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MOTRS

Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues
Common Transmission

Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure (Manual)

Symptoms

Soft or spongy clutch pedal. Clutch pedal goes to the floor with no resistance. Clutch won't disengage fully, causing grinding on gear changes.

Cause

The clutch slave cylinder's internal seals deteriorate with age. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which corrodes the bore.

Fix

Replace the clutch slave cylinder.

Bleed the clutch hydraulic system.

Replace the clutch master cylinder at the same time, if one has failed, the other is not far behind.

Budget $100-200 for both cylinders plus fluid.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $100-200 for both

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Other known issues

Common Transmission

TH700-R4 Automatic Failure

Harsh 3-4 shift, slipping under load, shudder on light throttle, delayed engagement from Park to Drive.
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.
Critical Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)

Overheating in Traffic

Temperature gauge climbs into the red zone in slow traffic or on hot days. May push coolant out the overflow.
Common Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)

Worn Valve Train

Ticking or clattering from the top of the engine. May be constant or vary with RPM.
View all 21 Commodore (VB-VL) problems