The Vauxhall B 14 XEJ is a 1,389 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1991 and 1998. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a single-barrel downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,600 rpm with 108 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing economical and dependable performance for compact city driving.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Astra F and Vauxhall Corsa B, including the 1.4 L variants, the B 14 XEJ was engineered for fuel efficiency, mechanical simplicity, and low-cost ownership in entry‑level applications. Emissions compliance relied on carburettor calibration and exhaust oxidation, meeting Euro 1 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear, which can cause ignition timing drift and misfires. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SI 92‑04‑11, stems from marginal case hardening of the gear teeth in early production batches. From 1994 onward, revised metallurgy was introduced to address the defect.
Production years 1991–1998 meet Euro 1 emissions standards as defined under UK VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432.
The Vauxhall B 14 XEJ is a 1,389 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1991–1998). It combines a single overhead camshaft with a single-barrel downdraft carburettor to deliver predictable low‑end response and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions norms, it prioritises serviceability and fuel economy over performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,389 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.6 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Pierburg 2E3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The SOHC layout offers mechanical simplicity but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 20,000 km to maintain smooth operation. The Pierburg 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 in higher‑compression variants. Early distributor gears (pre‑1994) 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 SI 92‑04‑11.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SG/CC (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1992). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1991–1998 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432). No Euro 2 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on Vauxhall PT-1991 dyno sheets.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M1220, M1245
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5432)
Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SI 92‑04‑11
The Vauxhall B 14 XEJ was used across Vauxhall's T90 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Corsa B supermini and modified air cleaner housings in the Astra F hatchback—and from 1994 the facelifted Astra F adopted updated carburettor jets for improved cold starts, 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 M1225). The code 'B 14 XEJ' appears as a raised cast marking. Pre-1994 units have a distributor with a black plastic cap and zinc-plated drive gear; post-1994 units use a grey cap and hardened steel gear. Carburettor is consistently Pierburg 2E3. Engine number prefix '14X' confirms displacement and series.
The B 14 XEJ's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear on pre-1994 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal field reports from 1993 noted premature gear failure in ~9% 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 (1991–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1999–2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-14-XEJ.
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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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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