Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

Critical Engine, Nissan RB30ET (VL Turbo)

Boost Creep / Overboosting

Symptoms

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

Cause

The factory wastegate actuator weakens with age. The wastegate flap can also develop carbon buildup on the seat, preventing it from sealing properly. On modified cars, a boost leak (split intercooler hose, loose clamp) can paradoxically cause the turbo to spool harder to compensate, leading to high peak boost spikes.

Fix

Replace the wastegate actuator ($100-200).

Clean the wastegate flap and seat.

For modified cars, fit a manual boost controller or electronic boost controller for precise boost control.

Check all intercooler piping for leaks using a boost leak tester (pressurised from the intake side, listen for hissing).

Cost mentioned in fix

$100-200

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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.

Common Engine, Nissan RB30ET (VL Turbo)

Air Flow Meter (AFM) Failure

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

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