The Vauxhall 17 L is a 1,699 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1982 and 1993. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor. Output ranges from 60–70 kW (82–95 PS) with torque between 125–140 Nm, offering improved responsiveness over the 1.5 L 15 unit while retaining mechanical simplicity.
Fitted to models such as the Astra Mk2 (F), Corsa A, and Nova, the 17 L was engineered for balanced urban and suburban driving with modest fuel consumption. Emissions compliance was achieved through a lean‑burn carburettor, secondary air injection, and in later years an early catalytic converter system, allowing adherence to pre‑Euro standards throughout most of its production, with limited Euro 1 compliance in 1993 UK models under VCA type approval.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust valve guides, leading to increased oil consumption and blue exhaust smoke. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑89‑11, stems from marginal heat dissipation in the early cast‑iron cylinder head design. From 1988 onward, revised valve guide materials and improved coolant flow paths were introduced to extend service life.
Production years 1982–1992 meet pre‑Euro standards; 1993 models meet Euro 1 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Vauxhall 17 L is a 1,699 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1982–1993). It combines a single overhead camshaft with a downdraft carburettor to deliver responsive low-to-mid range torque and reliable daily drivability. Designed to meet pre‑Euro and limited Euro 1 standards, it prioritises serviceability and mechanical robustness over high performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,699 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 60–70 kW (82–95 PS) | |
| Torque | 125–140 Nm @ 3,200–3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Weber or Zenith) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (1982–1992); Euro 1 (1993 models) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 (mineral or semi‑synthetic) | |
| Dry weight | 106 kg |
The SOHC layout provides predictable performance suited to daily commuting but requires valve clearance checks every 20,000 km due to mechanical tappets. Ethanol-free fuel is recommended to prevent carburettor corrosion and float needle sticking. Early cylinder heads (pre-1988) are prone to exhaust valve guide wear—symptoms include blue smoke on overrun and elevated oil consumption; replacement with post-1988 heads featuring improved guide materials per Engineering Bulletin EB‑89‑11 is advised during rebuilds. Use of correct oil maintains cam and chain longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1985). ACEA A2 compliance sufficient.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies only to 1993 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). Earlier units are pre-regulation.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by carburettor calibration and market (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V8824).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V8824, V8833, EB‑89‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall 17 L was used across Vauxhall's T-Car and K-Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Corsa A and modified exhaust manifolds in the Nova—and from 1988 the updated cylinder head design improved valve guide durability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V8824). The code '17L' is cast into the block and may be accompanied by a production date stamp. Pre-1988 heads have smooth exhaust valve guide bores; post-1988 units feature visibly reinforced guide inserts. Carburettor type (Weber 32/34 TLDM or Zenith 32/34 INAT) varies by model year but does not affect engine code. All 17 L blocks share the same bellhousing pattern as other Family I engines.
The 17 L's primary reliability risk is exhaust valve guide wear in pre‑1988 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal service data from 1990 noted oil consumption exceeding 1 L per 1,000 km in ~12% of early 17 L engines before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records link blue smoke to this design flaw. Extended oil change intervals and poor-quality oil accelerate wear, making valve guide integrity and oil maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1985–1993) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 17-L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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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.
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