Holden Rodeo Engine Problems

THE Rodeo's V6 is the same Alloytec V6 that's used in the current Commodore. Holden offers a dual-fuel kit for the Alloytec V6 in the Commodore, but it has been modified for running LPG. Holden had been working on a similar installation for the Rodeo, but backed away from it because of difficulties having the LPG-compatible engine fitted in the Thailand plant where the Rodeo is built. It also checked to see if it could get away with running the standard V6 on LPG, but found problems quickly developed with the cylinder heads so never went ahead with the release of the kit. That was an injection kit being developed for Holden by Impco. Impco's advice at that time was that the Rodeo V6 was not suitable for gas, but the guys at the Australian LPG Warehouse have developed kits for it and claim they have fitted them to Rodeos and Commodores and have had no problems. The secret, they say, is they make sure the engine runs rich enough at wide open throttle on LPG so the combustion temperatures don't get high enough to cause problems with the valves and head.

IT'S A hard call. You'll be about $1500 out of pocket after you get the rebate, which means you need to add that to the price before you break even. When you do that, you're reducing your potential market of possible buyers. I think the Rodeo will appeal to a young tradie, and as such it may have more appeal as is with its lower selling price than it will if you fit it with LPG and increase the price. I would sell it as is and let the buyer decide to fit LPG.

EVEN though you're still shy of the mileage for the change, I'm sure you'll find you've exceeded the recommended time, having gone eight years without changing it. Having gone all that time you could probably get away with waiting for the 160,000km to roll around. Any mechanic can make the change. It's not necessary to go to a dealer.

IT DEPENDS what you regard as incredibly thirsty. Four-wheel-drives tend to be thirsty. They're heavy and have to drag all that extra four-wheel-drive gear around, and the Rodeo's petrol V6 is a 3.5-litre unit. If fuel consumption is a key consideration for you, try a diesel. Fuel consumption will be much lower, and you won't lose too much performance.

THERE seems to be no problem with converting the current Rodeo four-cylinder to dual-fuel. Same for the Hilux. It's best to use a Sequential Vapour Injection system.

THAT'S about right for the V6 Rodeo, I'm afraid. Apart from converting it to dual-fuel, the only things you can do are to ensure the wheel alignment is OK; the tyres in good condition and inflated to the recommended pressure or slightly higher; and ladder racks and other items affecting the aerodynamics are removed.

HOLDEN offered a dual-fuel system for the RA Rodeo with the 3.5-litre V6 engine and that's the one I would recommend. It was developed by Impco and sold through Holden dealers. The warranty will be affected by modifications made to install the system. That means Holden won't cover the engine and other parts of the car that have been modified. You need to talk to the person installing the system to see what cover they provide for the equipment they supply and the work they do.

The 3.5-litre Rodeo uses more fuel. I recommend the Toyota. Consider a diesel if you are concerned about fuel economy.

The V6 Rodeo has a reputation as a guzzler and the figures you quote are pretty normal. Fit a dual-fuel system and run it on LPG. Holden has a factory-approved kit that can be fitted by your dealer.

THE 3.5-litre V6 petrol engined RA Rodeo has a reputation for being thirsty. There is a factory-approved dual-fuel kit available, and this may be the best way to reduce your fuel bills. The jury is still out on the economy of the new Alloytec V6 Rodeo. When asked, Holden wouldn't say if the new engine was more economical than the old one.