The Vauxhall 17 DR is a 1,699 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1982 and 1986. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and indirect injection via a pre‑combustion chamber. In standard form it delivered 35–38 kW (48–52 PS) and torque figures between 95–102 Nm, prioritising fuel economy and durability over performance.
Fitted to models such as the Astra Mk1 (T‑Car) and early Cavalier Mk2 (J‑Car), the 17 DR was engineered for cost‑effective commercial and fleet use, offering robust low‑speed torque and excellent fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic mechanical injection timing and exhaust gas recirculation, meeting pre‑Euro standards applicable in the UK and EU during its production era.
One documented concern is injector nozzle coking and pre‑chamber carbon buildup, particularly under frequent short‑trip operation. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin D‑17‑83, stems from incomplete combustion cycles and low combustion chamber temperatures. Later 17 DR variants introduced revised injector spray patterns and hardened pre‑chamber inserts to improve longevity.
Production years 1982–1986 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance follows UK Construction & Use Regulations applicable at time of registration (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/CU/8901).
The Vauxhall 17 DR is a 1,699 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (1982–1986). It combines indirect injection with a SOHC valvetrain to deliver high fuel economy and mechanical robustness. Designed before formal Euro standards, it complies with contemporary UK emissions regulations for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,699 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 35–38 kW (48–52 PS) @ 4,600–4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 95–102 Nm @ 2,400–2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch K‑type mechanical indirect injection (pre‑chamber) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (UK C&U Regulations) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W‑40 mineral oil (API CC/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The indirect injection system provides excellent cold-start reliability and mechanical simplicity but requires strict adherence to 7,500–10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent sludge buildup in the pre‑chamber and rocker gear. SAE 15W‑40 mineral oil meeting API CC/CD is essential due to high soot loading and lack of modern filtration. Frequent short trips accelerate carbon accumulation in the pre‑combustion chambers, leading to hard starts and misfires. Injector nozzles should be serviced every 40,000 km or when combustion symptoms arise. Post‑1984 engines feature hardened pre‑chamber inserts per Vauxhall SIB D‑17‑83.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W‑40 mineral oil meeting API CC/CD (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1983). Modern low‑SAPS oils are not recommended.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/CU/8901). No formal Euro classification applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power varies slightly by injection pump calibration (Vauxhall PT‑1984).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V8432, V8510
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/CU/8901)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall 17 DR 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 engine mounts in the Cavalier Mk2 and revised cooling ducts in the Astra Mk1—and from 1984 the facelifted Astra adopted updated injector nozzles and pre‑chamber inserts, 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 V8432). The 17 DR is identified by the “17DR” cast into the block above the oil filter. All units use Bosch K‑type mechanical injection pumps with visible pre‑chamber glow plugs. Critical differentiation from petrol 17S: 17 DR has diesel-specific rocker cover with breather hose and no spark plug leads. Service parts require production date verification—injection nozzles before 03/1984 are incompatible with later pre‑chamber inserts due to spray angle changes (Vauxhall SIB D‑17‑83).
The 17 DR's primary reliability risk is pre‑chamber carbon fouling and injector nozzle coking, with elevated incidence in short‑trip or urban use. Vauxhall internal quality reports from 1985 noted combustion-related misfires in over 18% of engines with less than 50,000 km but frequent cold starts, while UK DVSA historical data links poor glow plug maintenance to hard-start complaints. Extended idling and low‑load operation accelerate carbon accumulation, making periodic injector service and glow system checks critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1982–1986) and UK DVSA historical failure statistics (1985–1992). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 17-DR.
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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
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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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VCA Certification Portal
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