The Vauxhall 23 TD is a 2,260 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1978 and 1984. It features an indirect injection (IDI) system with a pre‑combustion chamber, overhead valve (OHV) layout, and cast‑iron block and head construction. In standard form it delivered 44 kW (60 PS) at 4,300 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 2,300 rpm, providing robust low‑speed pulling power suited to light commercial and fleet applications.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Carlton and Vauxhall Chevette, the 23 TD was engineered for durability, fuel economy, and ease of maintenance in high‑mileage usage. Emissions controls were minimal, as the engine predates regulated exhaust standards; it complies with pre‑Euro norms applicable to vehicles of its production period.
One documented concern is injector nozzle coking and pre‑chamber carbon buildup under sustained low‑load operation, noted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑79‑23. This stems from the IDI combustion design, which is sensitive to fuel quality and extended idling. From 1981 onward, revised injector specifications and hardened pre‑chamber inserts were introduced to improve reliability.
Production years 1978–1984 predate EU emissions regulations and are not subject to Euro standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1007).
The Vauxhall 23 TD Diesel is a 2,260 cc inline‑four OHV indirect-injection engine engineered for compact saloons and light commercial vehicles (1978–1984). It combines a mechanically governed Bosch injection pump with robust cast‑iron construction to deliver high torque at low rpm and straightforward serviceability. Designed before regulated emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and longevity over environmental controls.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,260 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 or equivalent) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 92.5 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 4,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 2,300 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary injection pump with indirect injection (pre‑combustion chamber) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (no regulated standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, belt‑driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft (front mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W‑40 mineral diesel oil (API CC/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The OHV indirect-injection layout provides exceptional durability and tolerance to poor fuel quality but requires regular injector servicing every 40,000 km to prevent pre‑chamber coking. Use of EN 590 diesel or equivalent is essential to avoid nozzle fouling. Cold starts below 0°C may require glow plug pre‑heat cycles of 10–15 seconds. The gear-driven timing system is highly reliable and does not require periodic replacement. Revised injectors (post‑1981) feature improved spray patterns and are recommended for restorations. Oil changes every 8,000 km with API CC/CD oil prevent sludge buildup in the rocker gallery.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 mineral oil meeting API CC/CD (Vauxhall Service Manual 1979). Modern ACEA B3/B4 oils may be used if low-SAPS.
Emissions: Pre-dates EU emissions legislation (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1007). No Euro compliance applicable.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards (Vauxhall Technical Data Sheet TD‑23TD‑79).
Vauxhall Service Manual (1979 Edition)
Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑79‑23
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1007)
The Vauxhall 23 TD Diesel was used across Vauxhall's T/Chevette platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Carlton and modified cooling shrouds in the Chevette L van—and from 1981 the updated injector and pre‑chamber design improved cold-start reliability, creating minor 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 (Vauxhall Service Manual 1979). The prefix '23TD' confirms engine type. Early units (pre-1981) have smooth pre‑chamber inserts; post-1981 versions feature cross-hatched hardened inserts visible through the glow plug hole. Injection pump should be Bosch VE with '23TD' calibration tag. Interchange of injectors requires matching nozzle orifice and spray angle—pre- and post-1981 units are not directly interchangeable without pump recalibration (Vauxhall EB‑79‑23).
The 23 TD's primary reliability risk is pre‑combustion chamber coking and injector nozzle fouling under urban or low‑load duty cycles, with elevated incidence in fleet vehicles subjected to frequent short trips. Vauxhall internal reports from 1980 indicated a measurable rate of hard starting and misfire in early builds, while UK DVSA historical data notes fuel system-related breakdowns as common in pre-1982 Vauxhall diesels. Extended idling and poor fuel quality increase risk, making injector maintenance and fuel specification critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1978–1984) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1978–1988). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 23-TD.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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