Holden Rodeo Problems

Everything has a statutory guarantee with it that covers the goods as sold. That you installed the engine yourself shouldn’t have any bearing on the guarantee, unless it can be shown that you have done something to cause the fault. In your case it would seem that is not the situation and the problem is with the engine as supplied by Holden.

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.

Our LPG experts tell us there are a couple of issues that could create such a problem, but the most likely is that one of the control modules in the gas system has been damaged by water intrusion. Take it to an installer experienced with your brand of system.

That's not just bad fuel economy, it's bloody appalling. It would appear to be running very rich from your description, so I would fit an oxygen sensor if it doesn't have one. If it does it would appear that it's not working.

We are told there can be problems integrating LPG systems on the Rodeo. Our advice is that with an early central point mixer type system the car’s ECU can be picking up an oxygen sensor signal that is at variance to the normal signal when running on petrol. Later injection systems don’t suffer from this problem. To sort that out you need to take your car to an LPG specialist. Also check the obvious, that your car is tuned correctly.

The Rodeo has a known issue that can cause the petrol consumption while operating on LPG, as you describe. You need to take it to an LPG mechanic, preferably one who knows the particular system fitted to your vehicle who should be able to fix it.

I wouldn't think so. The fact that all four doors are affected suggests it hasn’t been in a crash. If it were one or two doors, then you might be more suspicious. If you’re concerned about it having been in a crash look for overspray in the surrounding areas, on the seals, in the door openings etc. A check of the write-off register at your registration authority would tell you if it has been written-off.

It would be possible, but I wouldn’t recommend doing it, as there’s too much work required. I would recommend converting it to LPG, you’ll get the savings and it won’t cost you anything like as much. Use a good quality sequential LPG injection system, and check the general condition of the engine before making the conversion.

If the engine were reconditioned by a reputable engine reconditioning company and they gave you a guarantee with it you can be confident that it will last a long time. How long is impossible to say. There would be little difference between the exchange reconditioned engine and the one done by your mechanic. Either way you should check on what they are going to do the engine in the reconditioning process, so you can be confident that it is done professionally and properly.

Without knowing anything about its condition it’s hard to give an accurate value, but the private price guide is $5000 to $65000 and the trade-in price guide is $2500 to $4500. On that basis the asking price seems reasonable, but try offering them $2500.