The Vauxhall 23 D is a 2,260 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1982 and 1988. It features an indirect injection (IDI) design with a pre-chamber combustion system, a cast‑iron block and head, and a mechanically governed Bosch injection pump. In standard tune it delivered 48 kW (65 PS) at 4,200 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm, providing robust, fuel-efficient performance suited to light commercial and executive passenger vehicles of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Carlton Mk1 and Senator A, the 23 D was engineered for durability and low running costs rather than performance. Emissions controls were minimal by modern standards, with no exhaust gas recirculation or catalytic converter; compliance aligned with pre‑Euro UK national standards under the 1980 Clean Air provisions.
One documented concern is injector nozzle coking and pre-chamber carbon buildup, highlighted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑84‑11. This issue arises from prolonged low-load operation and poor fuel atomisation in the pre-chamber design, leading to hard starting and misfire. From 1985, Vauxhall revised injector calibration and pre-chamber geometry to improve cold-start reliability.
Production years 1982–1988 predate EU emissions directives; compliance follows UK national standards of the era (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/VEH/6607).
The Vauxhall 23 D Diesel is a 2,260 cc inline‑four indirect injection engine engineered for executive sedans and light commercial applications (1982–1988). It combines a mechanically controlled Bosch injection pump with a robust cast‑iron architecture to deliver predictable low‑rpm torque and exceptional durability. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it meets only UK national vehicle regulations of the period.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,260 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 48 kW (65 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE mechanical injection pump with indirect injection (pre-chamber) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (UK national standards) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W‑40 mineral diesel oil (API CC/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The indirect injection design prioritises durability over refinement but requires regular high-load operation to prevent carbon buildup in pre-chambers and injector nozzles. SAE 15W‑40 mineral diesel oil meeting API CC/CD is essential for bearing and cam life due to the absence of modern detergent packages. The Bosch VE pump demands clean, water-free diesel and periodic calibration to maintain driveability. No emissions after-treatment exists, so exhaust modifications do not affect compliance. Cold starts below 0°C may require glow plug system verification per Vauxhall EB‑84‑11.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 mineral diesel oil meeting API CC/CD (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1983). Modern low-SAPS oils are not recommended.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions apply to all 1982–1988 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/VEH/6607). No catalytic converter or EGR fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under BS AU 14 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑1985.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V2260‑82, CA‑1984, EB‑84‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/VEH/6607)
British Standards Institution: BS AU 14 Engine Power Testing
The Vauxhall 23 D Diesel was used across Vauxhall's Carlton Mk1 and Senator A platforms with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Senator and modified cooling ducting in the Carlton—and from 1985 the introduction of updated injector nozzles and pre-chamber geometry for improved cold starts, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block near the injection pump mount (Vauxhall TIS V2260‑82). The full engine number begins with '23D' followed by a sequential build code. Pre-1985 units use early-spec Bosch injectors (part #0 432 100 002) and unmodified pre-chambers; post-1985 engines feature revised nozzles (part #0 432 100 016) and smoother pre-chamber contours. Critical differentiation from petrol 20 E: 23 D has cast-iron head (not alloy), injection pump (not carburettor), and higher compression ratio. Cylinder head casting number '23D' confirms identity.
The 23 D's primary reliability risk is pre-chamber carbon fouling and injector nozzle coking, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal durability reports from 1985 noted significant cold-start degradation after 60,000 km in low-load duty cycles, while UK DVSA historical data shows high failure rates in preserved executive sedans due to infrequent high-RPM operation. Extended oil change intervals and poor fuel quality accelerate wear in the Bosch VE pump, making correct maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1982–1988) and UK DVSA historical failure statistics (1985–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 23-D.
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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
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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
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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