Isuzu turbocharged power unit with TC4EE1 marking first appeared on the market in 1990. The 1.7-liter engine was produced for 24 years, until it was replaced by a new 1.6-liter engine. The new engine was developed by designers from Italy.
The long production period of the power unit is explained by its periodic modernization. At the same time, the motors with the lettering TC4EE1 and TC4EE2 have retained their working volume of 1686 cubic centimeters. The cylinder diameter and piston stroke of 79 and 84 mm, respectively, remained unchanged. The motor was installed on Opel cars, such as the Astra, Meriva, Corsa, Combo models
Due to its well-thought-out design, the power unit immediately attracted the attention of car companies. General Motors company since 1990 began to install turbodiesel on Opel Vectra A and Astra A. Japanese motor TC4EE1 received the marking 17DT or X17DT. Popular in its time, Mazda 323 cars were also equipped with turbocharged power units. Atmospheric motors X17D were in demand. Compared to turbodiesel units, their power was 60 horsepower.
On the territory of the European part of the continent in the 90s there was a steady growth in demand for diesel engines. Engineers of Opel and GM concerns could not create a unit with decent technical characteristics. Therefore, the cars continued to be equipped with a reliable and proven 1.7-liter motor. Engine production was established by Isuzu concern.
In 1996 in the Polish city of Tychy was laid the first block in the foundation of the plant for the production of power units. The first turbo engine of joint Japanese-Polish production was assembled in 1998. The block for the engine was cast in Japan, other parts and components were produced by European partners.
The ownership of the plant was transferred to GM in 2002. Isuzu completely sold its share to General Motors in 2012, already five years later the owner of the enterprise became Opel. In 2018, the deal was finalized, under the terms of which Opel became part of the PSA concern. Almost immediately, the production capacities of the enterprise were reoriented to the production of 3-cylinder power units of the Puretech family. Motors are delivered to the Slovakian city of Trnava to the assembly line of PSA.
Motor specifications Opel Y17DT 1.7 DTI
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Exact volume | 1686 cm³ |
| Power system | Direct injection |
| Engine power | 75 hp |
| Torque | 165 Nm |
| Cylinder block | Cast-iron R4 |
| Cylinder head | Aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder diameter | 79 mm |
| Piston stroke | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio | 18.4 |
| Engine features | Intercooler |
| Hydrocompensators | No |
| Transmission timing | Belt |
| Fasoregulator | No |
| Turbocharging | Mitsubishi TD025 |
| Recommended Oil | 4.5 liters 5W-40 |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Environmental class | Euro 3 |
| Example service life | 400,000 km |
| Engine weight | 150 kg |
Special features of Opel 1.7 liter turbodiesel produced by Isuzu
The first modification of the turbo engine Y17DT turned out to be quite successful. The power unit, which appeared in 1998, received a capacity of 1.7 liters, a system of direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber. The internal design of the motor was also changed. The power unit received a 16-valve cylinder head, 2 camshafts, it was decided to abandon hydrocompensators. An electronic analog has replaced the mechanical fuel injector. The power unit of this type is labeled as 4EE2.
There are two camshafts in the cylinder head of the 1.7-liter Isuzu turbodiesel (TC4EE2), there are no hydrocompensators.
The Y17DT and Y17DTL motors, rated at 75 and 65 horsepower respectively, were equipped with a Denso fuel system. For a short period of time, X17DTL motors were produced, which included Bosch equipment. All modifications of power units were produced in Poland, the company was named Circle L.
In 2003, there was another modernization of motors. The new Opel Astra G was equipped with an innovative at that time turbodiesel Z17DTL. The design of the unit remained similar, the motor includes a 16-valve cylinder head, two camshafts. The 80 horsepower motor received a new Common Rail fuel system with a Bosch fuel injector. The Corsa and Meriva vehicle models were equipped with Z17DTH powertrains with 101 horsepower.
The 80 horsepower engines were more straightforward. The turbine received a bypass valve, the developers removed the sensors of oil level and quality, fuel mixture temperature. On 101-horsepower motors these sensors were left. Additionally, a turbine with variable geometry was introduced in the design.
Denso fuel injector is very susceptible to fuel quality and choke. It can generate chips, which subsequently kills both it and injectors. Ideally, the Denso fuel system should be operated with the original filter or with an additional filter that filters out debris larger than 5 microns!
Reliability indicators and main problems of Y17DT turbo engines for Opel
A Denso fuel pump is used to control the operation of the Y17DT powertrain. Seats for installation are placed directly on the engine. The main problem with such a design is inadequate protection of the equipment from vibrations and high humidity. most often damage is caused by power wires and chips-connectors. Constant temperature fluctuations, vibration of the power unit, and possible soldering defects are the main causes of equipment failure.
Typical symptoms – interruptions in the operation of the power unit, inability to start the motor, errors P0251 in motor diagnostics. If necessary, you can resolder the unit yourself or engage a qualified electrician. It is quite easy to eliminate problems with soldering or wiring.
Denso fuel injector fails in case of poor quality of fuel mixture or overblowing, if chips get into the system, injectors also fail. Therefore, it is recommended to use only original filter elements, which sift out debris of 5 microns and larger.
Usually problems are caused by the power unit that controls the metering valve of the Denso fuel injector.
Another problem with the fuel injector is the fuel mixture getting on the wiring harness. Such a defect means leaks in the fuel pump’s injection advance valve. The solution to the problem is only to replace the valve with a new part. Breakdowns at the level of the metering valve are possible.
The Y17DT engines are characterized by a special design of fuel injectors. These components are pressed into sleeves sealed with rubber rings. When the seals wear out, leaks appear, oil and coolant begin to mix. The problem can be identified by a change in the color of antifreeze in the tank of the car and the appearance of an oil film. Mixing of oil and coolant occurs when the oil filter heat exchanger gasket is worn out.
At the nozzles are placed copper washers located under the connections in cases of wear of these elements, there are leaks. Fuel mixes with engine oil and can lead to engine failure. The plus of Y17DT power units is the installation of a reliable and durable turbine. The Mitsubishi TD025 model usually does not cause problems for owners.
Long service life of Y17DT motors is the best proof of their high quality. Isuzu power units for Opel have shown their reliability and unpretentiousness. The main elements of the unit, even the injectors and the fuel injector, fully work out their resource. In case of valve failure on Denso fuel injectors, their replacement is budget-friendly.