The Vauxhall A 16 LER is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1983 and 1987. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a twin-choke downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 59 kW (80 PS) at 5,400 rpm with 123 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, providing balanced performance for compact hatchbacks and sedans.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Astra Mk1 (T-Car) and Vauxhall Kadett D, including the 1.6 L variants, the A 16 LER was engineered for responsive drivability and mechanical simplicity in mid-tier applications. Emissions compliance relied on carburettor calibration, air injection, and exhaust oxidation, meeting pre‑Euro UK VCA homologation standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear, which can cause ignition timing drift and misfires. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin MEB/83/07, stems from marginal case hardening of the gear teeth in early production batches. From 1985 onward, revised metallurgy was introduced to address the defect.
Production years 1983–1987 meet pre‑Euro emissions standards as defined under UK VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6791.
The Vauxhall A 16 LER is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1983–1987). It combines a single overhead camshaft with a twin-choke downdraft carburettor to deliver responsive low-to-mid-range torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet pre‑Euro UK emissions norms, it balances everyday drivability with serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 123 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-choke downdraft carburettor (Zenith 32/36 INAT) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (UK VCA homologation) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The SOHC layout offers mechanical simplicity but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 20,000 km to maintain smooth operation. The twin-choke carburettor demands regular synchronisation and jet cleaning to prevent lean misfires, especially in humid climates. Use of 95 RON unleaded fuel is essential to avoid pre‑ignition. Early distributor gears (pre‑1985) are prone to wear—inspect ignition timing if misfires occur. Cooling system integrity is critical; the cast‑iron block is susceptible to corrosion if coolant isn’t refreshed every two years per Vauxhall MEB/83/07.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SG/CC (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1984). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Pre-Euro certification applies to all 1983–1987 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6791). No Euro standards were in force during this production window.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on Vauxhall PT-1983 dyno sheets.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M1123, M1450
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6791)
Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin MEB/83/07
The Vauxhall A 16 LER was used across Vauxhall's T-Car platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Kadett D saloon and modified air cleaner housings in the Astra hatchback—and from 1985 the facelifted Astra Mk1 adopted updated carburettor linkages for improved throttle response, creating minor calibration differences. 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 M1125). The code 'A 16 LER' appears as a raised cast marking. Pre-1985 units have a distributor with a black plastic cap and zinc-plated drive gear; post-1985 units use a grey cap and hardened steel gear. Carburettor is consistently Zenith 32/36 INAT. Engine number prefix '16L' confirms displacement and series.
The A 16 LER's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear on pre-1985 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal field reports from 1984 noted premature gear failure in ~10% of engines before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA historical data shows carburettor-related misfires as a common MOT advisory item. Extended oil-change intervals and use of incorrect viscosity increase camchain stretch, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1983–1987) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1988–1998). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-LER.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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