VZ Motor Replacement

[madbart2000]

Hi Guys,
My VZ wagon has done approx 150,000k and the motor started making strange noises yesterday. I took it to a dealership and had it assessed and they indicated it was an oil pump problem and that it would need to be repalced.

I drove it home and took it to the dealership closer to home and they have inidcated that the motor will either need to be rebuilt or replaced.

I would have thought that I would get more than 150K out of a motor on a 4 year old car????

And yes engine oil changed and serviced between every 10-15 thousand K's so well within their limit. I did buy the car with 40,000 3 years ago 12 months old.

As a side note they want $5000 to rebuild or $4300 for a second hand motor with 30,000 fitted. Also I am looking to move the car on prior to the end of the year.

Your thoughts of what my next move should be?

[poweredbycng]

I'd say you should get an opinion from an independent mechanic before doing anything else.

Regards,
Dave

[88GreenVN]

I'd try a wrecker for a VZ fit - I'd say much cheaper than $4500. Can get complete cars from auction for less then $8,000 at the moment.

[andyman]

get another opionion, not saying there isnt something wrong with the motor, but generally alloytecs are pretty tuff and should last atleast double those km's with regular servicing without many dramas

[policehoon]

I thought the Holden VZ engine was pretty much bullet proof, with just standard city driving and being looked after.

Especially an engine with only 150 ks on the clock

[madbart2000]

Thanks guys. It has been suggested to me that it may well be the oil pump as the oil warning light comes on every now and again and they think it is lacking in pressure. Having said that I drove it for about 30ks this morning with no warnings appearing and the motor sounded normal.

[Scooter79]

Dealers will do just about anything to take your money. Replacement engine is a pretty drastic thing when it could be something very simple. I'd be curious to know how they came to the conclusion the whole motor needs replacing?

[Torquative]

and mines done 150 000 with 90 000 of those being police kays with no issues so it has me intrigued.

[Ozzie]

Click > this Link <

It will give you an idea of how much their making off a second hand engine with less kw.

If you go this way you will only pay for labour

[madbart2000]

There has been yet another theory in my cars wooes. Apparently there is a filter in the oil pickup.
when the car warms up it clogs up reducing the pressure of the oil giving the warning.

When the car cools down the crap drops off the filter and works ok again.
It only happens when the cars get warm.

Your thoughts?
s

[andyman]

generally if your car has been serviced correctly with the proper grade oil used, there shouldnt be a great sludge build up in the motor, unless you have lil kiddies that like sticking leaves and things in the motor,

not really a filter though, its just a screen to stop pistons and conrods from getting sucked up into the motor when they break off

[danja]

Maybe run a bottle of oil flush through it and put some fresh oil in?

For $15 and the cost of an oil change, probably the cheapest place to start if you suspect the oil system.

[88GreenVN]

The oil pressure sensor/switch is shaping as a weak link in the VZ. As is the BCM/Key.

[madbart2000]

thanks Guys, Both of those have been done. I will see how it goes today.

[Torquative]

andy i think hes talking about the oil pickup in the sump, if thats blocked it will restrict the oil feed and thus upset pressure

[andyman]

andy i think hes talking about the oil pickup in the sump, if thats blocked it will restrict the oil feed and thus upset pressure

yeah i know, if you see a sludged up motor , chunks and sheets of gunge ends up in the sump from falling out around the motor, it could block the pick up

[ls1calais]

i have a vz sv6 wreck if you are looking for parts

[ls1calais]

if anyone else is interested give me a call 0413621660 also has injected gas system

[Dz811]

it does kinda upset me that an alloytec goes so quickly...

mine has done 185k, but been owned by two p-platers (including me, and let's face it, we're not the must subtle drivers).... So it's probably done half a million k's worth of work so far anyways....

but I reckon they're bulletproof? I'v always been pretty pedantic checking oil and filters, only using premium and checking coolant etc
I couldn't give it any more praise myself, but i suppose being an engine that comes off a production line, sometimes you'll get a good one, sometimes you won't....

[Zuicider]

it does kinda upset me that an alloytec goes so quickly...

mine has done 185k, but been owned by two p-platers (including me, and let's face it, we're not the must subtle drivers).... So it's probably done half a million k's worth of work so far anyways....

but I reckon they're bulletproof? I'v always been pretty pedantic checking oil and filters, only using premium and checking coolant etc
I couldn't give it any more praise myself, but i suppose being an engine that comes off a production line, sometimes you'll get a good one, sometimes you won't....

touch wood

[vzalloytec]

I have the same issue, how did you go with this in the end. I tried an oil flush, but still suspect a blocked pickup.
Cheers

[Dz811]

lol since i last posted in this thread, now up to 211,xxx kays and still no (major) problems

[Benboy]

I have been told that the Alloytec is very susceptible to damage as a result of inadequate or inappropriate oil. Damage can result if incorrect grade of oil is repeatedly used and left in place too long. Strongly suggest to all Alloytec owners to change your oil every 6 months including a NEW filter. Cheap insurance for engine longevity.

[too jazzy]

my dads a cabby and he's done close to 300k on the alloytech and no problems yet touch wood
on the old ecotech we did almost 500k before valve problems so i would say their pretty tough engines

[mdt]

I have just had the 'check oil' come up on the computer in car.
Car is 2004 vz with 96000kms on clock.
Returned it to the holden service center where it has been serviced for the last 3 times and they have got a low oil pressure readings at idle and at 2000rpm more loss at high revs, especially when hot.
A friend suggested to surf the net for problems with vz motor and is pretty much the same diagnosis as

'madbart2000'

dealer told me $4217.50 for exchange motor with 89000kms on clock wreckers want $2400.00 with
120 000kms either way why DOESN'T THIS MOTOR MAKE IT TO 100 000KMS.

Took it for a drive yesterday and took it about 40kms for the 'check oil' to come on the computer.
Only comes on when hot.

Any feedback on oil pressure problems solved?