Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

Common Engine, Nissan RB30ET (VL Turbo)

Air Flow Meter (AFM) Failure

Symptoms

Engine stumbles, surges, cuts out, or won't rev past a certain point. May run fine at idle but die under load. Intermittent misfiring.

Cause

The VL turbo uses a Bosch L-Jetronic air flow meter, a flap-type meter with an internal potentiometer that measures intake airflow. The potentiometer develops flat spots (dead zones) from wear. The flap can also stick if the intake system is contaminated with oil mist from a worn turbo.

Fix

Test by tapping the AFM while the engine is idling, if the idle changes, the potentiometer has flat spots.

Replacement AFMs are $150-300 secondhand.

Many modified VL turbos convert to a MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor setup, which eliminates the AFM entirely and allows for larger turbos and higher boost.

This requires an aftermarket ECU or piggyback unit.

Cost mentioned in fix

$150-300

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Other known issues

Critical Engine, Nissan RB30ET (VL Turbo)

Head Gasket Failure

Overheating, white smoke from the exhaust (especially under boost), coolant loss with no visible external leak, milky residue on the oil filler cap, coolant in the overflow bottle that smells of exhaust, bubbles in the coolant when the engine is running.

Common Engine, Nissan RB30ET (VL Turbo)

Turbocharger Wear

Blue smoke under boost, oil in the intercooler piping, excessive shaft play (compressor wheel contacts the housing), whistling or grinding noise from the turbo.

Critical Engine, Nissan RB30ET (VL Turbo)

Boost Creep / Overboosting

Boost gauge reads higher than the set level, particularly in higher gears under sustained load. The car feels faster than it should.

Minor Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Worn Valve Stem Seals

Blue smoke on startup that clears after 30 seconds to a minute. May also smoke briefly on deceleration after sustained highway driving.

Common Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Carburettor Issues (VB-VH)

Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, flooding, poor fuel economy, black smoke.

Critical Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Oil Leaks (All Holden Six and V8)

Oil on the garage floor, oil smell, oil coating on the underside of the engine.

View all 21 Commodore (VB-VL) problems