Holden Commodore Engine Problems

Clearly not all cars use oil, and perhaps yours being used on mostly country trips might suggest usage is a factor. It could also come down to the way a car is run-in when new. Running-in is important and can have a dramatic effect on things like oil consumption, and today we don't pay too much attention to running-in a new engine as we did in earlier times. Good to hear of your experience.

The Holden V6 clearly has a problem with the timing chain, and like you I don't think it should have to be replaced, certainly not at such a low kay reading. I believe you should at least have a claim against Holden to cover part of the cost of replacing the chain. Go back to your dealer, and if necessary Holden as well, and press your claim.

We haven't had any reports of water leakage on this model, which suggest there isn't a widespread problem. You don't say if the car has been involved in a crash, as sometimes water leaks can be a problem caused by poor panel fitment when a car has been repaired. Other than that check all the seals, doors, windows, air vents etc.

It's hard to suggest what might be wrong without seeing the car, so I suggest the best thing is to have an LPG specialist look at it. Give the people at Impco a call on 03 8788 1000 and ask them to check the car for you.

I would guess that by specifying the fuel the mechanic is eliminating fuel as a potential cause, so I would go along with him while he attempts to isolate the cause of the problem. As it doesn't show-up on the diagnostics it's hard to track down, so give the mechanic some space to get to work on it, but keep the pressure up. At the end of it it's likely to be a faulty sensor or maybe a faulty coil pack.

That it starts fine when it's cold and enriched, but not when it's warmed up and not getting any extra fuel suggests it could be a fuelling issue. Have a mechanic check the fuel pressure; it might not be getting enough fuel on hot restarts.

The Commodore V6 engine uses oil, that's clear from the number of complaints we get from owners saying their cars use an excessive amount of oil, even from new. We have asked Holden to explain to us what is causing the problem and what they are doing about it. We have heard that it is an engine breathing issue with this engine, but so far that hasn't been confirmed. Take your car back to the dealer and register your concern about oil usage and ask that they conduct an oil consumption test to determine the extent of the problem.

Hopefully you will receive the attention you need to fix the oil consumption problem. It's good to hear of a satisfactory outcome.

Holden has an obligation to fix your car if it has a problem, and while you might disagree it would seem that they have attempted to fix it. They fitted a short motor, then offered to fit another one, and they have done an oil consumption test to determine if it does have an oil consumption issue. Most Holden V6s do have an issue with oil consumption, so I wouldn't be surprised if yours does as well, but it comes down to how much oil it uses as to whether it has a problem. If you doubt the results of the oil consumption tests, do your own.

We haven't had any other reports of this issue, but we have seen reports of the radiator failing. The plastic fitting in the radiator breaks away and you need a new radiator. The problem seems to occur when the car has done around 70,000 to 80,000km. I would be pressing the dealer and Holden for a replacement radiator.