The flagship diesel engine for the Opel Vectra, Opel Signum, Saab 9-5, Renault Espace and Renault Vel Satis was the 3-liter V6. This engine carries different designations: on Renault cars the 3-liter turbodiesel V6 is known as the P9X, on Opel the Y30DT or Z30DT, and on the Saab 9-5 as the D308L.
This powertrain was created by Isuzu, a Japanese company owned by General Motors. The internal proprietary designation is 6DE1. The 3-liter turbodiesel V6 Isuzu DMax was produced from 2001 to 2008. The block camber angle is 65°, cylinder diameter and piston stroke are 87.5 and 82 mm respectively. Each aluminum block head has 2 camshafts, 12 valves (4 valves per cylinder). The compression ratio is 18.5:1.
Engine specifications on the example of Renault P9X 3.0 dCi
| Characteristics | First generation P9X 701 | Second generation P9X 715 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | V-shaped | V-shaped |
| Number of cylinders | 6 | 6 |
| Number of valves | 24 | 24 |
| Definite displacement | 2958 cm³ | 2958 cm³ |
| Cylinder diameter | 87.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Piston stroke | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Power system | Common Rail | Common Rail |
| Power | 177 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Compression ratio | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Environmental standards | EURO 3 | EURO 4 |
| Engine weight | 235 kg | 235 kg |
Motor maintenance schedule
| Name of works | Periodicity | Volume/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Masloservice | ||
| Oil change | Every 15,000 km | |
| Oil volume in the engine | 8.5 liters | Approximately 7.3 liters are required for replacement |
| Oil type | 5W-30, 5W-40 | |
| Gas distribution mechanism | ||
| Type of timing drive | Belt | |
| Declared life of timing belt | 120,000 km | In practice – 150 000 km |
| Belt failure | Bent valves | |
| Valve thermal clearances | ||
| Valve adjustment | Every 100,000 km | Selection of tappets |
| Inlet clearances | 0.35 – 0.45 mm | |
| Exhaust clearances | 0.35 – 0.45 mm | |
| Consumables replacement | ||
| Air filter | 15,000 km | |
| Fuel filter | 30,000 km | |
| Tank filter | 90,000 km | |
| Spark plugs | 120,000 km | |
| Auxiliary belt | 90,000 km | |
| Antifreeze | Every 5 years or 90,000 km |
The timing drive is combined: a spur gear of the crankshaft drives two transmitting (parasitic) gears, connected to the pump and high-pressure fuel pump gears. Coaxial to the gear of the fuel pump is installed toothed wheel belt drive camshafts. Toothed belt drives only the exhaust camshafts. On them, under the valve cover, there are helical gears driving the intake camshafts.
The 6DE1 engine is equipped with one turbocharger with variable geometry, intercooler, Common Rail Denso fuel system with a four-plunger pump HP2.
The Isuzu 3.0 V6 (6DE1) engine was installed on the following vehicles:
- Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD (from 2001 to 2006);
- Renault Vel Satis 3.0 V6 dCi (from 2002 to 2008);
- Renault Espace 4 3.0 V6 dCi (from 2003 to 2008);
- Opel Vectra 3 and Signum 3.0 V6 CDTI (from 2003 to 2008).
Power and maximum torque of Isuzu 3.0 V6 (6DE1) engine is 177 hp and 350 Nm, and after an update from 2006, the performance increased to 185 hp and 400 Nm.
Renault, Opel, Saab 3.0 V6 engine problems and reliability
Overheating
The first version of the Isuzu turbodiesel 3.0 V6, which was installed on Renault, Opel, Saab, is extremely prone to overheating. Experts do not even advise to “spin” it above 3000 rpm otherwise you can get to a very expensive repair. What happens?
In the most unpleasant case, a thermally loaded diesel engine can overheat, as a result of which its block behaves or it simply cracks. Usually, overheating causes the block to sag in both center cylinders, and the block-gasket-head joint is broken. Antifreeze will then escape into the exhaust manifold or oil passages, resulting in even more unfortunate consequences. That is, the engine may simply seize up due to overheating in the absence of antifreeze, or the oil level will rise above normal. Also, if you pay attention to the problem with cooling at an early stage, you can “get away” with deformation of the cylinder-head. Accordingly, at least repair of both cylinder heads is required.
Also overheating of the engine 3.0 V6 occurs due to cracking of the expansion tank of the cooling system. Accordingly, antifreeze simply flows out, the engine overheats quite quickly, the driver does not even have time to do anything.
The expansion tank and even the radiator cooling motor Isuzu 3.0 V6, which was installed on Renault, Opel, Saab, can literally rupture because of getting into the antifreeze gases from the combustion chambers.
Another cause of overheating lies in the leakage of antifreeze in the heat exchanger circuit of the recirculating gas cooling system. On all engines, the exhaust gases that are routed through the EGR valve to the intake are cooled by antifreeze. A steel tube from the valve to the intake manifold passes through a larger diameter tube that circulates antifreeze. On the Renault, Opel, Saab 3.0 V6 (6DE1) engine, the exhaust pipe becomes depressurized. Antifreeze begins to escape into the intake along with the recirculated gases. It usually escapes in small amounts and the presence of foreign fluid in the combustion chambers can be detected by a white haze from the exhaust pipe.
Also antifreeze can leak through a cracked tube of the “heater”.
The problem with overheating of the Isuzu 3.0 V6 engine, which was installed on Renault, Opel, Saab were recognized by the manufacturer. The affected engines were replaced under warranty during the warranty period. After modernization, the problem with overheating was solved almost completely. However, the updated engine also received a modified fuel system, its own ECU and other parts that do not allow you to put a new motor instead of the problematic old one.
EGR valve
The exhaust gas recirculation valve on the Isuzu 3.0 V6 engine (Renault, Opel, Saab cars) requires increased attention. Symptoms of its souring and incorrect operation are manifested in uneven engine operation, jerky speeding, black smoke (this is a sign of incorrect mixture formation) from the exhaust pipe.
Synchronization error
Rarely owners of cars with Isuzu 3.0 V6 engine (6DE1, P9X, Y30DT, Z30DT, D308L) face the fact that after replacing the timing belt and warming up the engine simply stops. Computer diagnostics in this case gives error P0346 – Error of synchronization of crankshaft and camshaft sensors. The malfunction occurs because the camshaft sensors begin to poorly read their speed by the “crown beams” or “petals” attached to the camshaft. In order to eliminate this problem, you have to do some tinkering: select the most optimal gap between the sensor and the lobes, putting suitable washers under the sensor. Also this problem can be eliminated simply by disconnecting the contact from the camshaft sensor. The engine will run, but the malfunction indicator on the dashboard will be lit.
DMRV malfunction
If the Isuzu 3.0 V6 (6DE1, P9X, Y30DT, Z30DT, D308L) engine’s traction decreases, you should read the errors – they will probably indicate a faulty mass fuel flow sensor.
Turbine
The turbocharger of the Isuzu 3.0 V6 (6DE1, P9X, Y30DT, Z30DT, D308L) engine usually lasts a long time, but malfunctions can be caused by the adjustment mechanism of its geometry. The vanes can become jammed due to soot buildup. The “geometry” vacuum actuator can also fail.
Other minor malfunctions
Also the Isuzu 3.0 V6 engine (6DE1, P9X, Y30DT, Z30DT, D308L) can “please” with leaks in the exhaust manifold or tearing off the fasteners (from the studs) of one or more fuel injectors. Usually they come off after some time after removal and improper installation.