Used Vauxhall Cavalier Water Pump

The Cavalier ran in two main UK generations: the Mk2 (1981–1988) and the Mk3 (1988–1995), and these generations used different engine families, so a water pump from a Mk2 will not generally cross over to a Mk3. The safest approach is to match by engine code rather than generation alone, and confirm with the breaker against your registration before ordering.

Both years fall within the Mk3 generation (1988–1995), so there is a reasonable chance of compatibility if the engine codes match — the engine code is the single most reliable guide for water pump fitment. However, ancillary and mounting details can change within a production run, so confirm with the breaker against your registration to be certain.

Yes — the water pump is engine-specific, and the 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 units are distinct engine families that use different pumps; you cannot assume they interchange. Always provide your engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) when requesting a quote from a breaker, as this is more reliable than engine size alone.

Trim level — whether GL, GLS, CDi, or Sri — does not affect which water pump is fitted; what matters is the engine code, fuel type, and year. A pump from a GL with the same engine code as a CDi will be the same part, so do not pay a premium or dismiss a donor car purely on trim grounds.

Yes — diesel and petrol engines are entirely different units and their water pumps are not interchangeable. When searching, always specify both your fuel type and your engine code to ensure the breaker can match the correct pump to your vehicle.

1988 is a crossover year because the Mk3 was introduced partway through that year, meaning some 1988 cars are late Mk2s and some are early Mk3s. You should check your engine code and confirm the generation with the breaker against your registration before assuming compatibility either way.