Vectra 120 CDTi strange power issues....

[Danlisa]

I see there are several similar issues around this forum but I don't really want to jump to conclusions before getting your insight.

Car: Vectra 120 CDTi Exclusiv 56 Plate.

Description of problem: Sunday 20th March we were out for a drive and I noticed that there was no power delivered through the Turbo rev range. In fact where the car would normally accelerate up a hill in 4th gear, it now requires 3rd. On occasion the dash light with a car+spanner was evident but cleared as soon as I changed down a gear.

The Turbo is audible at 1900 revs through to 2400 revs but there is no power associated with this, there is still the normal swirl of exhaust when the turbo is engaged. The acceleration only picks up at around 2300 revs through to 3000. Normally there would be distinctive acceleration as soon as the turbo kicks in at 1900 revs, enough to push you back into your seat.

Monday afternoon and we booked it into our local (independent) garage, where a diagnostic was performed and there was no logged code. All the garage could offer was to change the diesel filter and re-bleed the system. After the filter change there seems to be some improvement but the rev ranges I mention above are still evident.

Is there anything I can physically check before I ask a Vauxhall Dealer to take a look? I really want to avoid the usual 'check/change this & test' thing that usually results in loss of hair and empty wallet.

Other issues (may not be related): On cold start engine is lumpy on revs applied but after 5-10mins warmup this stops.

Barring this recent issue the car has been amazing, enjoyable and a pleasure to drive after ditching our Laguna with a continual fuel management fault.

[Danlisa]

Sorry for the double post, can't seem to edit the original.

First, a correction, that should read 20th February.

Second, further reading has highlighted a possible home fix. Would cleaning the EGR valve and associated Solenoid help in this situation? I can probably get that done at the weekend after the vehicle is back from body kit respray.

FWIW it's a Z19 DT engine model with 59k on the clock.

[chris75lane]

Also try runing with the Catalytic Converter removed as it could be a partial blockage / restriction which could be "choking" the engine

[Danlisa]

Many thanks. That's something I will need to look into to see if it's in my skill set.

[murf2484]

Hi Buddy
What about giving the boost sensor a clean while your doing the EGR valve i have done both and the difference in power is tonnes better. the sensor is at the left of the ege valve.
Craig

[Danlisa]

Hi Buddy
What about giving the boost sensor a clean while your doing the EGR valve i have done both and the difference in power is tonnes better. the sensor is at the left of the ege valve.
Craig

That's good to know. Thanks.

I have identified the sensor casing (it has a blue label on it). I suppose a squirt of WD40 and a cotton bud/fine brush will do the job?

Is the anything to be wary of? Any fiddly parts that might break etc..?

[Dan_BlackSRi]

From your main description (lumpy cold running and lack of low down power) this definately sounds like the EGR valve that is at fault and should be better once fully cleaned.

[murf2484]

That's good to know. Thanks.

I have identified the sensor casing (it has a blue label on it). I suppose a squirt of WD40 and a cotton bud/fine brush will do the job?

Is the anything to be wary of? Any fiddly parts that might break etc..?

Just take it easy pulling the sensor out try carb cleaner on the sensor or wynns egr 3 cleaner(http://www.wynns.be/news.aspx?l=EN&i...leid=826)seems better than carb cleaner to be honest fine brush will do just fine, take the egr fully of an strip down however the bottom to bolts underneath are a pain very tight but you should be able to get them undone. if you want any more advise on this when you are going to clean them just pm me
Craig

[Danlisa]

@ murf2484

Thank you. Thanks to all for the advice.

Tomorrow I intend to clean my EGR and Boost Sensor.

However, due to the short notice, I have not been able to obtain new gaskets for the 2 connections on the EGR (Z19DT 120). (not worried about the blanking plate ATM)

Will I be able to re-use the old ones (in the short term) and will using a gasket seal paste help at all? If so, what type?

I'm off to the Auto Parts centre (Mill Auto) tonight to get the required bits and will get some seal if needed:

1 x Carb/Injector cleaner.
1 x Spray Grease and or Copper Slip.

I will post pictures of tomorrow efforts.

[murf2484]

Hi Mate
i just reused the gaskets as they are metal just make sure you take care not to bend or damage and you will be ok i had no problems with reusing them
good luck i hope it sorts out your power problems
Rgds Craig
p.s
if you get stuck on ought or anything questions etc just pm me
i didnt use any gasket seal there wasnt any at all the egr