumption

This issue explicitly affects the newest 2.4 Tigershark engine and is not a major issue on older 2.4 World gas Engines. Many owners claim that their engine consumes 1 quart of oil or more every 1,000 miles. 

The primary cause of excessive oil consumption is the piston and piston rings. That happens because too much oil passes along the rings, eventually entering the combustion chamber and burning away.

Though it does not have major effects on the reliability and longevity of the engine, running on a low oil level puts your machine at a much greater risk of other problems. 

So, it is essential to regularly check the oil levels because others say that the 2.4 Tigershark MultiAir does not provide any warning when there’s a drop in oil pressure. As a response to that, the engine will shut down itself as a preventive measure. 

2. Oil Leaks

This is a widespread problem across all engines. The 2.4 Tigershark is not alone in this problem, especially when engines start to age and the mileage piles up. On top of that, the gaskets and other peripheral parts deteriorate and become brittle with changing heat cycles and fluctuating pressure levels. 

Components like the valve cover gaskets, main seals, oil pan gaskets are few common areas susceptible to leaks. The most vulnerable among these parts is the valve cover gasket since this is placed at the top of the engine and takes most of the beating.

Another reason is that these gaskets are made from rubber and prone to degrading. 

It is easier to spot a leak if there are visible spots or any clue where it is coming from. However, at first, leaks are harder to find, not because they don’t flow like crazy but because of the valve cover gasket.

So tiny drops of oil are likely burned off there, so it is harder to catch a leak. 

If there are no visible leaks, you can look for light smoke, burning smells, or low engine oil levels. 

3. MultiAir System 

The engine’s other weak point is its MultiAir system. This is the variable valve timing and lifts technology developed to maximize efficiency and fuel economy. However, some problems might occur with this mechanism.

If the oil channels and solenoids are invaded by dirty oil, it might be leading the system to fail. 

If you wish to repair the MultiAir system, it is pretty costly due to its design with many small parts and the exhausting assembly process.  

Summary

The 2.4 Tigershark engine underwent many changes throughout the years. It started as a World Gasoline Engine engine piece, and its production has continued for succeeding years.

The collaboration of the automakers, under the helm of GME, brought the best of some engines. Its engine output and torque satisfy the expectations that have been laid for it. 

Some people consider this engine sophisticated due to its intricate design. With that, it becomes more expensive for a low-end engine compared to its peers who have the same or more power outputs.

But, other machines cannot offer the same quality and efficiency that this engine can bring.