Holden Statesman Problems

It's not possible to predict when your engine might expire; there are too many variables to take into account to even make an educated guess. Suffice to say that it's done a lot of cars and it's closer to the scrap yard than it is to the production line. You could have a 3.8-litre Holden V6 fitted, that was an option in the car when it was built, and would be the easiest engine transplant option. Fitting a Falcon six would involve too much surgery and I wouldn't recommend it. The best option if you want to keep the car, but cut running costs, would be to convert it to dual-fuel and run it on LPG.

If you believe it is a vacuum leak, check all vacuum connections and hoses. It could be a split fitting or a cracked hose and might be difficult to find.

It's not unusual to have explosions like you experienced, in fact   it's relatively common. The explosion occurs when the air/gas mixture in the intake manifold ignites and the rapid expansion of the gas mixture often blows out the air cleaner like it did on your car.   Ignition is usually caused by a random spark, so you have to find and fix the cause of that spark. The mechanic was on the mark when he suggested you change the spark plugs and clean the throttle body, and I would have changed the spark plug leads as well. His advice that it would settle down is wrong, it will continue to occur until the cause is identified and fixed. He's probably hoping that you will have left town by the time you realize his advice in this case is incorrect.

It’s misfiring under load, and on both fuels, which suggests it’s electrical rather than fuel. Check the coil packs and make sure you’re getting a good, regular and strong spark.

It really depends on the overall condition and the amount of rust repair it would need. My feeling from what you have told me is to sell it as is.

THE extra load is minimal and the extra safety of other drivers seeing you more easily makes it worthwhile.

THERE are no problems, but make sure you have a vapour injection system fitted and not an old venturi/mixer. Eurogas converts supercharged V6 Holdens.