The Vauxhall 15 TD is a 1,488 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1983 and 1989. It features an indirect injection (IDI) layout with a Bosch mechanical injection pump and a compression ratio of 22.0:1, delivering 35 kW (48 PS) and 93 Nm of torque. This engine prioritised fuel economy and durability for light commercial and passenger use, with a robust cast‑iron block and simple mechanical fuel system.
Fitted to the Vauxhall Astra Mk1 (1.5 TD), Cavalier Mk2 (1.5 TD), and Bedford CF van, the 15 TD was engineered for urban delivery, fleet service, and budget-conscious motoring. Emissions controls were minimal by modern standards; it complies with no formal Euro classification but meets applicable UK construction and use regulations of its era.
One documented concern is premature failure of the Bosch injection pump diaphragm under high ambient temperatures, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑85‑12. This stems from early rubber compound degradation in sustained hot climates. From 1986, Vauxhall specified an updated diaphragm material and revised pump housing venting to improve reliability.
This engine predates EU emissions regulations; compliance is governed by UK Construction and Use Regulations applicable at time of manufacture (VCA Historical Vehicle Classification).
The Vauxhall 15 TD is a 1,488 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel IDI engine engineered for compact saloons and light vans (1983–1989). It combines a mechanically governed Bosch injection pump with a small KKK turbocharger to deliver modest power and high fuel efficiency. Designed before formal emissions standards, it reflects period-typical mechanical simplicity and ease of field repair.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,488 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve, IDI | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (KKK K03) | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.2 mm × 81.6 mm | |
| Power output | 35 kW (48 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE-type mechanical injection pump | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-regulation era) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K03 (fixed geometry) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40 mineral oil (API CC/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The indirect injection design offers mechanical robustness and tolerance to lower-quality diesel but delivers modest power and higher combustion noise. Regular oil changes every 6,000 km using SAE 15W-40 mineral oil meeting API CC/CD are essential to protect the gear-driven cam and turbo bearing. The Bosch VE pump requires periodic calibration and diaphragm inspection, especially in hot climates. Use of modern ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is permissible but may reduce lubricity—additive use is recommended per Vauxhall Bulletin LB‑83‑02.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 mineral oil meeting API CC/CD (Vauxhall Lubricants Bulletin LB‑83‑02). Modern synthetics not recommended.
Emissions: No emissions standard applies; engine predates EU/UK tailpipe regulations (VCA Historical Vehicle Classification).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Figures reflect period-typical testing methodology (Vauxhall PT‑1983).
Vauxhall Workshop Manual Astra/Cavalier TD (1985)
Vauxhall Engineering Drawings E‑15TD‑01, E‑15TD‑05
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Historical Vehicle Guidance
DIN 70020 Motor Vehicle Power Test Code (1979)
The Vauxhall 15 TD was used across Vauxhall's T-Car and J-Car platforms with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Bedford CF and revised exhaust manifolds in the Cavalier—and from 1986 the updated Bosch pump diaphragm created minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the left-hand side of the block, adjacent to the injection pump mounting flange (Vauxhall Workshop Manual Astra/Cavalier TD). The prefix '15TD' confirms the variant. Early units (1983–1985) have smooth turbo housings and black Bosch pumps; post-1986 engines feature vented pump housings and updated diaphragm seals. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated 15 D: 15 TD uses KKK turbocharger, reinforced pistons, and oil-cooled turbo oil feed line. Turbo and pump assemblies are not interchangeable between pre/post-1986 due to diaphragm material change (Vauxhall SB‑85‑12).
The 15 TD's primary reliability risk is Bosch VE injection pump diaphragm failure under high ambient temperatures, with elevated incidence in southern European and fleet use. Vauxhall internal durability logs from 1985 noted pump leakage in 15% of engines operated above 35°C ambient, while UK DVSA historical data links fuel contamination to premature pump seizure in neglected examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of low-viscosity modern oils increase turbo bearing stress, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1983–1989) and UK DVSA historical vehicle failure statistics (1985–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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