Vectra C 1.9 CDTi 150 lack of power

[BenLothian]

Hi everyone, I'm new here (to post anyway)
I've owned a 57 plate Vectra for just over a year now, the last couple of weeks I've had some bad luck with it.

So it started with there being no power between idle and 2200 rpm until it got in to boost. I've cleaned out the EGR valve, put new EGR gaskets on (£7 from Vauxhall)
After this I plugged it in to my laptop, it said there was an intake leak detected. I've checked all vacuum hoses connected to the solenoid just in case. No issues there.

It's just been getting worse now, when the engine is cold I have to rev it right to the 4000 rpm limiter (when cold the ECU sets this) just to get any power to drive. It takes about 5 seconds just to get up the rev range and even then this morning it wouldn't go higher than 1500 rpm for ages and was going to stall. And it jumps in and out of limp mode while driving.

A lot of blue smoke from exhaust just before boost kicks in 1700-2100 rpm (I'm guessing overfueling because of the intake leak

Coolant bottle had bubbles in it with black specks today while I was checking the vacuum pipes. Not sure if it's paint or something from in the radiator?

Any idea on the issue?

Here's what I've done so far:
Cleaned EGR and replaced gaskets
Cleaned boost pressure sensor
Checked hoses from boost pressure solenoid
OP-COM tested the EGR Solenoid and it seems to stay at 4%

I do have a new EGR coming today when Yodel decide to throw it over my fence 😂

Any help would be appreciated

[northpole]

take off the boost pipes and check them for leaks... on my 2.0 dti and had the same symptoms one of the boostpipes developed a split and it was out of sight, couldn't see it or feel it but when i decided to take the lot of to clean it out, i found the leak, it was in a spot that you couldn't see it. this had everything to do with the pipe being old and the rubber just decided to split by the way, i replaced it with a silicone one.. and not long after i did the same to the other boostpipes.

[BenLothian]

take off the boost pipes and check them for leaks... on my 2.0 dti and had the same symptoms one of the boostpipes developed a split and it was out of sight, couldn't see it or feel it but when i decided to take the lot of to clean it out, i found the leak, it was in a spot that you couldn't see it. this had everything to do with the pipe being old and the rubber just decided to split by the way, i replaced it with a silicone one.. and not long after i did the same to the other boostpipes.

I've taken them off and checked them. I even ran it with the turbo one disconnected. It cured the low end loss but there was no power after 2500. Using OP-COM to activate the boost pressure solenoid does the same.

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[northpole]

well if all your vacuum hoses and boost-pipes are fine the worst case would be a leak in either the exhaust manifold or intake manifold... so you'll be looking for cracks/ bad gaskets and loose bolts...

[matthewp1633]

Get yourself 2 cans of cheap brake cleaner and with the engine running spray all the boost pipes and the EGR valve if the engine coughs and goes to stall there is your leak. It might be worth spraying the intercooler as they can go in the corners but it does sound like you have a leak somewhere. it possible you broke the metal pipe to the EGR or there is a break in the egr cooler which might explain the black soot in the coolant bottle.

Blank the EGR AT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD and see if that helps.

Also cancel the order for the new EGR as it is now blanked and get it MAPed out by Mr Teapot

[BenLothian]

Get yourself 2 cans of cheap brake cleaner and with the engine running spray all the boost pipes and the EGR valve if the engine coughs and goes to stall there is your leak. It might be worth spraying the intercooler as they can go in the corners but it does sound like you have a leak somewhere. it possible you broke the metal pipe to the EGR or there is a break in the egr cooler which might explain the black soot in the coolant bottle.

Blank the EGR AT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD and see if that helps.

Also cancel the order for the new EGR as it is now blanked and get it MAPed out by Mr Teapot

Yeah I'll try that. I've just been driving the mother in law home and it died on me twice. Started straight away so it's getting progressively worse and dangerous. I'll take these suggestions and try them, I'm sure I have brake cleaner somewhere

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[BenLothian]

UPDATE:
The EGR valve arrived and I changed it. I have to say since owning the car I think the previous one has been shot. The car feels amazing and wheelspinned out my junction when I was just using my muscle memory. Alas, I think mapping it out would be a good idea and maybe a remap.

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[Mike_B_C]

Glad to see you sorted it.

[fatfred]

GET IT BLANKED OUT. NOW. LIVE WITH THE LIGHT (unless you have a MOT booked) !

[paula9568]

get some 2-EHN to add to the diesel