Opel A17DTR Specifications
| Engine Model: Opel A17DTR |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder SOHC turbocharged liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 102.9 cu.in (1.68 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 75-82 Hp (55-60 kW) at 4400 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Indirect injection (IDI) |
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The Opel A17DTR is a 1.7-liter,
inline-four-cylinder, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve,
turbocharged diesel engine. It is a member of the venerable
Isuzu-derived "Circle L" diesel family, developed in the early 1990s and
continuously refined. This specific "DTR" variant is an evolution
focused on improved power, lower emissions, and driveability compared to
earlier versions. It features an updated Bosch VP44 electronic rotary
injection pump, a wastegate-controlled turbocharger (often a Garrett T17
or similar), and in later applications, an intercooler.
The engine is characterized by its extreme robustness, mechanical
simplicity, and legendary durability. Its 2-valve per cylinder, indirect
injection design prioritizes longevity and ease of repair over
refinement and peak power. While not as smooth, quiet, or powerful as
modern common-rail diesels, the A17DTR is renowned for its ability to
achieve very high mileages with basic maintenance, making it a favorite
for commercial use and cost-conscious drivers. It is a quintessential
"workhorse" engine, offering strong low-end torque and exceptional fuel
economy.
Engine Family / Model: Isuzu/GM "Circle L" family, Opel designation
A17DTR. Marketed as 1.7 TD, 1.7 DTI, or 1.7 CDTI depending on emission
level and market.
Engine Type: Inline-four cylinder, transverse-mounted, four-stroke
cycle, water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine with indirect injection.
Fuel Management: Indirect Injection (IDI) via an electronically
controlled distributor-type rotary injection pump (Bosch VP44).
Aspiration: Forced induction via a wastegate-controlled turbocharger
(e.g., Garrett T17). Later DTR variants include an air-to-air
intercooler.
Bore: 79.0 mm / 3.110 inches.
Stroke: 86.0 mm / 3.386 inches.
Displacement: 1,686 cc / 102.9 cubic inches.
Compression Ratio: 22.0 : 1 (IDI engines of this design). Firing Order:
1-3-4-2.
Rotation Direction (from front/timing belt end): Clockwise.
Maximum Power Output (EC Net): 55 kW (75 Hp) at 4,400 rpm. Some later
intercooled versions produced up to 60 kW (82 PS).
Maximum Torque: 150-165 Nm (111-122 lb-ft) at 1,800-2,400 rpm. The
intercooled version could reach 170 Nm (125 lb-ft). Idle Speed: 800-900
rpm. Governed Speed: 5,000 rpm.
Fuel Requirement: Standard diesel fuel (EN 590).
Emissions Compliance: Euro 3 standard, with some versions updated to
meet early Euro 4 requirements.
Construction: Cast iron, with a deep-skirt, robust design. This heavy,
over-engineered block is the foundation of the engine's durability and
ability to withstand high mileages.
Cylinder Bores: Integral (parent bore) in the casting. Standard bore
diameter is 79.00 mm (3.110 inches). Crankshaft: Forged steel, supported
by five main bearings. Main journal diameter is 60 mm (2.362 inches).
Crankpin diameter is 52 mm (2.047 inches).
Main Bearings: Steel-backed, tri-metal (lead-bronze) or aluminum alloy
shell bearings.
Pistons: aluminum alloy with a deep, re-entrant combustion bowl designed
for the indirect injection swirl chamber process. Connecting Rods:
Forged steel, I-beam design. Oil Pan: Stamped steel oil pan.
Construction: Cast iron. A simple, single-piece casting known for its
resistance to thermal stress and cracking. Valve Arrangement: Single
Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), driven by a toothed timing belt. Two valves
per cylinder (8-valve total). Valves are actuated via rocker arms with
hydraulic lash adjusters on later models, or adjustable rockers on
earlier ones.
Combustion Chamber: Indirect injection via a pre-combustion chamber
(swirl chamber) screwed into the cylinder head. The glow plug and
injector are mounted in this pre-chamber.
Valve Configuration: Wedge-type combustion chamber. Valve Seat Angle: 45
deg.
Valve Diameter: Intake: 34.0 mm (1.339 inches). Exhaust: 30.0 mm (1.181
inches).
Valve Clearance: On early versions with mechanical adjusters: Clearance
(Cold): Intake: 0.20 mm (0.008 inches). Exhaust: 0.40 mm (0.016 inches),
adjustable via screw and locknut. Later A17DTR versions may utilize
hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs), eliminating the need for adjustment.
Camshaft Drive: Toothed rubber timing belt with an automatic
spring-loaded tensioner or a manual tensioner. Critical: Belt failure is
non-interference on this IDI engine, preventing valve/piston contact.
Injection Pump: Bosch VP44 electronically controlled distributor-type
rotary pump. This is a significant upgrade from older mechanical pumps,
offering electronic timing control and a solenoid shut-off valve. It is
driven by the timing belt.
Governor: Electronic governor integrated into the engine control unit
(ECU).
Fuel Injectors: Pintle-type nozzles for indirect injection, mounted in
the pre-combustion chamber. Opening pressure is 130-150 bar (1,885-2,175
psi).
Fuel Lift Pump: Electric in-tank lift pump or a mechanical pump on the
engine, depending on the vehicle application. Turbocharger: Garrett T17
or similar fixed-geometry turbocharger with an internal or external
wastegate actuator.
Intercooler: Later A17DTR variants (sometimes designated as A17DTL or
simply "intercooled") feature an air-to-air intercooler to lower intake
air temperature, increasing power and efficiency.
Glow Plugs: Fast-acting ceramic glow plugs for cold starting, controlled
by a timer relay or the ECU.
Type: Full-pressure, force-fed wet-sump system.
Oil Pump: Gear-type, driven from the crankshaft (often via a gear or
chain).
Oil Filter: Standard spin-on canister type.
Oil Cooler: Not equipped on standard versions.
Oil Capacity (including filter): 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts / 4.0
Imperial quarts).
Recommended Oil Grade: Must use diesel-specific oil meeting API CF-4 or
higher, preferably ACEA B3/B4. Viscosity: SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40, mineral
or semi-synthetic. Low-ash oils are important.
Operating Oil Pressure: At operating temperature: 200-400 kPa (2.0-4.0
bar / 29-58 psi) at 2,000 rpm. Minimum idle pressure: 100 kPa (1.0 bar /
14.5 psi).
Type: Pressurized, forced circulation system.
Water Pump: Centrifugal, belt-driven from the crankshaft via the
accessory drive belt.
Thermostat: Wax pellet type. Opening temperature is 88°C (190°F).
Radiator Pressure Cap: 140-160 kPa (1.4-1.6 bar / 20-23 psi).
Coolant Capacity (engine + radiator, approx.): 6.0 liters (6.3 US quarts
/ 5.3 Imperial quarts).
Coolant Recommendation: Ethylene-glycol based, silicate-free coolant
meeting Opel/GM specification. A 50/50 mix is standard.
Electrical System: 12-volt DC, negative ground.
Glow Plug Control: A dedicated control module or relay with an
after-glow function.
Engine Control Unit (ECU): A simple diesel ECU controls the VP44
injection pump solenoid, glow plug relay, and may manage an EGR valve.
Emission Controls: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system (cooled on
later versions) and an oxidization catalytic converter. No diesel
particulate filter (DPF).
Sensor Suite: Coolant temperature sensor, engine speed (RPM) sensor,
needle lift sensor (in injector #1 for timing reference), and possibly a
boost pressure sensor.
Length (from front of timing cover to rear of block): 600 mm (23.6
inches).
Width (over valve cover): 650 mm (25.6 inches).
Height (from oil pan sump to top of valve cover): 700 mm (27.6 inches).
Dry Weight (engine only, complete): 150-160 kg (331-353 lbs).
Engine Oil and Filter Change Interval: Critical. Every 10,000 km (6,200
miles) or 12 months. Severe service (short trips, towing): 7,500 km
(4,700 miles). Use correct diesel-specific oil. Fuel Filter: Replace
every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as specified. Water must be drained
from the filter housing regularly (e.g., every service). Vital to
protect the expensive VP44 injection pump.
Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 5 years. Include
replacement of tensioner and idler pulleys. Although non-interference,
failure is costly and leaves the vehicle stranded. Valve Clearance
Adjustment: If equipped with mechanical adjusters, check and adjust
every 30,000 km (18,600 miles). If equipped with HLAs, no adjustment is
needed.
Accessory Drive Belts: Inspect and adjust tension every service. Replace
at signs of wear. Coolant Replacement: Every 5 years or 100,000 km
(62,000 miles). Air Filter: Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or
more often in dusty conditions. Injection Timing: Should be checked with
diagnostic equipment if performance or economy suffers. The VP44 pump
allows for electronic timing adjustment via scan tool.
Cylinder Head Bolts: Multi-stage torque procedure. Step 1: Tighten all
bolts in sequence to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft). Step 2: Tighten all bolts in
sequence to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft). Step 3: Wait 15 minutes, then re-tighten
all bolts in sequence to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) again. Always follow the
specific factory sequence (center-out).
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 80-85 Nm (59-63 lb-ft).
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 50-55 Nm (37-41 lb-ft) + 30-degree turn.
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts: 60-70 Nm (44-52 lb-ft) + 30-degree turn.
Crankshaft Pulley Bolt: 120-130 Nm (89-96 lb-ft).
Camshaft Sprocket Bolt: 80-90 Nm (59-66 lb-ft).
Glow Plugs: 15-20 Nm (11-15 lb-ft). Do not overtighten.
Injector Holder Clamp: 20-25 Nm (15-18 lb-ft).
Oil Pan Bolts: 10-15 Nm (7-11 lb-ft).
Valve Cover Bolts: 8-10 Nm (6-7 lb-ft).
Intake Manifold Bolts/Nuts: 20-25 Nm (15-18 lb-ft).
Exhaust Manifold Nuts: 25-30 Nm (18-22 lb-ft).
Turbocharger-to-Exhaust Manifold Nuts: 25-30 Nm (18-22 lb-ft).
The Opel A17DTR engine was used in a wide range of Opel, Vauxhall, and
other GM models from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s: Opel Astra G
(1998-2004): A very common application, especially in estate and van
(Astra Van) versions. Vauxhall Astra G (1998-2004): UK market version.
Opel Zafira A (1999-2005): The compact MPV offered this engine as a
torquey and economical diesel option. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999-2005): UK
market version. Opel Vectra B (1995-2002): Available in later production
years as a diesel option. Vauxhall Vectra B (1995-2002): UK market
version.
Opel Combo B (2001-2011): Widely used in the van version for commercial
duty. Vauxhall Combo B (2001-2011): UK market version. Opel Corsa C
(2000-2006): Available in some markets, though the 1.7L was more common
in the larger Astra and Zafira. Saab 9-3 (First Generation, 1998-2002):
Badged as the Saab 1.7 TID, using the Opel-sourced engine. Fiat models:
Through partnership agreements, this engine was also supplied to Fiat
and used in models like the Fiat Marea and Brava, badged as the 1.7 TD.
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