Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Fuel System Specifications

For best results use Number 2-D diesel fuel year-round, above and below freezing conditions, as oil companies blend Number 2-D fuel to address climate differences. Number 1-D diesel fuel may be used in very cold temperatures when the temperature stays below -18°C (0°F). However, the fuel will produce a power and fuel economy loss. The use of Number 1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot climates may result in stalling, poor starting when the engine is hot and may damage the fuel injection system.

Diesel fuel may foam when filling the tank. This can cause the automatic pump nozzle to shut OFF, even though the tank is not full. If this happens, just wait for the foaming to stop and then continue to fill the tank.

Very Cold Weather Operation

If the vehicle is driven in very cold temperatures and can not get a winterized Number 2-D that has been adapted to cold weather or a Number 1-D, use one gallon of kerosene for every 2 gallons of diesel fuel. Once you add kerosene, run the engine for several minutes to mix the fuels. Only add kerosene when the temperature falls below -18°C (0°F), because the fuel economy and lubricating qualities of kerosene is not as good as that of diesel fuel.

In cold weather , the fuel filter may become clogged (waxed). To unclog the filter, move the vehicle to a warm garage area and warm the filter to a temperature between 0-10°C (32-50°F). Replacing the filter is not necessary.

Fuel Specific Gravity Testing

Use a Diesel Fuel Quality Tester to measure the fuel specific gravity (API Rating). Follow the instructions on the tool to obtain the proper temperature adjusted value. This information must be accurate for the proper diagnosis of the fuel system.

Fuel Injector Return Flow and Fuel Pressures

The fuel return from the fuel injectors to the tank will vary based on the API value of the fuel. Measure the Fuel API with a Diesel Fuel Quality Tester. For this reason the Fuel System Diagnosis - High Pressure Side values will vary for identifying a fuel injector or fuel pump concern. Use the following tables when referred to by the diagnostic. The first table is to be used during the initial diagnosis to identify the worst fuel injectors. After the fuel injectors that fail the first part of the test are capped off, the return flow from each uncapped fuel injector must be measured again. This is because the fuel system is returning less fuel to the tank, and thus the fuel pressure is higher during the retest. Failure to use the correct table may result in the replacement of good fuel injectors.

Water in Fuel

Sometimes, water can be pumped into the fuel tank along with diesel fuel. This can happen if the service station does not regularly inspect and clean their fuel tanks, or the fuel gets contaminated for the service stations suppliers.

If water is pumped into the fuel tank, a water in fuel light will illuminate. If the water in fuel light illuminates, the excess water must be drained from the fuel system on the vehicle.

Very Cold Weather Operation

If the vehicle is driven in very cold temperatures and can not get a winterized Number 2-D that has been adapted to cold weather or a Number 1-D, use one liter of kerosene for every 2 liters of diesel fuel. Once you add kerosene, run the engine for several minutes to mix the fuels. Only add kerosene when the temperature falls below -18°C (0°F), because the fuel economy and lubricating qualities of kerosene is not as good as that of diesel fuel.

In cold weather, the fuel filter may become clogged (waxed). To unclog the filter, move the vehicle to a warm garage area and warm the filter to a temperature between 0-10°C (32-50°F). Replacing the filter is not necessary.