The Vauxhall 16 D is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1984. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 49–55 kW (67–75 PS) and torque figures between 105–115 Nm, offering a balance of performance and economy for compact and mid‑size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Chevette, Astra Mk1 (T‑Car), and early Cavalier Mk2, the 16 D was engineered for responsive everyday driving with modest fuel consumption. Emissions compliance was achieved through crankcase ventilation and calibrated carburettor settings, meeting pre‑Euro standards applicable in the UK and EU during its production era.
One documented concern is premature camshaft and tappet wear under high‑rpm or neglected‑maintenance conditions. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin M‑16‑79, stems from marginal oil flow to the upper valvetrain during sustained operation. Later 16 D variants introduced revised cam profiles and improved rocker arm geometry to mitigate wear.
Production years 1975–1984 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance follows UK Construction & Use Regulations applicable at time of registration (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/CU/7890).
The Vauxhall 16 D is a 1,598 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (1975–1984). It combines a single overhead camshaft with a downdraft carburettor to deliver balanced performance and fuel economy. Designed before formal Euro standards, it complies with contemporary UK emissions regulations for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 49–55 kW (67–75 PS) @ 5,200–5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 105–115 Nm @ 3,000–3,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Zenith/Stromberg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (UK C&U Regulations) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The SOHC layout provides mechanical simplicity but requires diligent valve clearance checks every 10,000 km to maintain performance and prevent tappet wear. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is essential due to the engine’s wide bearing clearances and lack of modern filtration. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate sludge buildup in the rocker cover, potentially blocking oil galleries. Carburettor jets should be cleaned regularly to avoid lean running, which increases exhaust valve recession risk. Post‑1979 engines feature revised camshafts per Vauxhall SIB M‑16‑79.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1977). Modern synthetics may cause oil pressure drop.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/CU/7890). No formal Euro classification applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power varies by carburettor type and model year (Vauxhall PT‑1981).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V7564, V7689
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/CU/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall 16 D was used across Vauxhall's T‑Car and J‑Car platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Chevette and revised cooling ducts in the Astra Mk1—and from 1979 the facelifted Cavalier Mk2 adopted updated carburettor jets and cam profiles, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the distributor mount (Vauxhall TIS V7564). The 16 D is identified by the “16D” cast into the block above the oil filter. Pre‑1979 units use Zenith carburettors with brass float bowls; post‑1979 models use Stromberg with plastic floats. Critical differentiation from 13N/14NV: 16 D has 82.0 mm bore vs. 79.4 mm on 14NV. Service parts require production date verification—camshafts before 08/1979 are incompatible with later rocker arms due to lobe profile changes (Vauxhall SIB M‑16‑79).
The 16 D's primary reliability risk is camshaft and tappet wear, with elevated incidence in high‑rpm or neglected‑maintenance use. Vauxhall internal reports from 1982 noted cam failures in over 14% of engines exceeding 80,000 km without proper oil changes, while UK DVSA historical data links poor valve adjustment to premature top‑end noise. Frequent short trips and use of incorrect oil viscosity increase wear, making regular clearance checks and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1975–1984) and UK DVSA historical failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 16-D.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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)
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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
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