Peugeot 1.5 BlueHDi – What Went Wrong?

• 1.5 BlueHDi Engine Problems
• What is the Problem?
• Which Vehicles Feature the 1.5 BlueHDi?
• Symptoms of Failure
• How do I Know if my Engine has a 7mm or 8mm Chain?
• GT Automotive’s Solution

1.5 BlueHDi Engine Problems

After being introduced in 2017 in the Peugeot 203 MkII, the 1.5 BlueHDi has suffered no end of engine problems. Injection system jams, mass air flow failure, traction control failure and AdBlue tank seizure are just a few of the common issues drivers are facing.

However, a bigger concern is the timing chain found in some of the earlier engine heads, which can cause a mechanical fault leading to catastrophic engine failure. There are a number of drivers reporting premature failure, well before the 90,000 mile (150,000 Km) expected life cycle.

Read more about Timing Chain Failure>

What is the Problem?

The main issue is the timing chain used to connect the camshafts. Due to the quality of manufacturing the chain is prone to much faster wear leading to premature failure. When the timing chain fails this can lead to the pistons and engine valves colliding, bringing the engine to a standstill.

Which Vehicles Feature the 1.5 BlueHDi?

Several models have been affected, across both passenger and commerical applications including;

Citroen – C3 III, C3 Aircross, C4 III, C4 Cactus, C4 SpaceTourer, C5 Aircross, Berlingo III, Berlingo III Van, Traveler, Jumpy

DS – DS3 Crossback, DS4 II, DS7 Crossback

Vauxhall – Corsa, Mokka, Crossland, Grandland, Combo, Combo Cargo, Zafira, Vivaro

Peugeot – 208 II, 2008 II, 308 II, 308 III, 508 II, 3008 II, 5008 II, Rifter, Partner, Expert

Toyota – Proace, Proace City, Proace City Verso, Proace Verso

Symptoms of Failure

Two predominant symptoms relating specifically to the chain are an excessive rattling noise, due to the chain becoming loose, and excessive or complete failure to turn over the engine. In both cases, the focus should immediately become the timing chain connecting the camshafts, with its resilience over time brought into question.

According to several technical notes and circulars from the PSA Groupe, modifications were later made to the engine specification, amongst which the inclusion of a beefier 8mm pitch chain to replace the failing 7mm chain which, in turn, resulted in changes to both the camshafts and rocker cover amongst a list of further optional parts and/or checks to be made, at the discretion of the dealership.

Claiming to both help the engine run smoother and faster, the changes were not just seen as a fix to the engine’s issues, but a “modernisation” of the engine and a direct answer to some of its quirks.

How do I Know if my Engine has a 7mm or 8mm Chain?

Whilst there is not an easily specific date split to blanket all makes and models which separate the earlier engines from the later version – at this time – spotting affected blocks can be as simple as examining the rocker cover of the engine, without the need to break seals and examine internally.

• Cam housing with (a) engraved reference 9812647280 and flat housing design around the cam sprockets should contain the earlier 7mm pitch chain
• Cam housing with (a) engraved reference 9830580480 and (b) bumped housing design around the cam sprockets should contain the later 8mm pitch chain

The Solution

After recognising the challenges facing this engine, PSA of course have revised parts design and the resulting OE “modernisation” upgrade parts are available directly from the dealership level at considerable expense to the customer.

With the release of aftermarket parts, manufactured on the same production lines as OEM factory parts, GT Automotive can now provide a cost-effective, OE quality solution for these ailing engines without the need for expensive, upgraded dealership parts.

GT Automotive has available the 8mm pitch timing chain kit, for the newer engines fitted with PSA’s OE upgrade or the earlier engine version that have undergone the “modernisation” at the dealership, giving a variety of solutions for this problematic beast. Any engines fitted with the old 7mm chain need the upgraded Camshafts and Housing to be eligable for the 8mm chain.

All parts are stocked at our head office and distribution centre in Witney, Oxfordshire for immediate same day dispatch. With 4 decades of OE experience and a no-quibble parts cost manufacturer warranty, we can give you the peace of mind to fit and forget with this tricky engine.

Parts for the 1.5 BlueHDi Engine

_{Originally published on – 18/07/2023 | Revised on – 25/09/2024}