Holden Colorado 2010 Problems

The symptoms you have certainly suggest an engine with far too much blow-by (combustion pressure escaping past the piston rings and into the crankcase). Sometimes, the same symptoms can be caused by a crankcase ventilation system that isn’t working properly, but it’s often blow-by that’s the cause. That’s usually the result of internal engine wear which, at 290,000km and counting, is hardly out of the question.

Basically, the observations you’ve made regarding crankcase fumes are about as far as you can go without actually performing a compression and cylinder leak-down test. The good news is that these tests aren’t overly complicated and don’t take long, but they will give you a vastly more accurate idea of what’s going on inside the engine. Oil in the intercooler can also be a sign of this sort of wear, but, as you’ve been told, can also be the fault of blown turbocharger seals. Either way, it sounds like your engine is due for a freshen up in the name of reliability and clean running.

On the surface it would seem that there is a problem with the clutch, it could be that the pressure plate has collapsed or something similar. Pulling the gearbox out should enable the mechanics to find the cause of the problem.

On the surface it makes no sense at all. I would suggest that you go back and talk to the person who gave you that advice and get them to explain it to you in terms that you can understand it.

It appears that most, if not all, one-tonne utes are affected by the same clutch problem. It's the same story on pretty much every ute, no mater the brand, and the common complaint is premature wear and/or slipping and shuddering. I agree with you that 60,000 km is too low for a clutch to be worn out, but you'll find your warranty clearly states that the clutch is not covered. You could argue your case for Holden to cover the cost of the replacement, or you could have a better aftermarket clutch fitted.

It's under warranty, so take it back and demand they repair it, the dealer's advice is rubbish.

The Colorado will run on Biodiesel, but the issue is that it cleans vanish and other deposits from the fuel system when you switch from regular mineral oil diesel. If you were to switch you should run a replace the filters after running a tank of biodiesel through it. If you do that you should be ok.

You say it’s new, but not how many kays it’s done. I would wait until it is properly run in before doing anything rash like fitting an aftermarket chip. While they can improve the economy and performance as you say, fitting the chip would void your warranty on the engine and the drivetrain. If you are concerned about the performance first consult your dealer.