1.7 CDTI Reliability

[ffzetecs]

Considering a Vauxhall 1.7 CDTI either late Astra H or early Astra I

I do c. 20k on mways so efficiency and reliability are crucial

Have been informed to avoid 1.9 as it's a Fiat designed lump with a host of common problems, but that the 1.7 is a sturdy albeit older unit.

Any experiences?

[adingley84]

The 1.7 has been around for
years and years, i think Fred Flintstone has one. So is 'fine', although of course some go wrong.

The 1.9 cdti 150 (16v) has a host of recurring problems with swirl flaps etc but I understand the 120bhp version (8v) is much more reliable

Because of the volume eacheck sold in, an issue that affects 1% of engines for example leads to a lot of forum traffIC so don't be too put off

[All that jazz]

ffzetecs said:

Considering a Vauxhall 1.7 CDTI either late Astra H or early Astra I

I do c. 20k on mways so efficiency and reliability are crucial

Have been informed to avoid 1.9 as it's a Fiat designed lump with a host of common problems, but that the 1.7 is a sturdy albeit older unit.

Any experiences?

Having experienced them all and as a prolific member on an Astra forum where other people post their Astra problems :

1.7 G DTI models, generally reliable, watch out for oil pump issues and ECU failures when solder joints break.
1.7 H CDTI models up to late 2010, generally reliable but some boost solenoid issues/vacuum pump/vacuum pipe issues.
1.7 H/J CDTI models from late 2010 onwards (110/125PS) are Euro 5 and come with DPF which causes a lot of problems and they run on a different ECU too which is not as reliable as the previous Euro 4 ones.
1.9 H CDTI 120 models, generally reliable. Water pump, cam belt tensioners, 6 speed gearbox and alternator weak.
1.9 H CDTI 150 models, can be very unreliable due to same problems as 120 model but gearbox and DMF suffer even more due to higher torque output. 150s suffer badly with swirl flap rod seizing up on inlet manifold which breaks and causes all sorts of running issues. Replacing manifold for the modified version is expensive.

All the CDTIs respond well to running on V-Power as it keeps the injectors, EGR and inlet manifold clean which are the main 'engine' problems on these. If you run them on standard pump diesel and aren't thrashing along motorways at 80 all day then you WILL get problems further down the line. I've run my 120 on V-Power since the day I got it 2.5 years ago and it hasn't cost me a penny in repairs plus I get about 2mpg better than standard diesel which offsets the higher purchase price.

[XMT]

All that jazz said:

ffzetecs said:

Considering a Vauxhall 1.7 CDTI either late Astra H or early Astra I

I do c. 20k on mways so efficiency and reliability are crucial

Have been informed to avoid 1.9 as it's a Fiat designed lump with a host of common problems, but that the 1.7 is a sturdy albeit older unit.

Any experiences?

Having experienced them all and as a prolific member on an Astra forum where other people post their Astra problems :

1.7 G DTI models, generally reliable, watch out for oil pump issues and ECU failures when solder joints break.
1.7 H CDTI models up to late 2010, generally reliable but some boost solenoid issues/vacuum pump/vacuum pipe issues.
1.7 H/J CDTI models from late 2010 onwards (110/125PS) are Euro 5 and come with DPF which causes a lot of problems and they run on a different ECU too which is not as reliable as the previous Euro 4 ones.
1.9 H CDTI 120 models, generally reliable. Water pump, cam belt tensioners, 6 speed gearbox and alternator weak.
1.9 H CDTI 150 models, can be very unreliable due to same problems as 120 model but gearbox and DMF suffer even more due to higher torque output. 150s suffer badly with swirl flap rod seizing up on inlet manifold which breaks and causes all sorts of running issues. Replacing manifold for the modified version is expensive.

All the CDTIs respond well to running on V-Power as it keeps the injectors, EGR and inlet manifold clean which are the main 'engine' problems on these. If you run them on standard pump diesel and aren't thrashing along motorways at 80 all day then you WILL get problems further down the line. I've run my 120 on V-Power since the day I got it 2.5 years ago and it hasn't cost me a penny in repairs plus I get about 2mpg better than standard diesel which offsets the higher purchase price.

Hi All that jazz,

That is very very useful. Can you confirm the issues with the 1.7 H/J CDTI models from late 2010 onwards regarding DPF - is this due to general under use and majority city driving from users or is it actually an issue regardless of useage.