Skip to content
MOTRS

EH / EJ

1962-1965 / Sedan / Australia

All EH / EJ problems All workshop issues
Minor Transmission

Second Gear Synchro Wear (3-Speed Manual)

Symptoms

Grinding or crunching when shifting into second gear, particularly on quick downshifts.

Cause

Second gear synchro wears because it's the most-used ratio. After 60 years, even lightly-used gearboxes will have wear.

Fix

Gearbox rebuild with new synchro rings.

Budget $800-1,500.

Double-clutching on downshifts extends synchro life.

Some owners simply tolerate the crunch.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $800-1,500

Know something we don't?

Owned a Holden EH / EJ? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update
// More EH / EJ problems

Other known issues

Minor Transmission

Column Shift Linkage Slop (3-Speed)

Vague, imprecise gear selection from the column-mounted lever.
Common Transmission

Clutch Wear

Clutch slips under acceleration (engine revs rise without corresponding increase in road speed). Clutch pedal bites very high. Judder on takeoff.
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Rear Main Seal Oil Leak

Oil drips from the bellhousing area. Oil accumulates on the underside of the engine and gearbox. Oil spots on the garage floor.
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Worn Valve Guides

Blue smoke on startup that clears after 30-60 seconds. May also smoke on overrun (deceleration after highway driving).
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Carburettor Issues

Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, black smoke, poor fuel economy, fuel smell.
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Cooling System Marginal in Traffic

Temperature gauge rises in slow traffic, particularly on hot days. May push coolant out the overflow.
View all 18 EH / EJ problems