Holden Commodore Problems

FIRST check the drive belt to make sure it's in good condition and tensioned correctly. Then check the compressor. The refrigerant gas carries a lubricant which is used to lubricate the compressor. If the system runs low on gas you can damage the compressor, so make sure the system is correctly charged with gas. If it is low, there is probably a leak in the system that will need checking by an airconditioning expert. Your car is 12 years old, so it's possible the noise is being caused by worn bearings in the compressor.

YOUR problem isn't unique. Start by making sure your ignition and fuel settings are correct. If they are, have a leakdown test done to determine if you have a leaking valve or valve guide. They are a common cause of backfiring. The air/fuel mix in the intake manifold is igniting and the pressure created is blowing your intake box apart.

I LIKE the more sporty two-door Prelude, but can understand the practical appeal of the Commodore. Both will have high odometer readings, so you will need to choose carefully, particularly in the case of the Honda, which is more inclined to suffer if not well serviced.

I WOULDN'T do it. You'll only turn it into a bitzer and destroy its resale value. Holden sells few manual Commodores because people prefer autos. But manuals do exist, so look for one.

IF HIS priorities are reliability and costs, I would recommend a Toyota Hilux, either a diesel or a four-cylinder petrol. But I'm guessing he wants a little more zip. If he wants a Holden or Falcon ute, then the six-cylinder models are the way to go. They are equally reliable, but the Holden will be a little cheaper to run. Lowering the suspension would cost $500 to $1000, depending on what he wants done.

YOUR problem is not unusual and there are several possible causes: fuel, ignition or engine wear. First, make sure the ignition is set correctly and it's not a bad idea to close up the spark-plug gap a little when you do that. It's also worth having a leak-down test on the engine, which will show up a leaking valve or worn valve stem seals. I'm guessing your engine has done plenty of kilometres and wear could be causing your problem.

THE VX runs fine on LPG. The system commonly used is an air-valve type, which like a carburettor for gas, rather than the later injection systems that are now used on the VZ Commodore. Look for a system such as Impco, which was factory-endorsed for the Commodore.

YES, the VZ can be fitted with LPG, and Holden has a factory-approved duel-fuel kit that was developed by Impco. But it's available only on the VZ Executive sedan and wagon, so you may have to look to an after-market kit for another model. In that case, the engine won't have the internal changes, but Impco and Victorian Autogas Supplies have kits that are satisfactory on the Commodore.

MY INFORMATION is that this ute has a 3.46 diff ratio with the manual gearbox and a 3.08 with the auto. Going to a 3.73 would have made fuel consumption worse. I'm surprised you changed to this ratio. In any case, before you changed the ratio you should have had the car checked to determine why its fuel consumption was so poor. There is something wrong with it given the air-fuel ratio is so rich. By changing the ratio you have modified the vehicle, which I'm guessing is why Holden is refusing to cover it under warranty. Continue to talk to Holden to find a solution that is going to satisfy you. If you can't,, then think about resorting to legal action. But before you try the latter, have your car checked by an expert such as Mark Trounsen of Dynomotive to make sure it is as it should be.

YOU'VE wasted your money. You will do no damage to your suspension by running on the smaller tyre. It is a normal road tyre with the correct load and speed rating for your car, and is the standard road tyre on the Executive. Holden recommends using it only temporarily because you won't get optimum handling when running with one smaller tyre.