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Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV

1988-2006 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems All workshop issues
Common Engine, V8 (LS1 5.7L / LS2 6.0L, VT-VZ)

Lifter Tick

Symptoms

Light ticking noise from the top of the engine, usually on cold start. May or may not persist once warm.

Cause

The LS1 and LS2 use hydraulic roller lifters. The roller bearing in the lifter can develop a flat spot, causing a tick as it rotates on the camshaft lobe. Oil quality and change intervals directly affect lifter life. Some lifter tick is considered normal on LS engines, a light tick on cold start that disappears within 30 seconds is generally not a concern.

Fix

If the tick persists after warm-up, replace the affected lifter(s).

On the LS1/LS2, this requires removing the intake manifold, valve covers, and rocker arms.

Replacing all 16 lifters while the engine is apart is sensible.

Parts: $200-400 for a complete set.

Labour: 6-8 hours.

Cost mentioned in fix
$200-400 for a

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Other known issues

Common Engine, V8 (LS1 5.7L / LS2 6.0L, VT-VZ)

Valley Cover Oil Leak

Oil pools in the "valley" between the cylinder banks, visible when the intake manifold is removed. Oil may weep from the manifold area externally.
Critical Engine, V8 (LS1 5.7L / LS2 6.0L, VT-VZ)

DOD/AFM Lifter Collapse (VZ LS2 with DOD)

Misfiring on specific cylinders, rough idle, check engine light. Metallic knocking from inside the engine.
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.
Critical Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Harmonic Balancer Failure (Ecotec, VS onwards)

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