VY Commodore 3800 water leak repair.

This is not uncommon.

[@frontlinebandindia]

I have a 2002 vx commodore and I have the exact issues that’s mentioned in the video, literally all of them, this guy knows his commodores ..

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate..Yeah I've messed with plenty of 'em.

[@shmoke0098]

Just done a valley gasket on my VY, car had done 280ks. Saved a ton of money doing it myself. Nice video man! Good stuff

[@ziggassedup]

That is awesome!..Cheers.

[@RustyGlovebox]

It is good to have a customer that understands the need for maintenance. Great tips and nice Work ZIG.

[@ziggassedup]

Things ware out and I've seen enough of these to know where to look..Cheers Lloyd.

[@rockerpat1085]

Yep a typical GM 3.8L!!! I've done hundreds if not thousands of those when I worked at the Buick dealership!!! Only reason I like those plastic gaskets is they are easier to clean up and since they go out often it's good for business!!! Another fine repair there Ziggy!!! Keep Rocking it out Down Under!!!

[@ziggassedup]

Easy money and pretty stout engines.

[@davesknifesharpeningsystem343]

I have a holden commodore v6 can you tell me is it possible for air to leak from intake manifold to cooling system as i have air in the cooling system had it to the radiator place to bleed the air out 2 times it still comes back can hear air in the water running under the dash

[@txsviking]

Had the same issue with my 96 Chevy truck. Twice. You explained it very well.

[@ziggassedup]

Thanks Terry..World wide problem by the sounds of it.

[@benbatty1859]

this just cured me of pain the answers to all the 3.8 myths. My old beaten up VY has 482k with lpg duel fuel and im determined to push her abit longer yet! Thanks for everything mate cheers..

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate.

[@michelebeck4311]

Bloody hard to find a good mechanic now days, shame im in nz. Cheers mate.

[@ziggassedup]

That's a bugger mate...Cheers.

[@stevewilson8752]

I must i love Thickshakes 🥤 & i always learn something from Your videos about cars 😜 VY Holden Calais V6 owner from bundy 👍🕺

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate...

[@andrewlace]

I've subscribed these are great reference videos. Really appreciate all the effort. Hope you're doing well during this covid insanity.

[@ziggassedup]

Thanks Andrew...Hope you're well too!

[@wazowski6709]

Don't suffer from too many problems, proceeds to list almost everything under the hood 😂😂 Exceptional video, content was bang on & the the point. You've earned a sub good sir 👍

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate...Appreciated.

[@benedicturiah7037]

a tip : watch movies on kaldroStream. Been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.

[@brixtonroger3742]

@Benedict Uriah Yea, I've been using kaldrostream for since november myself :D

[@andrewlace]

I didn't put any silicon on the heater tensioner pipe o ring and it failed! Doh! Totally fine for a redo with some permatex gasket sealer. Previously used rtv. These were born to leak 😳 great advice on the rtv. My limited experience you're 100% correct.

[@ziggassedup]

You only make that mistake once mate....Hopefully...

[@Badgertronix]

Nice work Zig. Not had much to do with these but everytime I have it has been down to coolant leaks

[@ziggassedup]

It's their main weak point mate...Cheers.

[@rubenk1414]

Nice mate I just learned something new from a top bloke

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate...Have a goodie.

[@TheCuzzyJosh]

Awesome, in-depth good video a lot of people ask these questions in forums be sending them to this

[@ziggassedup]

cheers Josh...Glad to help.

[@closertothetruth9209]

Some GREAT Tips. and all the common things that you first listed are pretty easy fixes thankfully. supposedly there are all metal heater taps but i havent managed to find them for those models. i dont like the plastic rocker covers though that permanently warp and crack from people overtightening them. new water pump is nice. LOVE that coolant air bleeding method.

[@ziggassedup]

Yep..All easy fixes and cheap too...Cheers mate.

[@harryballs112]

Missus has one . Just changed the water pump and it still leaks ! So I'll try them o rings . Cheers mate good vid

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers Harry...Good luck mate.

[@fitzyholden1036]

G'day Zig. Did this job on my cook's VY a little while back. As I'm sure you have noticed the black plastic body of the gaskets often goes brittle and causes the seals to fail. I found that AC Delco make the same gaskets out of aluminium with the same seals squirted onto them. Cost a little more (around $90 a pair) but should last a lot longer I reken. Get back to you on that in another 200,000 clicks.

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers Fitzy.

[@MissouriOldTimer]

the first time I ever ran into metric bolts was on an 82 Chevy, I was gonna change the belts and found I din't have anything that fit the bolts,, if I remember right, those few were the only bolts that were metric, I had to go buy a cheap set of metric sockets to change the belts.

[@michelebeck4311]

I strike whitworth (english) quiet a bit, cant just pop to the store and buy it! My dear old grandad gave me his whitworth tools.

[@victorbitter583]

@@michelebeck4311 Yep, try undoing a tight 19/32W with any other spanner. It's not going to happen.

[@ziggassedup]

@@victorbitter583 I have a few Whitty spanners.

[@ziggassedup]

We've had metric for many years...I rarely use my imperial tools any more.

[@MalcOfLincoln]

Reminds me of the tractor. Had Whitworth, AF, Metric and some only an adjustable would fit.

[@ziggassedup]

I hear ya Malc...A bit of this and a bit that..You get to use all your tools on these things...lol

[@aidenh2563]

Just had mine done and KZbin recommends me your vid

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate.

[@rickwinkler7664]

A really useful vid. Been messing with cars since my teens, never had to work on one of these motors before, coz they don't break. (at 360,000 they're allowed)

[@ziggassedup]

Thanks Rick...They're one of those engines that when something goes wrong you don't say Oh No.!! you say Ok and it's easily fixed....Cheers mate.

[@BigGaz1953]

I put the VY in the same category as the VR and VP, for me

[@ziggassedup]

Pretty stout old rascals.

[@BigGaz1953]

yes mate

[@speedfreak1161]

Awesome video bloke straight to the point 👍😁

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate.

[@805ROADKING]

Good on ya Mate!!☺

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers Rk.

[@petergoodwin2465]

Nice job Zig, had an old Vr and that was a good car, much better engine than the Alloytec crap. Holden have always had great engines but that Alloytec was horrible. The old 3.8 goes well to, my Vr did 350,000 before i traded it on the Vz then the nightmare began. Worst thing i ever did. The vr ran great and was much faster than the vz, never used oil and i had no trouble with it at all. I should've just bought an SS like i have now. Watch out for the cheapo Blue steel clutches to, wifes SS has had the clutch and gearbox rebuilt and the cheapo clutch was shocking. Lasted a year and caused all types dramas .

[@ziggassedup]

Reliable old units mate and what broke or wore out was cheap and easy to fix...Cheers.

[@petergoodwin2465]

@@ziggassedup i wish Holden kept using these engines, i liked the vz but hated the engine with a passion. Sometimes id drive the old Chrysler to work because i was sick of Hyundias blowing me away in the vz . The alloytec was a slug . These ecotecs were great , will get my daughter a vy as a first car. My other daughter still has her vs shes had for 10years .

[@Badgertronix]

The brother in law has a VX commodore with the 3.8. He has said that he's getting oil and water mixing and was worried about the head gasket. I was thinking this is going to be a more likely cause. What do you reckon Zig? I haven't looked at it myself yet. Cheers

[@ziggassedup]

If the oil is brownish it will most likely be the valley gaskets but if it's redish it will be the radiator Johno

[@Badgertronix]

@@ziggassedup cheers mate. I'll have a look later this week. He had a new radiator not too long ago so probably the intake gasket.

[@shoominati23]

Thats one of the best engines ever made, the 3600 on the other hand *inserts fingers into mouth*

[@ziggassedup]

For sure Tom.

[@22MrHayden]

thats great news i picked up my vx 3.8 litre for 400 bucker off a farmer only thing wrong is missing 2 interior bits and after some looking into i will replace this gasket she will be smicko afterwards

[@iamasmurf1122]

You have to remember though the 3.6 litre motors are high output sixes and really good output , yes the 3.6 have issues with the timing chains however if you use full synthetic oils in them keep the engines highly tuned and get the car breathing better with a catchcan and delete the PCV valves they are nog a bad engine the 3.6 engines need slight modifications to protect timing chain lubrication

[@OGVSOGLUCKY]

10mm 13mm 8mm on water pump the rocker cover 3/8

[@ziggassedup]

And inlet manifold is 3/8.

[@drummermayhem4305]

Nice job mate, I’ve recently just done mine. Now I’m doing a clutch/fly replacement and noticed corrosion around the rear main seal plate. I removed the plate off a spare engine I have in the shed and noticed there were plastic locators on the bolts.. I’ve had a look around and none of the kits come with these. My guess would be these are to ensure the seal sits concentric to the crank when the plate is bolted up. How have you gotten on with this job? Cheers man

[@ziggassedup]

Yep they're locating sleeves..Job has been fine..Cheers mate.

[@cj8172]

Hi a few weeks ago I bought a 2002 VX ecotec wagon here in NZ. She's got 320k on the clock but spent most of her life as an open road car. She goes really well. I've just replaced oil and filter, trans fluid and filter, new plugs and air cleaner, cleaned MAF sensor and throttle body. Nothings leaking but I'm about to flush the cooling system and add a new water pump just for good measure, is there anything else you recommend replacing? Just want to keep her going for as long as possible. Cheers mate great video.

[@ziggassedup]

Keep an eye on the heater tap...Cheers mate.

[@scottallen7957]

Hi mate just wondering if that prong fails underneath the thermostat hosing will coolant pool on top of the manifold behind the alternator

[@ziggassedup]

Probably needs an inlet manifold gasket.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

You the man!

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers Bob.

[@taylapitt]

Legend!! Really you saved me so much time money and bullshit ❗️ thank you

[@ziggassedup]

No probs mate...Glad to help.

[@OGVSOGLUCKY]

That factory intake manifold gasket

[@ziggassedup]

Looks like it.

[@andrewlace]

Hey zig, how often would you think of doing the lifters while you're in the valley? Easy job while you're on the operating table I found.

[@ziggassedup]

Only if there was a lifter noise or something like that otherwise there roller lifters(Same as LS1) and rarely fail...

[@TheWreckingYard]

Nice work Ziggy

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers Ron.

[@clydehenderson1928]

Great video. The silicone sealant you used - didn't quite catch if it was ATV or RTV? Also is there a particular type best for that type of application (I'm doing the heater inlet pipe o-ring).

[@ziggassedup]

I use stuff called Vital Grey Pro made by V-tech...Cheers mate.

[@SuperLachlan1]

Do you have to use gasket sealeat when putting on the new water pump?

[@ziggassedup]

I do.

[@SUBEYLOVER]

Hey legend! Love your work. I have a 3.8l also and just today temp gauge going up and down and then hit red and coolant started pouring out what looked like reservoir tank…. Filled up with water and drove home fine… any help legend?

[@ziggassedup]

Make sure you pull the cover off and crack the bleeder when you fill the coolant...They are notorious for overheating when they get air pockets...See how ya go and let my know....Cheers Luke.

[@rocket81ful]

Just a query for anyone owning a vx commoder, the radiator oil cooler rubber seals can deteriorate, and cause leaking oil into coolant. this happened to me. car was running ok I had no issues with water in engine oil, or smoke out of exhaust, but could not work out where the brown sludge in coolant was coming from. I changed the Inlet manifold Gaskets, added new water pump, new heater valve & thermostat. but still had problem with brown sludge in coolant, thinking I my have done head Gasket or Cracked head. No it was just the rubber seals in radiator oil cooler had deteriorate, I brought new radiator installed it and problem was fixed. After looking at the old radiator I could tell the 2 rubber seals were completely gone on the radiator cap side. I hope this Helps someone with the same problem I had. ps you can fix old radiator with putting in new rubber seals.

[@ziggassedup]

Yes they do that.

[@drakeydotmpeg7890]

Where’s the water go In the valley

[@ziggassedup]

Inside and outside

[@jesuschrist-zw5pv]

hi nice vid. I got vx commodore with a slow coolant leak, under pressure test no leak, 9 hours later half cup of coolant is gone, no water in oil, no drips, its on gas too but no leaks in gas regulator, its got me stumped. any ideas?

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers mate..I'd check for combustion in the cooling system with a TK Head and block tester...Does it lose coolant if it doesn't get driven in a day.?

[@jesuschrist-zw5pv]

@@ziggassedup hey, yer sitting it loses coolant, I have had a look at that ink tester, mite buy some.

[@ziggassedup]

@@jesuschrist-zw5pv Coolant must be going somewhere...I'd think a pressure test should show up something.

[@jesuschrist-zw5pv]

@@ziggassedup I order all new heater pipes, O rings, I mite just do the air intake like you did in vid, all that should be left is, heater box, pipes in firewall, radiator for pin hole. if all fails $500 for second hand motor again.

[@motomoto8360]

got the same problem its a bit of a pain

[@ziggassedup]

But luckily it's a fairly cheap and easy fix.

[@bundymc502]

hey Zig, where are you based? Hopefully QLD!

[@ziggassedup]

Nah sorry mate...Sydney.

[@bundymc502]

Come to Gold Coast for a holiday and install one on my old column shift VS ?🙋🏻‍♂️

[@donny-ho1bm]

Is a vy engine an automatic gear box be placed in a vt commodore..or is there some wiring i need to change over..

[@ziggassedup]

Pretty sure it is...Both are M30(4L60) as I recall...Just double check that but pretty sure it's a clean swap...Even a VZ 4 speed trans will work if you change the bell housing.

[@donny-ho1bm]

@@ziggassedup I'll run it past my mate at the wreckers..thanks mate..

[@zakhealey8947]

Thanks Zig👍

[@ziggassedup]

No problem 👍

[@iamasmurf1122]

Its important these engine they always have updated coolant running in them most of these engines run nice with efficient fluids replaced when they should . reason why all this stuff deteriorated is from poor servicing people could save shitloads of money on repairs if they paid attention to the cars needs

[@ziggassedup]

That and the gaskets are a crap design.

[@iamasmurf1122]

ZIGgassedUP i dont really believe that i had s VS V6 same motor for 4 years i never replaced that gasket i did replace a whole lot of other leaks , heater tap , water pump the tensioner with new o-rings on the pipe that goes through tensioner , as well as a liitle leak from that pipe that joins heater tap into the top of engine , i actually saved the engine i had from a previous neglectfull owner who thought he knew about his commodore , the engine was on the verge of full blown electrolysis with little leaks appearing all over the place , i cleaned up the whole system never had an issue with that gasket . I also fitted a peformance radiator big aluminium radiator which bought the temp down a hell of a lot , if you know the VS commodores they seemed to run very hot on the gauge i tried everything to fix that all new sensors etc then eventually realised it was how they were , i did heaps of work on that car all synthetic fluids , chipped , pod filter with proper heat guards , performance coil packs , slotted and drilled rotors , i installed an upgraded alternator the police issue , new struts front and rear and much much more , i am a mechanic as well with a mobile business that really is not a business one makes money on , i do enjoy solving issues ! Problem in Australia is everyone wants everything for free its a ENTITLED country with entitled people not wanting to do what is required on their cars especially regarding safety

[@thebagdersarse5824]

Have you ever had one of these that keeps bursting the top hose? Cheers

[@ziggassedup]

Is there oil in the radiator.?...Radiator hoses don't like oil.

[@thebagdersarse5824]

@@ziggassedup Yeah, not loads but its there. maybe engine oil?, doesn't seem to be losing atf. Radiator has being replaced before, (split tank). You thinking Valley/intake gaskets or something else? its had them done before but don't know what kind of a job its had. Cheers

[@ziggassedup]

@@thebagdersarse5824 Yeah mate if the muck in the radiator is redish it's trans cooler if it's brownish then the most likely is the inlet manifold gaskets

[@thebagdersarse5824]

@@ziggassedup Thanks, looks like I'll be doing the intake gaskets then, hopefully it will be sorted. Thanks again.

[@victorbitter583]

You're an ace mechanic Zig. How much do you want to do a quad cam 2.0L 2006 impreza timing belt. With the $800 kit that has all new seals n tensioner n shit?

[@ziggassedup]

Where you at Vic.?

[@victorbitter583]

@@ziggassedup Girraween.

[@ziggassedup]

@@victorbitter583 Not game enough to try it yourself mate.?

[@victorbitter583]

@@ziggassedup I'd feel a lot more confident if I had the tool to lock the cams together. I've done a few quad cam belts before but I saw a vid that said it was best to use the locking tool on the Subie. Thoughts?

[@victorbitter583]

@@ziggassedup ok got it. delete if you like.

[@willcojak9650]

That is why I drive a Toyota.

[@ziggassedup]

And I drive a Nissan.

[@pauldunen5616]

Ive changed the heater water pipe o ring twice now im having problems with it sealing

[@ziggassedup]

"Ultra Grey" is the best thing to help those seal up.

[@pauldunen5616]

@@ziggassedup cheers m8 will try that new o ring in the mail broken hill way

[@OGVSOGLUCKY]

I always use sandpaper clean that Thermostat whole that pipe Pinch the O-ring always

[@ziggassedup]

Yep.

[@Los_Chanchulleros]

If you don't want to have coolant leaks again, don't use that plastic crap gasket. Buy aluminium gaskets, ZZPerformance sell them.

[@ziggassedup]

good tip.

[@davesknifesharpeningsystem343]

Does anyone know if its possible for 2004 v6 commodore to leak air from inlet mamifold to cooling system

[@ziggassedup]

Air.?...Do you have bubbles in the radiator.?...If so it's likely to be a head gasket issue and that's compression in the system...

[@davesknifesharpeningsystem343]

@@ziggassedup at first i could hear a noise like air trapped in the cooling system running under the dash.then a bottom radiator hose bust i put a new hose on and blead the cooling system evan the radiator guy done it after a day i noticed it was still running hot i put a new thermostat in as the other one wouldent open when i tested it in boiling water. I was told its a common problem with the valley cover inlet manifold to leak water in to the oil or externally one machanic told me it is possible for the water to leak in to the cooling system.if its only a inlet manifold gasket i can do the job my self if its head gasket its too big of a job and too expensive considering i only bought the car for $2000.i asked a machanic if he was to do a head gasket check would that determine if it was the head gasket or could it still be the inlet manifold he said most likely the head gasket but couldent be sure so thats why i was hoping someone could help as i was different stories from machanics

[@ziggassedup]

@@davesknifesharpeningsystem343 Did any one put a TK Head check on it.?..A blue chemical the turns to yellow when monoxide it detected in the radiator.

[@davesknifesharpeningsystem343]

@@ziggassedup no i asked them if they could check if the head gasket was blown they said they can do the test with the method you suggested but it will only tell them if the heads have leaks or the inlet manifold has a leak he said they normally buy the head gasget kit which as the manifold gasket in it and change them both.no machanic as told me if this test will pick up a leaky inlet mamifold only one told me air can get in to the cooling system if the inlet manifold as a leak on v6 engines.i just want to know if its possible to get air in the cooling system from the manifold as i will fix it for the sake of $80 for the 2 gaskets if its head gaskets i wont worry about it the engine as done 230,000 ks.thanks for your help

[@ziggassedup]

@@davesknifesharpeningsystem343 Here's how it works Dave...The cooling system and the combustion system and the atmosphere all have separate sealed systems...As the cooling system only generates 15psi(governed by the cap) and the combustion system generates 150+psi/cylinder there's a pretty good chance the "Air" is exhaust...Coolant can be pulled into the combustion chamber from intake vacuum or leak externally but not make air...Check the cap and all the hose clamps if the TK check reads OK...See how ya go with that lot...Cheers mate.

[@wtbm123]

Cool

[@ziggassedup]

Cheers Terry.

[@22MrHayden]

where are u located?

[@ziggassedup]

Western Sydney.

[@22MrHayden]

@@ziggassedup oh okay im south coast qld abit far but good to know of a good mechanic in that area

[@OGVSOGLUCKY]

I have did rear main cover on vs lucky manual one then auto one

[@ziggassedup]

Yeah mate I forgot the rear seal plate gaskets..Done a few of those too.

[@greggkuzila7513]

This is stupid design

[@ziggassedup]

A bit.