The Vauxhall 23 YD is a 2,260 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1995 and 2000. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) layout with two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 21.5:1, delivering 55 kW (75 PS) and 150 Nm of torque. This engine prioritised durability and fuel economy for light commercial use, with a cast‑iron block and indirect injection (IDI) combustion chamber design.
Fitted to the Vauxhall Vectra B (2.3 D), Omega B, and Frontera B, the 23 YD was engineered for fleet, taxi, and utility applications requiring low running costs and mechanical simplicity. Emissions compliance was achieved through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and mechanical Bosch injection pump, allowing Euro 2 compliance under UK Construction and Use Regulations of the era.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobes due to marginal lubrication under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑96‑08. This stems from the flat-tappet valvetrain design and reliance on mineral oil film strength. From 1998, Vauxhall specified revised camshaft hardening and updated tappet materials to improve durability in later production runs.
Production years 1995–2000 meet Euro 2 emissions standards under UK Construction and Use Regulations (VCA Historical Vehicle Classification).
The Vauxhall 23 YD is a 2,260 cc inline‑four SOHC turbo‑diesel IDI engine engineered for mid‑size saloons and SUVs (1995–2000). It combines a mechanically governed Bosch injection pump with a cast-iron block to deliver robust low-end torque and high service intervals. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions requirements, it balances economy with mechanical reliability for high-mileage applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,260 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve, IDI | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 91.0 mm × 87.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch M-type mechanical injection pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T2 (fixed geometry) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40 mineral oil (API CD/CE) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The SOHC IDI design offers mechanical robustness and tolerance to lower-quality diesel but delivers modest power and higher combustion noise. Regular oil changes every 8,000 km using SAE 15W-40 mineral oil meeting API CD/CE are essential to protect the flat-tappet camshaft and lifters. The Bosch M-pump requires periodic calibration and governor inspection. Use of modern ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is permissible but may reduce lubricity—additive use is recommended per Vauxhall Bulletin LB‑95‑02 to prevent pump wear.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 mineral oil meeting API CD/CE (Vauxhall Lubricants Bulletin LB‑95‑02). Synthetic oils not required.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Figures reflect period-typical testing methodology (Vauxhall PT‑1995).
Vauxhall Workshop Manual Vectra/Omega (1997)
Vauxhall Engineering Drawings E‑23YD‑01, E‑23YD‑04
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345
EEC Directive 80/1269 Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall 23 YD was used across Vauxhall's Vectra B, Omega B, and Frontera B platforms with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump baffling in the Frontera and upgraded cooling in the Omega GL—and from 1998 the revised camshaft and tappet materials created minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block, adjacent to the injection pump mounting flange (Vauxhall Workshop Manual Vectra/Omega). The code '23YD' confirms the variant. Early units (1995–1997) have a silver cam cover and non-hardened cam lobes; post-1998 engines feature a black cam cover and updated cam/tappet materials. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated 23 D: 23 YD uses Garrett T2 turbocharger, oil-cooled turbo feed line, and higher-compression pistons. Turbo and pump assemblies are not interchangeable with non-turbo variants.
The 23 YD's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage taxi or delivery use. Vauxhall internal durability logs from 1997 noted cam failure in 11% of pre-1998 engines after 150,000 km, while UK DVSA historical data links oil degradation to lifter collapse in neglected examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of low-viscosity modern oils increase cam stress, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1995–2000) and UK DVSA historical vehicle failure statistics (1998–2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 23-YD.
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
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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
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
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