The Vauxhall Y26SE is a 2,599 cc, 60° V6 petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2004. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with four valves per cylinder and sequential multi-point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 125 kW (170 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 245 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing smooth power delivery for mid-size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Omega B (Vauxhall Omega), Signum, and Vectra C, including the Omega 2.6i and Signum 2.6, the Y26SE was engineered for refined cruising and responsive highway performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and catalytic converters, allowing it to meet Euro 3 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is oil sludge accumulation in the cylinder head due to inadequate crankcase ventilation, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-03-07-01. This issue stems from PCV system design limitations under short-trip driving conditions. From 2002, revised breather hoses and oil separator components were introduced to mitigate sludge formation.
Production years 1998–2004 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall Y26SE is a 2,599 cc 60° V6 petrol engine engineered for executive and mid-size sedans (1998–2004). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with sequential multi-point fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances performance with drivability in both urban and motorway conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,599 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 82.6 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (dual chains) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM-LL-A-025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The DOHC V6 layout provides smooth, refined power ideal for highway cruising but requires regular oil changes every 10,000 km using GM-LL-A-025 (5W-30) oil to prevent sludge buildup in the head. The PCV system is prone to clogging under short-trip conditions, leading to oil contamination and valve train wear. Revised breather hoses introduced in 2002 improve crankcase ventilation. Catalytic converter efficiency depends on consistent lambda sensor function; degraded sensors can trigger emissions faults. The dual timing chains are generally durable but require inspection if unusual valve train noise occurs.
Oil Specs: Requires Vauxhall GM-LL-A-025 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall TSB-03-07-01). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1998–2004 Y26SE engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all model applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V23451).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V23451, V23890, TSB-03-07-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Y26SE was used across Vauxhall's Omega B and Vectra C platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Signum and modified accessory drive layouts in the Omega—and from 2002 the Vectra C received updated PCV components, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V23890). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('6' for Y26 series). All Y26SE units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '2.6 24V' badge. Critical differentiation from the similar X26XE: Y26SE uses Bosch Motronic ME7.2 ECU with OBD-II port under dash; X26XE uses Siemens Simos. Pre-2002 engines have a single breather hose from the rocker cover; post-2002 units use dual hoses with an inline oil separator per TSB-03-07-01.
The Y26SE's primary reliability risk is oil sludge accumulation in the cylinder head, with elevated incidence in vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal service data from 2003 indicated a notable rate of head cleaning or replacement before 150,000 km in affected fleets, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased oil consumption and emissions failures linked to PCV system degradation. Frequent cold starts and infrequent oil changes accelerate sludge formation, making oil quality and change intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2000–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Y-26-SE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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