Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

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

Worn Valve Stem Seals

Symptoms

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

Cause

The rubber valve stem seals harden and crack with age, allowing oil to seep past the valve stems and into the combustion chambers overnight.

Fix

Replace the valve stem seals.

This can be done with the head in situ using a compressed air adapter to hold the valves up, you feed compressed air into the spark plug hole to keep the valve from dropping while you swap the seal.

A valve spring compressor tool is essential.

Budget $50-100 for a seal kit plus a Saturday afternoon.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $50-100 for a

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// More Commodore (VB-VL) problems

Other known issues

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.

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