Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV

1988-2006 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems All workshop issues

Critical Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Harmonic Balancer Failure (Ecotec, VS onwards)

Symptoms

A wobbling pulley on the front of the crankshaft. Knocking or rattling noise from the front of the engine. The drive belt may track poorly or come off.

Cause

The harmonic balancer (crank pulley) is a two-piece unit bonded with rubber. The rubber deteriorates with heat and age, allowing the outer ring to separate from the hub. The outer ring carries the serpentine belt and the crank position sensor reluctor, if it separates, the engine loses belt-driven accessories and may stall.

Fix

Replace the harmonic balancer.

The old one must be pulled with a balancer puller, do not pry it off or you'll damage the crankshaft nose.

Torque the bolt to the specified value (200 Nm+).

A new balancer is $100-250.

The job takes 1-2 hours.

Cost mentioned in fix

$100-250

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// More Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems

Other known issues

Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Intake Manifold Gasket Leak

Coolant leak at the junction of the intake manifold and cylinder heads. May present as coolant loss without a visible external leak (coolant enters the intake ports), or as a coolant stain on the side of the engine. Engine may run rough or misfire if coolant enters the combustion chamber.

Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Supercharger Bypass Valve Failure (L67 supercharged V6)

Loss of boost, rattling from the supercharger, reduced performance. The supercharger may make a whining noise that changes with the valve's operation.

Critical Engine, V6 (Alloytec 3.6L, VZ)

Timing Chain and Guide Failure

Rattling noise on cold start that may persist after warm-up. Check engine light with codes related to camshaft timing. Rough idle, misfiring, loss of power. In severe cases, the engine won't start or runs extremely poorly.

Critical Engine, V6 (Alloytec 3.6L, VZ)

Oil Leaks from Timing Cover

Oil weeping or dripping from the front of the engine, behind the harmonic balancer area.

Common Engine, V8 (Holden 304, VN-VS)

Hydraulic Lifter Noise

Ticking or tapping noise from the top of the engine, worst on cold start. May persist for several minutes or be constant.

Critical Engine, V8 (Holden 304, VN-VS)

Oil Pump Drive Shaft Failure

Sudden loss of oil pressure. Oil pressure warning light illuminates. Engine noise increases rapidly. Catastrophic engine failure if not caught immediately.

View all 20 Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems