just done this job on the ve few things to say dont be scared to tackle this yourself its just only time consuming i dont get why poeple say its impossible to do and also dont even think about pulling the gearbox out its not worth it the whole job took me 4-5 hours just make sure you have plenty of time doing this and have a clear mind also dont forget to remove the bonnet as well nobody mentions this makes the job 10 times easier goodluck everyone hope this comment helps
@@Verifyourageyep same thoughts , in usa motor is east west front wheel drive. Holden could've had thermostat at other end of pipe next to brake booster with cap/housing to remove in 5 minutes like a vy. Another reason why Holden closed to many stuff ups , ve and vf utes until late 2016 the ute body isn't sealed/paint protection properly on production line until they modified tank on production line late 2016 , there's going to be alot of utes rusting in rails with raw metal . Time for 3D printing metal someone redesign this pipe.
My first Holden FC (1970 second hand ) was a breeze. 2 Bolts, Gasket cut from Corn Flakes packet and a tube of Gasket Goo. The Thermostat Part came on a box about the size of a cigarette pack and you could pre-test it in a cup of boiling water before installation. 10 minute job with half a stubby in hand. !!
Thanks for putting this up.👍🏻 Did it yesterday. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Now need to replace the windscreen washer system, it broke in about 4 places as the plastic was so brittle.😂
Hello mate I just did this job today on my sons car. Thanks to your video it wasn’t too bad. Just wanted to say thanks cause it helped a lot! Cheers mate
That is a heck of a place to put a thermostat and housing. Nice job figuring out a short cut to get it swapped out and avoiding pulling the tranny. Good job ZIG
Usually there will be a code set for either temp too high or temp too low if the thermo is buggered...Waterpumps go frequently on Alloytecs so it mite be a good idea to sus that out too...Either way good luck mate.
Thanks mate ,i did love commadores till i started realising how soft they are n espeacaly the ridiculus placement of parts like the thermostate ,i just had an indicator relay prob not long ago what a joke ,never again will i touch a commy ,,great vid sir im sure it will help others
I remove the windshield wiper box all the time to gain access to the back of the engine!!! Makes life much easier!!! Another fine repair there Ziggy!!! Keep Rocking it out!!!
@@ziggassedup like the stupid heater hoses, 🤣 the one I'm doing is VZ done timing chains, remove clean sump, engine mount's, but some wirer connectors are crap if you don't know what type, thanks for the video, all the best
originally the v6 for ve was designed to sit side ways for a front wheel drive! That's why the thermostat is on the rear. Good job! how long did it take you? my mechanic reckons it takes 4 hrs? Thankyou for making this video im keen to try when i get time
I’m half way through doing mine after watching your video which has helped me out heaps thanks mate. The thermostat housing is all undone along with everything else. But how do I get the housing off of the larger coolent pipe, I’ve undone the bolt that holds them together and I can twist them, but I can not get it to seperate no matter what I do and I’m worried I’m gunna do damage pulling/twisting. Mind you I’m doing mine on a 14 year old vz ?
Cheers mate...Great to hear...There's a bolt holding the pipe on to the housing...You'll have to hunt around for it...If you have the new unit you can see where the bolt goes...Watch at about 2:30 for a bit....Good luck Doug.
ZIGgassedUP that’s all undone, i can twist or turn the housing, I just can’t seem to seperate the two pipes, only thing I can thing of doing is rebolt the housing back to the block and try and use something to try and lever the coolant pipe of the housing but I’m worried I might break the large coolant pipe. It twists but just won’t seperate
Hey guys,thanks for vids. My motor overheated & most of coolant drained. Got home refilled & Bled water. Just happened to look at Water Cap & both '0' Rings not on Cap.. How could that have happened?? thanks john
Exactly what i wanted to know, great video mate, also did you have to drain the system before starting...just replaced my coolant and water pump dont want to lose the fresh coolant i just put in,
My 91 year old grandfathers 2005 model VZ Commodore which runs the 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 engine has been losing coolant out of the thermostat area at the back of the engine so it's either got a leaky hose or thermostat housing. I had to drive 40 kilometres to give him some water 💦 to get home as it boiled over, it's done over 430,000 kilometres now,in the VZ Commodore,at least the rear engine mount needs to be unbolted then the transmission needs to be pushed to the side & unbolted as well as the top half of the inlet plenum removed. It seems that they're o.k. until something goes wrong with them then they're a pain in the ass to work on,I think that I'm better off with the VY which had the LS1 V8 engine fitted as the thermostat is fitted onto the water 💦 pump & on the front of the engine where there's much easier access !
Yeah that’s about the only simple fix on the ls1. Everything else is a total bastard. I loved my VX SS to death but it was a prick of a motor to work on, especially with age-perished plastic doodads aplenty. You wanna try replacing a blown aircon line.
Only just discovered this video and I’m impressed, my 07 VE Calais has started to overheat when stationary to long but hasn’t thrown a code as yet, not sure weather to head in the direction of thermostat or water pump first, is there anything I can check or look for to help narrow it down? Cheers 👍🏻
That's difficult mate..This vehicle gave a code that the thermostat was faulty yet it didn't overheat or present any issues other than an ECL...A new thermo fixed it...I think you need to investigate the cooling fans operation.
@@ziggassedup The thermo fans are definitely working and stay on even after the car has been turned off the further cool the engine after it’s over heated... it’s an interesting situation
My '07 VE Calais had fans running after stopping longer than usual. Coolant dip stick looked ok and I put it down to hot weather but monitored temp and one day it kept heating up into red but went back to normal before I could pull over. Then did it again before I got home. Checked coolant level in filler cap rather than overflow cap where dipstick is and coolant was very low. Mechanic suspects air pocket making coolant dip stick falsely showing ok despite coolant very low. Getting it checked over today to ensure no issues but hope simple top up with coolant solves it. Can't trust the coolant dipstick measure.
@@peterb2809 It's a fair chance it was just low of coolant..Seen it many times...Best is to check the coolant when it's cold and at the filler cap...Oh and be sure the cap is tight.
ZIGgassedUP lesson learned. Cap was tight alright - mechanic had to use multi grips to turn it. Neither of us could by hand! My 85 year old dad has a Vz Calais v8 and couldn't believe this design. Our mate is retired mechanic with HK Kingswood - reckons they'll have to bury him in it! Thanks for video - I help the old boys with CZcams and they help me with car experience!
Thanks Graham...Took me about 4 hours start to finish...Yep made here for Cadillac and SAAB then Holden thought let's screw things up a bit and stick 'em in a Commodore.
Hi Mate, that's a great video, I am chasing the pipe that comes off of the thermostat, the guy at the garage says I need a new one, it looks like the double pipe in your video? but they don't make them anymore 😞Would anyone know where I can pick one up from? I'm in North Qld, I have a 2007 VE SV6.
Hi Ziggy, I just wanted to ask mate? What was the process of removing the Driver's side trim the plastic cover (hanging over the plenum) the one you removed, I have been told it can be a little difficult. Can you do a video or explain it to me? Thank in advance, Markuss.
I do a bit of mechan work but not qualified in any way, would you remember me doing this job? Doing it for my borthers 2007 Holden commodore omega and what the range of tools you need for it. Kind regards Cochise
The first time I was told I would have to remove the transmission to get to my thermostat I laughed thinking that he was just having me on, I aint laughing now? Surely design engineers at Holden would have to know that thermostats frequently seize up, what were they thinking? Really starting to miss my old VT. WTF Holden?
@@georgebond02 surely the Aussie Holden engineers could have moved it to the hose at the front inlet like they usually did in all the earlier ones. I sold my VE now, got a vy & am much happier, the spark/ign coils going all the time, known for timing chain stretching too which is common & expensive, I am so glad I got rid of it, VY is heaps better, they handle better I think too, VE feels too big & front window pillars are too thick coz air bags in them , nah too many flaws for me, I got a supercharger off an l67 to put on my VY , feels like my old VT, Love it. Like VF but think I will stick with the VY for now, last of the ecotecs..
@@jasonparker3147 that's what I was thinking as well but no. I wanted to get a vf but I heard of people having to do timing chains so I probably won't be getting one. The supercharged ecotec is awesome good on you for doing that
I'm about to do mine on a VZ. I'm doing timing chain, oil pump, thermostat and a few other things. I would never own a VE, way too much computer crap to go wrong. As it is, the VZ is bad enough, I'm selling my VZ once it's all back together and going good. Everyone has their own opinion on cars, obviously.
Video was great help, but now I've got a bigger problem one of the bolts for the new thermostat snapped of in the engine block any idea how to get it out? And its snapped fully in the bolt hole on the block, there no bolt sticking out
ZIGgassedUP it wasn’t tested, but thanks to your video I successfully managed to install a new thermostat and housing, first time took me about 3hrs all up, thank you thank you 🙏
On a crap note. the snapped the top off on one of the top bolts, maybe missing a O ring. but i have gasket sealant for it. and 5 hrs later , presto and sore arms and crooked back i did it. and saved $ 500.
and I though Subaru had a weird setup by having theirs on the bottom hose,, they are not bad to change but you have to drain the coolant out to do it,, or get an anti-freeze bath. lol
Shit im gonna have a crack at it when mine go's but ive got a broken back and a prosthetic leg so its Gonna be a mission for me haha an i say i love working on cars its my first alloytec and I am in 2 minds about it ive still got the vx and I love it i like the vz but ueah haha thanks for that mate
They sure do make things difficult these days... I say let them goofy engineers who design Autos try to do service on them!! “Cheers” Zig, great repair mate” 👍🏼👍🏼🚙🚗
@@ziggassedup 3 hours ,not bad mate . Took me 6hours but i had to walk away before i poured petrol on it and got rid of it. Wife kept telling me the neighbors can hear you swearing and calling it very bad names. I wouldnt mind if it went ok id probably put up with it but no way do those shit things make the power they say it does.
Awesome job , but someone needs to scan , metal 3d print a pipe/housing so thermostat is out between engine and booster with a cap to remove thermostat in 5 minutes
@@ziggassedup hey nah its the rubber O ring was seized in the connection between the bypass pipe and the thermostat housing I ended up getting it out , and get this I went and got an O ring from bearings service centre he measured the old one and gave me a new one and it leaked so I forked out for the genuine one and it was the same size but red , and here's the kicker I kept dickn around with it and the paint came off and it was the same as the O ring I bought for a dollar at the service centre that cost me $1 and the "genuine one" cost me $37.35. ripped off totally . So after it still leaking with the genuine one in it I noticed the groove the O ring sits in was wider than the ring itself so I put a thinner O ring in behind it and it fit and sealed and is still sealed 😎👍 what a drama . And thanks for the video you're awesome
You need to remember this Engine is a GM America design for east/west mounting in FWD vehicles. It was never a Holden design. My VZ has just clocked up 248,000kms and I’ve never had to change mine, but I’ve always maintained a good cooling system and coolant. These engines are a good engine, but they need regular / more frequent servicing if you want to avoid common issues like this one. I do oil changes at every 6000km interval and never follow the recommended 10,000kms. The PCV system on these engines isn’t brilliant and without regular oil change intervals these engines gum up fast. Thankfully mine is pre-Dec 2005 build and I don’t have the horrendous inverted tooth design timing chain and associated issues that came with that.
I as quoted 850 for this job, having the same problem, they said its not overheating which is good, but if the coolant starts to spill over in the engine then replace it.
Wonder how much it cost for someone to replace it ?? My ve is over heating and no one seems to wanna fix her - get a new car they say Haha its surprising how many won’t fix cars
@@ziggassedup true mate ,they told me to drop the trans as well. . When the timing chains went that was it . Traded it on a Vy SS ute. No more headaches, Sad thing is the V8 uses the same amount of fuel.
I did it the same way on my vz , by far the worst car ive ever owned . My old chrysler V8 has a million ks on it now but never breaks down and does 12 s , the vz was a slug . I hate alloytecs , This video gives me nightmares, Holden had a great V6 then they used this boat anchor. Wasnt used to a car breaking down as much as the vz . Holden always built beautiful engines but the alloytec was probably the end of Holden . Just cant believe that the same company who built 308s built this thing .
I found out a few tips to make it better on fuel economy and Power . By installing Mace 12mm Manifold Insulator Kit to it , changing the engine oil to Nulon Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel Oil.
😡😡😡 One of the dumbest designs I’ve ever seen. It cost me $1300 to get the thermostat changed on my VZ the box had to be dropped to get to it. Any wonder Holden went under still that what you get going cheap on design and using an engine meant for a front wheel drive GM.
When the oil pump is due it’s time to sell the bullshit just to change it best do the timing chain while at it because it’s all coming off anyway bastard of a engine
haha, if you're gonna remove the bonnet, GET OUT YOUR WHITE-OUT PEN AND TRACE THE BONNET BRACKETS FIRST, you ever tried to line it up then have to close it a million times to check the hood catch and gaps all line up? naaah, it's a bloody nightmare. SO, white-out pen folks
just done this job on the ve few things to say dont be scared to tackle this yourself its just only time consuming i dont get why poeple say its impossible to do and also dont even think about pulling the gearbox out its not worth it the whole job took me 4-5 hours just make sure you have plenty of time doing this and have a clear mind also dont forget to remove the bonnet as well nobody mentions this makes the job 10 times easier goodluck everyone hope this comment helps
I did this to show it's not impossible...How many vids are out there about changing a VE thermo.?...Yep...Good on ya mate.
A 4-5 hour job to replace a thermostat is ludicrous enough without taking the bonnet off as well!
@@Wazza722 the thermostat should have been located at the front like the VT
@@Verifyourageyep same thoughts , in usa motor is east west front wheel drive.
Holden could've had thermostat at other end of pipe next to brake booster with cap/housing to remove in 5 minutes like a vy.
Another reason why Holden closed to many stuff ups , ve and vf utes until late 2016 the ute body isn't sealed/paint protection properly on production line until they modified tank on production line late 2016 , there's going to be alot of utes rusting in rails with raw metal .
Time for 3D printing metal someone redesign this pipe.
My first Holden FC (1970 second hand ) was a breeze.
2 Bolts, Gasket cut from Corn Flakes packet and a tube of Gasket Goo. The Thermostat Part came on a box about the size of a cigarette pack and you could pre-test it in a cup of boiling water before installation. 10 minute job with half a stubby in hand. !!
@MelodyMan69 Times have changed my friend. Cheers mate 👍
@@ziggassedup
Yeh. The 'Stubby' remains true.
Thanks for putting this up.👍🏻
Did it yesterday. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
Now need to replace the windscreen washer system, it broke in about 4 places as the plastic was so brittle.😂
Good on ya mate.
How do you take the trims of under the hood cheers
Hello mate I just did this job today on my sons car. Thanks to your video it wasn’t too bad. Just wanted to say thanks cause it helped a lot! Cheers mate
You're welcome...Cheers Garry.
Thanks very much this has been so helpful and saved a bucket of money .
I'm about to embark on doing the same job on my 2006 VZ.
You're welcome mate...Good luck with it.
Vz you have to drop the engine don't you?
That's a lot of work for a thermostat. Great work Zig
Disastrous design Johno...Cheers mate.
Who would want to be a motor mechanic when this sort of bastardry is commonplace in cars today!! Thanks for the tip!!
Cheers mate.
Thanks for the video. I am halfway through the job already.
Good stuff mate.
Thanks for making this video mate. I have a SV6 that is losing coolant, I couldn't work out where from. Now I know how to fix it. Cheers
Glad it helped...Cheers Greg.
That is a heck of a place to put a thermostat and housing. Nice job figuring out a short cut to get it swapped out and avoiding pulling the tranny. Good job ZIG
Not a real good design..Cheers Lloyd.
Hey ZIG cheers for making the video my ve started overheating and lot of people were saying its the thermostat going to change it
Usually there will be a code set for either temp too high or temp too low if the thermo is buggered...Waterpumps go frequently on Alloytecs so it mite be a good idea to sus that out too...Either way good luck mate.
@@ziggassedup cheers mate 👍
Yea I'll be tackling my VZ over this longweekend, thanks so much for the video!!!
Not looking forward to putting that trim back together 🤣🙈
cheers
Thanks mate ,i did love commadores till i started realising how soft they are n espeacaly the ridiculus placement of parts like the thermostate ,i just had an indicator relay prob not long ago what a joke ,never again will i touch a commy ,,great vid sir im sure it will help others
Thank you sir.
I remove the windshield wiper box all the time to gain access to the back of the engine!!! Makes life much easier!!! Another fine repair there Ziggy!!! Keep Rocking it out!!!
Sometimes we need all the room we can get..Cheers Pat.
I wish i had a VE.
@@sillyover4076 no no mate they are an absolute lemon Yellow shitbox.......
How tho! I’m struggling to get them out
Thank you so much for making this video. I hope I never have to do this job, but if I do, I am glad I have this to refer to. 🙂😁😀
Thanks Peter....Let's hop you never need to do a thermo
Thanks very much Mike that was very helpful very helpful indeed thank you
Cheers.
It really helped with a mechanic wanted to charge me an arm and a leg
Very informative could show how to remove some of the hard clip, thanks for the information, all the best to you and your loved ones
Cheers Donald...What clips are they mate.?
@@ziggassedup like the stupid heater hoses, 🤣 the one I'm doing is VZ done timing chains, remove clean sump, engine mount's, but some wirer connectors are crap if you don't know what type, thanks for the video, all the best
I had to change it twice 😭 now it’s better.. mate don’t forget to vent trapped air from coolant system after changing thermostat.. thanks 🙏🏻
Cheers mate. The system is self bleeding.
Wow what a challenge a lot of working by feel.
Better than pulling the tranny.
Cheers mate im gonna apply the same method on my rodeo
You'll be right mate...Cheers.
Not sure if my thermostat housing gasket is leaking or the inlet o rings, or the water pump, can't see any of them. Top video too!
Cheers mate.
I see the rubber gasket sticking out when u tighten the outlet metal hose ..
originally the v6 for ve was designed to sit side ways for a front wheel drive! That's why the thermostat is on the rear.
Good job! how long did it take you? my mechanic reckons it takes 4 hrs?
Thankyou for making this video im keen to try when i get time
Cheers mate...Took me about 4 hours but I was filming too so...
I took 5 hrs and im not a mechanic .
I’m half way through doing mine after watching your video which has helped me out heaps thanks mate.
The thermostat housing is all undone along with everything else.
But how do I get the housing off of the larger coolent pipe, I’ve undone the bolt that holds them together and I can twist them, but I can not get it to seperate no matter what I do and I’m worried I’m gunna do damage pulling/twisting.
Mind you I’m doing mine on a 14 year old vz ?
Cheers mate...Great to hear...There's a bolt holding the pipe on to the housing...You'll have to hunt around for it...If you have the new unit you can see where the bolt goes...Watch at about 2:30 for a bit....Good luck Doug.
ZIGgassedUP that’s all undone, i can twist or turn the housing, I just can’t seem to seperate the two pipes, only thing I can thing of doing is rebolt the housing back to the block and try and use something to try and lever the coolant pipe of the housing but I’m worried I might break the large coolant pipe. It twists but just won’t seperate
@@dougwaite2088 There's an "O" ring holding it...Spray some WD40 or similar around them and wriggle them for a bit...
Looking Good Thanks
Thanks Jimmy.
Thanks for making the video mate I’m tackling this in a few days your a legend
You're welcome mate...Good luck with it....Cheers.
mean video mate helps alot ratsht i gota do this on my 09 ve plus a water pump but cheers any ways
Water pump is real easy...1 hour is plenty....Thermo is not so easy but not mega hard either...About 4 hrs...Cheers mate and good luck with it.
Hey guys,thanks for vids. My motor overheated & most of coolant drained. Got home refilled & Bled water. Just happened to look at Water Cap & both '0' Rings not on Cap.. How could that have happened?? thanks john
They corrode badly...I'll guess you still have the red coolant in there..I hope you bought a new cap...Cheers John.
Exactly what i wanted to know, great video mate, also did you have to drain the system before starting...just replaced my coolant and water pump dont want to lose the fresh coolant i just put in,
Yes you do and you'll make a mess...Just the way it goes mate...Cheers and good luck.
Thanks for the video tried it my inlet manifold won’t seal did you use gasket goo/silica for that part also?
Good for you..No sealant on the inlet manifold...Did you use new gaskets.?.
Is there a gasket for inlet manifold? I used new gasket too seal to motor no leaks there just leaking from inlet
@@mushijohnshrooms7294 Did you plug everything back in.?
My 91 year old grandfathers 2005 model VZ Commodore which runs the 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 engine has been losing coolant out of the thermostat area at the back of the engine so it's either got a leaky hose or thermostat housing.
I had to drive 40 kilometres to give him some water 💦 to get home as it boiled over, it's done over 430,000 kilometres now,in the VZ Commodore,at least the rear engine mount needs to be unbolted then the transmission needs to be pushed to the side & unbolted as well as the top half of the inlet plenum removed.
It seems that they're o.k. until something goes wrong with them then they're a pain in the ass to work on,I think that I'm better off with the VY which had the LS1 V8 engine fitted as the thermostat is fitted onto the water 💦 pump & on the front of the engine where there's much easier access !
I've done thermos on VZ over the top and by pulling the trans...I'd rather go over the top...Cheers mate.
Yeah that’s about the only simple fix on the ls1. Everything else is a total bastard. I loved my VX SS to death but it was a prick of a motor to work on, especially with age-perished plastic doodads aplenty. You wanna try replacing a blown aircon line.
Only just discovered this video and I’m impressed, my 07 VE Calais has started to overheat when stationary to long but hasn’t thrown a code as yet, not sure weather to head in the direction of thermostat or water pump first, is there anything I can check or look for to help narrow it down? Cheers 👍🏻
That's difficult mate..This vehicle gave a code that the thermostat was faulty yet it didn't overheat or present any issues other than an ECL...A new thermo fixed it...I think you need to investigate the cooling fans operation.
@@ziggassedup The thermo fans are definitely working and stay on even after the car has been turned off the further cool the engine after it’s over heated... it’s an interesting situation
My '07 VE Calais had fans running after stopping longer than usual. Coolant dip stick looked ok and I put it down to hot weather but monitored temp and one day it kept heating up into red but went back to normal before I could pull over. Then did it again before I got home. Checked coolant level in filler cap rather than overflow cap where dipstick is and coolant was very low. Mechanic suspects air pocket making coolant dip stick falsely showing ok despite coolant very low. Getting it checked over today to ensure no issues but hope simple top up with coolant solves it. Can't trust the coolant dipstick measure.
@@peterb2809 It's a fair chance it was just low of coolant..Seen it many times...Best is to check the coolant when it's cold and at the filler cap...Oh and be sure the cap is tight.
ZIGgassedUP lesson learned. Cap was tight alright - mechanic had to use multi grips to turn it. Neither of us could by hand! My 85 year old dad has a Vz Calais v8 and couldn't believe this design. Our mate is retired mechanic with HK Kingswood - reckons they'll have to bury him in it! Thanks for video - I help the old boys with CZcams and they help me with car experience!
Cheers gr8 video how many hours to do it All. Why the thermostat is at the rear of the motor, yes because it was designed for East West.
Thanks Graham...Took me about 4 hours start to finish...Yep made here for Cadillac and SAAB then Holden thought let's screw things up a bit and stick 'em in a Commodore.
@@ziggassedup thx mate
Hi Mate, that's a great video, I am chasing the pipe that comes off of the thermostat, the guy at the garage says I need a new one, it looks like the double pipe in your video? but they don't make them anymore 😞Would anyone know where I can pick one up from? I'm in North Qld, I have a 2007 VE SV6.
Those double pipes are the heater pipes...Maybe you can get some used ones...Cheers.
Hi Ziggy, I just wanted to ask mate? What was the process of removing the Driver's side trim the plastic cover (hanging over the plenum) the one you removed, I have been told it can be a little difficult. Can you do a video or explain it to me? Thank in advance, Markuss.
It's just a bunch of trim clips...Use a trim clip tool...Not too hard....Cheers Markuss.
I do a bit of mechan work but not qualified in any way, would you remember me doing this job? Doing it for my borthers 2007 Holden commodore omega and what the range of tools you need for it.
Kind regards
Cochise
Sorry mate it was long time ago now.
The first time I was told I would have to remove the transmission to get to my thermostat I laughed thinking that he was just having me on, I aint laughing now? Surely design engineers at Holden would have to know that thermostats frequently seize up, what were they thinking? Really starting to miss my old VT. WTF Holden?
I hear ya mate.
I laughed too , then cried when it was going to cost $610 to fix it. I did it myself.
This engine was designed for an East-West orientation for the US market, not too sure what cars this engine came in over there
@@georgebond02 surely the Aussie Holden engineers could have moved it to the hose at the front inlet like they usually did in all the earlier ones. I sold my VE now, got a vy & am much happier, the spark/ign coils going all the time, known for timing chain stretching too which is common & expensive, I am so glad I got rid of it, VY is heaps better, they handle better I think too, VE feels too big & front window pillars are too thick coz air bags in them , nah too many flaws for me, I got a supercharger off an l67 to put on my VY , feels like my old VT, Love it. Like VF but think I will stick with the VY for now, last of the ecotecs..
@@jasonparker3147 that's what I was thinking as well but no. I wanted to get a vf but I heard of people having to do timing chains so I probably won't be getting one. The supercharged ecotec is awesome good on you for doing that
Id love to see this done on a VZ im scared of the day I have to do this
Pretty much the same job.
I did it, today. But there's not as much room above as the VE. If i had the money Id buy the VE and set fire to the VZ
It’s doable from the top on a vz but it’s a prick of a job. Just done mine
I'm about to do mine on a VZ. I'm doing timing chain, oil pump, thermostat and a few other things. I would never own a VE, way too much computer crap to go wrong. As it is, the VZ is bad enough, I'm selling my VZ once it's all back together and going good. Everyone has their own opinion on cars, obviously.
Do you have video on the VE V6 coolant temperature sensor location and replacement. ?
No but it's behind the oil filter housing left hand side of the head...It's near the exhaust manifold so the plug may be a bit crispy.
Video was great help, but now I've got a bigger problem one of the bolts for the new thermostat snapped of in the engine block any idea how to get it out? And its snapped fully in the bolt hole on the block, there no bolt sticking out
Oh dear...That's not good...You better watch some vids on extracting broken bolts...It's gunna be a tough one...Good luck.
@@ziggassedup thanks mate I will just don't know if I'll be able to get a drill and easy out in there as you know very limited room.
@@stephenkihlstrom676 When it snapped did it seem tight going in.?...If not it may not be that bad to get out without drilling.
@@ziggassedup little bit tightish going in yeah
When the top radiator hose blows off under pressure, is this due to thermostat too? Got a 2008 VE sports wagon
How much pressure.?
ZIGgassedUP it wasn’t tested, but thanks to your video I successfully managed to install a new thermostat and housing, first time took me about 3hrs all up, thank you thank you 🙏
thanks for sharing
You're welcome Robert...Cheers..
I just replaced it on my VZ today, it was a bugger to get to from the top of the motor.
On a crap note. the snapped the top off on one of the top bolts, maybe missing a O ring. but i have gasket sealant for it. and 5 hrs later , presto and sore arms and crooked back i did it. and saved $ 500.
Good stuff
Yep.
The only thing is how did you remove the the wiper blade guard support plate
That's a thing you'll work out as you remove the plenum cover.
Can you remove the wiper cowl On a vz like you did on this ve?
Unfortunately no.
Wow Ziggy certainly servicing the thermostat was not on the priority list when that engine was designed
That's for sure mate.
and I though Subaru had a weird setup by having theirs on the bottom hose,, they are not bad to change but you have to drain the coolant out to do it,, or get an anti-freeze bath. lol
Subi's are a piece of cake.
Thanks mate !
No worries!
thanks
Cheers Ron.
Shit im gonna have a crack at it when mine go's but ive got a broken back and a prosthetic leg so its Gonna be a mission for me haha an i say i love working on cars its my first alloytec and I am in 2 minds about it ive still got the vx and I love it i like the vz but ueah haha thanks for that mate
Cheers Benny.
Would the job be much easier with the inlet manifold removed?
Yes...It was removed.
Good work mate, Not trying to be a nitpicking p#ick but I would have stuffed rags into the intake ports, Murphys law etc.
I hear ya mate...Cheers.
They sure do make things difficult these days... I say let them goofy engineers who design Autos try to do service on them!! “Cheers” Zig, great repair mate” 👍🏼👍🏼🚙🚗
If the engineers had to work on them everything would be held on by velcro...Cheers Harley.
7:14 I undid the bolt but mine is not coming off any tips?
If you're sure you have all the bolts out then give it a real good wriggle.
whats the time it takes ?
I think I said about 5 hours.
major job
3 hours..Cheers Rob.
@@ziggassedup 3 hours ,not bad mate . Took me 6hours but i had to walk away before i poured petrol on it and got rid of it. Wife kept telling me the neighbors can hear you swearing and calling it very bad names. I wouldnt mind if it went ok id probably put up with it but no way do those shit things make the power they say it does.
Awesome job , but someone needs to scan , metal 3d print a pipe/housing so thermostat is out between engine and booster with a cap to remove thermostat in 5 minutes
Great suggestion!
Is this the same as the vz ?
Pretty much.
Is this the same for the VE 2 Berlina Sports?
Yep...Same on all the 6's inc SIDI...I've not done one on a VF but I expect it would be the same too.
Yep...Same for all the 6's inc SIDI in VE 1&2...
Yeah they're all the same, Anything alloytec. There's so many different types of them but they're all the same design
Mines not coming out the big black pipe that goes into the pipe end of the thermostat is stopping it
You sure you haven't missed something.?
@@ziggassedup hey nah its the rubber O ring was seized in the connection between the bypass pipe and the thermostat housing I ended up getting it out , and get this I went and got an O ring from bearings service centre he measured the old one and gave me a new one and it leaked so I forked out for the genuine one and it was the same size but red , and here's the kicker I kept dickn around with it and the paint came off and it was the same as the O ring I bought for a dollar at the service centre that cost me $1 and the "genuine one" cost me $37.35. ripped off totally . So after it still leaking with the genuine one in it I noticed the groove the O ring sits in was wider than the ring itself so I put a thinner O ring in behind it and it fit and sealed and is still sealed 😎👍 what a drama . And thanks for the video you're awesome
You need to remember this Engine is a GM America design for east/west mounting in FWD vehicles. It was never a Holden design. My VZ has just clocked up 248,000kms and I’ve never had to change mine, but I’ve always maintained a good cooling system and coolant. These engines are a good engine, but they need regular / more frequent servicing if you want to avoid common issues like this one. I do oil changes at every 6000km interval and never follow the recommended 10,000kms. The PCV system on these engines isn’t brilliant and without regular oil change intervals these engines gum up fast. Thankfully mine is pre-Dec 2005 build and I don’t have the horrendous inverted tooth design timing chain and associated issues that came with that.
Yep...First designed for Cadillac and fitted to Saabs also along with VZ...It is known as a HFV6..HF standing for High Feature.
Next time you may want to block up that inlet manifold while working, could easily drop something down there.
Yep..That could happen.
What would the normal price to get it done
About 400 for labour...The parts cost will vary.
Oh boy the messes you get into Ziggy
Being a mechanic is a bunch of fun right.!
@@ziggassedup
...until you get one of those jobs that are a real bugger.
The engine is similar to the 2009 pontiac G8. I know because I thermostat is in the same exact location
Yes.
Raheem88. The engine is exactly the same because the Pontiac G8 is a Holden Commodore rebadged for America.
At least you have small hands unlike me....
I have little sausage fingers..lol
Approx how much Time or cost was this job please ?
It took me about 4 hrs.
I as quoted 850 for this job, having the same problem, they said its not overheating which is good, but if the coolant starts to spill over in the engine then replace it.
Wonder how much it cost for someone to replace it ?? My ve is over heating and no one seems to wanna fix her - get a new car they say Haha its surprising how many won’t fix cars
It's a good 6 hrs to do and a bit of a bugger but yes many shops say that.
Hour and a half dam that would mean, me 3 hrs later 😳 might aswel start at 8 in the morning 🤣🤣🤣
Good luck JAY.
Looks like an engine designed by committee
A committee of goofs.!
Why they put it in that silly position , difficult place
Yes it is.!
Whats the cost if i pay a mechanic.
One of the fans is not working and the cars overheating is it this the thermostat. I know nothin about cars. Thanks for any replies
Have a mechanic check it out first.
im almost fluent in brail thanks to modern cars.Removing the gearbox seems a bit over the top.
I asked a few guys how they went about it and they all pulled the tranny...Not me mate...3 hours and it's done.
@@ziggassedup true mate ,they told me to drop the trans as well. . When the timing chains went that was it . Traded it on a Vy SS ute. No more headaches, Sad thing is the V8 uses the same amount of fuel.
I did it the same way on my vz , by far the worst car ive ever owned . My old chrysler V8 has a million ks on it now but never breaks down and does 12 s , the vz was a slug . I hate alloytecs , This video gives me nightmares, Holden had a great V6 then they used this boat anchor. Wasnt used to a car breaking down as much as the vz . Holden always built beautiful engines but the alloytec was probably the end of Holden . Just cant believe that the same company who built 308s built this thing .
I found out a few tips to make it better on fuel economy and Power . By installing Mace 12mm Manifold Insulator Kit to it , changing the engine oil to Nulon Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel Oil.
Best way my opinion.
Bloodyhell
yep
At least vt was in the front
Yes.
Whoever designed that wants rootin.
Then burnin'.
Your right " Stupid design"
Yep.
Stupid is not the word , they're a horrible thing .
Diabolical design (rather lack of design) none of this detail is contained in the Haynes manual....Haynes revise your instructions!!!
yes
😡😡😡 One of the dumbest designs I’ve ever seen. It cost me $1300 to get the thermostat changed on my VZ the box had to be dropped to get to it. Any wonder Holden went under still that what you get going cheap on design and using an engine meant for a front wheel drive GM.
No argument there Dave.
When the oil pump is due it’s time to sell the bullshit just to change it best do the timing chain while at it because it’s all coming off anyway bastard of a engine
yep
haha, if you're gonna remove the bonnet, GET OUT YOUR WHITE-OUT PEN AND TRACE THE BONNET BRACKETS FIRST, you ever tried to line it up then have to close it a million times to check the hood catch and gaps all line up? naaah, it's a bloody nightmare. SO, white-out pen folks
Utterly stupid place for the thermostat!
Yep.