Holden V6 Timing Chain Problems?

My daughter and her partner are looking at purchasing his parents' car, an early VF Calais V6 which has approx 100k on the clock. One owner, well looked after etc, the only potential problem is I have heard of expensive timing chain stretching problems.

I've had SFA to do with non V8s but my research would indicate VF V6s should not have any problems. However, even though they'd be paying way below market value, the fix is usually quoted at around $2.5k by dealers (not that she'd ever take it to one of them! [emoji44]) so I'm double checking my research is correct before they commit. [emoji16]

Thanks,
Gary

Yes Gaz the VF's are better than previous, though those V6's have a shitload more running gear on the valve gear side than our V8's. Some early preventative maintenance in that area is advised whether it's required or not is the best advice. Hope it goes well for her.

What sort of preventative maintenance are you talking Mick?

I think just make sure services don't go overdue, even better do them sooner than specified. While timing chain quotes seem to be generally over the $2000 mark, on the JC website Revhigh seem to be doing the V6 timing chains for about $1000, so especially if you're picking up less than market price, I'd say there is no reason not to pick grab that Calais while it's available.

Gaz here's a YT flick I found about the things to look out for with these engines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QLPU1Qh2oo

Thanks Mick - I do remember seeing that now a while ago, long before I thought I had any interest in it. :)

Happy Birthday too Gazza!! :cheers:

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Originally Posted by Wonky

My daughter and her partner are looking at purchasing his parents' car, an early VF Calais V6 which has approx 100k on the clock. One owner, well looked after etc, the only potential problem is I have heard of expensive timing chain stretching problems.

I've had SFA to do with non V8s but my research would indicate VF V6s should not have any problems. However, even though they'd be paying way below market value, the fix is usually quoted at around $2.5k by dealers (not that she'd ever take it to one of them! [emoji44]) so I'm double checking my research is correct before they commit. [emoji16]

Thanks,
Gary

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Service history is critical in these, oil changes before the 15k mark, if it's missed one could be issues, engine sludge build up and blocked oil pick ups kill them. Timing chains still have off issue in bf but mainly 06 to 08 VEs.

There are three HFV6 3.6l engines with varying incidence of timing chain issues. The 7.7mm pitch timing chain in the LY7 (VZ-VE) is the most likely to throw up faults. VE LLT revised the chains/guides. VEII-VF LFX should be fine. Quality 10W30 and perhaps 10k instead of 15k service intervals is the way to go with these.

Have been driving a 2006 VZ Exec daily myself for the last 7 years. Purchased it when it was 4 years old at 96k, now its 11 years and 176k. Besides a water pump replacement at 125k (very common issue) I've had no issues at all so far.

I must admit, the service history shows it's missed a couple of services in its early years before I purchased it. :doh:
I've always changed the oil myself since then at 10k intervals or less. Now I'm using a fully synthetic oil (Edge 5W30) as I find it doesn't sludge as quickly as the semi synthetic stuff I used a few years back.

Just my limited experience with Alloytecs. :)

My daily is a Dec 09 Berlina dual fuel 175k and small rattle at start up has started but otherwise fine, 7500km oil changes since 60k

My MY06 VE Calais was traded at 103,000 and not a single issue (50/50 split urban/highway) - was driven fairly hard, was used for allot of short trips where the thing barely came to temp. She was always cared for with regard to maintenance though. I don't think my VFII is as good to be honest.

My daughter had a VZ she ran up to around 200,000kms when she traded it in never having any problems. :cheers:

Random question then, team: If I was to buy a reasonable (150-200k) VE for my kids as their first car, would I be able to do the PCV mod, give it a good flush with an oil cleaning agent, fill with a good quality oil and assuming it was ok to begin with....have some timing chain-issue free motoring?

Mick

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Originally Posted by QIKMIK

Random question then, team: If I was to buy a reasonable (150-200k) VE for my kids as their first car, would I be able to do the PCV mod, give it a good flush with an oil cleaning agent, fill with a good quality oil and assuming it was ok to begin with....have some timing chain-issue free motoring?

Mick

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Engine flush can dislodge muck and cause more issues, find a post 08 VE with good service history and should be fine