Holden Rodeo 1997

Holden Rodeo 1997 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Rodeo here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Will I be able to salvage the engine of 2004 Holden Rodeo after the seller drove across a creek without a snorkel and it took in water?

  When an engine (petrol or diesel) inhales water through its air-intake system, it's never usually a good outcome. Because water is – as is any liquid – non-compressible, the engine's pistons will try to achieve that but, in the process, the engine will lock up and all sorts of internal carnage can ensue.

  If you're lucky, the damage will be fixable but can still involve bent con-rods, broken pistons and bent valves. If the lock up was more severe, there's a chance that the engine block could be cracked or a con-rod has broken and punched a hole through the crankcase. Sometimes the force of the lock up is sufficient to smash the main bearing caps and throw the crankshaft out of place. In any of those latter cases, the whole engine would be considered a total loss.

  But even if you've gotten away with a bent con-rod or two, you'd still need to rebuild the entire engine and, in the context of a 2004 Rodeo ute, you might find you're spending more money than the vehicle is actually worth.

  A potentially better idea would be to find a good, tested second-hand engine from a wrecking yard or any other sort of damaged Rodeo and do a relatively simple heart transplant.

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• Holden Rodeo 2006: What does upgrade mean?

  There was a mid-model update released on the Rodeo late in 2005. It’s probably relating to that.

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• What ute is a good first car?

  The Brumby would have been a good choice 10 years ago, but finding one now that hasn’t been driven into the ground, beaten to death, or rusted away is nigh on impossible. Instead of buying a dodgy old your son a favour and buy him a decent car, one that doesn’t belong in a scrap yard, and will serve him well for some time into the future. I would go for a Hilux, Triton, or Bravo 2600.

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• Tip for repairing diesel injectors

  Seeking the help of a diesel engine mechanic is a good idea, they often have greater expertise on diesel engines than mainstream dealers and can make repairs at a lower cost to you.

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