Vectra 2.0 Diesel died without warning

[Ian Pass]

Can anyone shed any light onto the problem with my 98' Vectra. Driving the car in the usual steady way and the engine just stopped working. The engine now only turns over and doesn't start. There weren't any clues before it stopped, it just stopped. The breakdown mechanic sprayed some stuff in the air intake and engine gave signs of starting but not on its own?

Can anyone give me any clues????????????

Thanks
Ian Pass

[belmont31b]

Sounds very much like the fuel pump to me mate, I'm afraid, as the same thing happened to me this time last year!! They do tend to just die at around the 90K miles mark, give or take a few K. A very common problem with the diesel engine and also very expensive. Get a really good mechanic to have a look though before expecting the worst, it could just as easily be something simple like a blocked filter or loose pipe somewhere, but if it is the pump, you are looking at quite a few hundred quid to fix! (Total bill for mine was nearly £1700!!! done under warranty though, thank god, as I had only had the car a week when it died!) Also have a good look around the forum....there are a few guys on here who could point you in the right direction regarding a new or re-conditioned pump if one is needed.

Best of luck mate!
Neil

[MisterT]

Given that it almost 'started' with something combustible sprayed up the air intake then that means its got compression, and that stuff like the camchain etc. are ok.

You didn't mention the dashboard engine lamp flashing with the ignition on, so that rules out immobiliser.

It looks like a fuelling problem to me. Here's a few things for you to try and please write back with the results.

Take off the fuel filter cover and check that it's around 3/4 full of diesel.

Next, drain a little fuel out of the filter assembly into a clear jar (there's a thumbwheel on the bottom that you turn for this) to check if there's water in the fuel. Water is heavier than derv so it will sink to the bottom.

Have a look to see if there's any metallic 'glitter' on the outside of the filter element.

If you have a can of fresh clean derv, unclip the pipe at the fuel filter that goes to the injector pump and immerse it in fuel and try to start the engine.

I'll be honest with you though, my car recently broke down like yours with no warning signs and it was a faulty injector pump.

[Ian Pass]

Thanks for your help and advice

[Shadow13]

This is what has happened with our 1998 Vectra 2.0L DTi. Ours occurred the morning after the floods in NE Lincs. Engine turns but will not start other than when Easystart is sprayed directly through the air filter... Is it possible there is a link between the local flooding and this problem???

[FRATSAX]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200089025392 they will sell you a recon pump for about 600 quid