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[realboss7669]

Hi there,

I used to own an ex plod 1998 3.0 Manual estate but reluctantly (and regrettably) sold it last year. My dad has just been and bought himself a 1997 2.5 TD Manual Elite Estate. Its an ex Vauxhall Demo vehicle and has air suspension I believe, sunroof and air con, cd stacker, cargo cover and cargo net, heated front and back seats, etc etc.

It has 117k on the clock and now needs a service. Does anyone know if chipping would be a good thing in terms of economy. I know a lot of people chip their cars for power, but he needs the economy as he will be using it for cruising on the continent to Portugal via France and Spain so if the economy is compromised then he'd rather keep it as is. Any advice welcomed.

Also, any general advice or feedback from other diesel owners welcomed. How have you found your diesel to run and maintain. ANy tips or things to check appreciated.

Cheers  

[zirk]

Thats a rare find TD Elite Manual Estate, Nice one.

Chipping will make a vast improvement over standard, and once you get over it then you can start seeing the improved encomy wilst driving normally.  

[tmx]

they require an oil change every 3.5k to keep them running tip top! sorry thats all i know about the 2.5TD

ive read and heard from people that chipping them improves economy and the power output considerably.

its rare to find a Elite 2.5td let alone a Manual very rare indeed!

[Seth]

Air suspension: This is probably rear air-lift shockers, or Monroe Ride Levellers.
Easily confirmed by a 'tyre-valve' type inflation point in the load-carrying area in the back of the car. Or, you could look underneath, and view the shockers - this system has air bellows at the top of each of them. Most diesels are GLS spec, so being a comparitively rare Elite, it may have self-levelling suspension.

Chipping: A definate 'must do'!
The BMW M51D was detuned to 128 BHP for the Omega, but chipping sends it back to BMW's lively 143 BHP. It costs around 70 quid, and it's generally accepted on here that fuel economy improves too. Mine returns a proven 33 mpg running locally here.
'PM' TheBoy or Omegatoy for details in the first instance.

Engine oil/filter-changes must be done every 4500 miles absolute max; and water pumps have been known to shed their impellers at 40-50 quid a time. Other than this, the lump's a pretty strong 'un, and some have been taken to inter-galactic mileages - literally!
Best driven 'like you stole it' - it's a 'long-stroker' and must be kept 'on song' to perform. As long as you have no poor starting, (either hot or cold), excessive exhaust emissions, or overheating problems, you should be okay. Once warmed-up, the temp gauge needle should settle at just below mid-point on the gauge.

Many of the niggles with these diesels have been the result of inadequate and/or poor servicing earlier in their lives.
Good luck!

[realboss7669]

Air suspension: This is probably rear air-lift shockers, or Monroe Ride Levellers....

I will check for my dad but I think you are right they are probably air lift shockers.

Chipping: A definate 'must do'!
The BMW M51D was detuned to 128 BHP for the Omega, but chipping sends it back to BMW's lively 143 BHP. 'PM' TheBoy or Omegatoy for details in the first instance.

Wow thanks for this. This all makes sense now as I owned a BMW 325 TDse a few years back with the same engine and it was super quick, although only when you got the revs up a little bit. This is something we need to do so I will contact these chaps thanks very much!

Engine oil/filter-changes must be done every 4500 miles absolute max; and water pumps have been known to shed their impellers at 40-50 quid a time. Other than this, the lump's a pretty strong 'un, and some have been taken to inter-galactic mileages - literally!

Aha, well this one is now due. It has full Vauxhall service history and they were using Shell Helix. Can any of you advise on the best oil to use (e.g. brand, viscosity, synth/mineral)? We dont want to be paying out £50-60 for a high end "branded" oil when often another make can be much cheaper and just as good. However if we need to spend more then we will.

Best driven 'like you stole it' - it's a 'long-stroker' and must be kept 'on song' to perform. As long as you have no poor starting, (either hot or cold), excessive exhaust emissions, or overheating problems, you should be okay. Once warmed-up, the temp gauge needle should settle at just below mid-point on the gauge. Many of the niggles with these diesels have been the result of inadequate and/or poor servicing earlier in their lives.

Yep, this is exactly how I used to drive my BMW as its only when you get the revs up that the power kicks in. No poor starting which is good; on my BMW I had a few problems starting which I believe is generally down to the diesel pump, although I seem to remember there is a diesel pump and a 2nd 'sender' pump or something. Temp gauge is spot on and good servicing history.

Thanks so much for this advice and you other chaps for your feedback.

I have something else to check as well. The EGR pipe from manifold to valve has been replaced twice by Vauxhall; once at 109k (mileage is now near 120k) in May2008, the other about 4 years before that. This has resulted in quite a bit of oil spillage although car is being valeted today to clean this off. Has anyone had the same problem and is this caused by something else...?

Big thank you again for your help and input. Think I'm going to buy an Omega again just so I still feel part of things!!!   8-)

[Seth]

I'd recommend Vauxhall's own-brand 10/40 semi-synthetic.
I picked up four 5 litre cans for around £37 last week. This'll soon get used - the sump capacity is 6.5 litres, inc filter.

Two fuel pumps:
There are indeed two - one in the tank which effectively pressurises the system, until the injection pump takes over.
It's a simple system once you understand it!

You mention the EGR-area oil leaks:
Root-cause is oil mist from the turbo, which seems to build up in the vicinity of the EGR valve, and not helped by the viscous fan blowing it around here. I remove and clean the charge-air pipe, (embossed 'turbo diesel'), at each oil/filter-change, and regularly do a general clean-up - this has been satisfactory for the last couple of years on mine!

[TheBoy]

vauxhalls own semi synth, get 4 x 5l cans for £34 + vat on tradeclub

[Richard A]

People who 'chip' the 2.5 diesel tend to find the extra bhp can cause problems with the 'autobox'.
The 'manual box' has no problems, it will show much better performance and an increase in mpg.
As already said, oil & filter change every 4k.

regards
richarda

[Seth]

vauxhalls own semi synth, get 4 x 5l cans for £34 + vat on tradeclub

Just checked my invoice ........
It seems that I've got a friendly Vx dealer then - gave me Trade Club rate without the card.
Keeping tight-lipped about the details though!

[Turk]

People who 'chip' the 2.5 diesel tend to find the extra bhp can cause problems with the 'autobox'.
The 'manual box' has no problems, it will show much better performance and an increase in mpg.
As already said, oil & filter change every 4k.

regards
richarda

That problem will be a totally cooked autobox if it's not the upgraded autobox.
I know, I learnt the hard way  
My manual was chipped last week and had much better performance and fuel economy.
I say "was" as I've re-installed the standard chip due to an already existing issue with a faulty sensor injector that is more of an issue with the full power chip fitted.
Should get round to changing the injector saturday and then I'll re-install the grin inducing chip.