Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

Common Engine, Nissan RB30E (VL naturally aspirated)

Oil Consumption

Symptoms

Oil level drops between services. No visible external leaks.

Cause

The RB30E's valve stem seals deteriorate with age, and the piston rings can wear, particularly in engines that have spent most of their life doing short trips (carbon buildup glazes the bores).

Fix

Start with a compression test.

If compression is even across all six cylinders (above 140 psi), the issue is likely valve stem seals, replace them.

If one or more cylinders are significantly lower, the engine needs a rebuild or at minimum a re-ring.

Budget $1,500-3,000 for a full rebuild.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $1,500-3,000 for a

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Other known issues

Critical Engine, Nissan RB30E (VL naturally aspirated)

Timing Chain Stretch

Rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start. Rough idle that may smooth out as the engine warms.

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