Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

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

Oil Leaks (All Holden Six and V8)

Symptoms

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

Cause

The rear main seal on the Holden six and V8 is a rope seal that hardens with age. The rocker cover gasket, timing cover seal, and oil pan gasket also deteriorate. Every old Holden six or 308 V8 leaks oil, it's a question of how much.

Fix

Replace seals and gaskets as needed.

The rear main seal requires the gearbox or engine to be removed, it's a significant job ($500-1,000 at a workshop).

Rocker cover gaskets and timing cover seals are straightforward DIY jobs.

Many owners live with a slow rear main seal leak and just keep the oil topped up.

Cost mentioned in fix

$500-1,000

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Other known issues

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 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.

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.

Common Engine, Nissan RB30E (VL naturally aspirated)

Oil Consumption

Oil level drops between services. No visible external leaks.

View all 21 Commodore (VB-VL) problems