Time for Reco

[VTDude]

I poped my Bonnet today to top up radiator and bleed it, when i noticed a bit of oil on the cap as well as oil on the over flow hose that goes into the reservoir.
To be the head gasket could be shot.

So I'm going to buy a VRS Gasket kit and do the top end and while I'm at it going to send the heads away to get Shaved replace the Valves and check the tappets for wear. I noticed also the rear main seal is leaking, so Going to replace the rear main seal.

If anyone knows any place or online for cheap parts I be greatful to know.

[blackrb20]

HI,Have a look on ebay

[JkVt]

just a suggestion, are you sure its head gasket?
sounds more like to be just the inlet gaskets found it quiet a common occurance on the commies..
as for parts if its only a gasket and seal you need i would just get a genuine part or one from a reputable parts dealer just because of the type of part you shouldnt expect to pay too much but you want something up to the job
im no mechanic so if anyone can correct me by all means go for it lol

[Blown355]

3rd gen commodores have an awesome habit of getting an oily build up in the cap/overflow bottle. I haven't really taken the time to find out why, but I know I've scrubbed out a hell of alot of them LOL

"IF" it was your head gasket & that was the cause of your oiling issue, then you should have white oil in your sump as well. If you still think it might be your head gasket, I would suggest getting a qualified mechanic to take a quick look before you pull it apart, it won't cost you much (if anything at all) and at least then you will know exactly what's going on before you go elbows deep :)

Hope this helps

[VTDude]

3rd gen commodores have an awesome habit of getting an oily build up in the cap/overflow bottle. I haven't really taken the time to find out why, but I know I've scrubbed out a hell of alot of them LOL

"IF" it was your head gasket & that was the cause of your oiling issue, then you should have white oil in your sump as well. If you still think it might be your head gasket, I would suggest getting a qualified mechanic to take a quick look before you pull it apart, it won't cost you much (if anything at all) and at least then you will know exactly what's going on before you go elbows deep :)

Hope this helps

Thanks but would rather pay 167 for full gasket kit then to pay for labor when possibility it is the case. Oil in radiator usually due to either Cracked heads, blown head gaskets or what 'JkVt' said.

[Blown355]

$167 for a gasket kit........ What are you getting in that & from where?????

[JkVt]

oops my bad didnt realise your running an ls1 as what i described is mostly related to ecotecs, id back blown355 on his advice :)

[Blown355]

I'm pretty sure he is running a eco JKVT, and your right about the inlet gasket always going on them...... Not to bad a job to do either :D don't mind them when the come thru the shop, much rather that then V6 Vectra Rocker cover gaskets!!! (had the displeasure of doing a set today, I recommend running away if the need ever arises again LOL )

[VTDude]

um ok i went to regionals to quote a full top end gasket kit. and they asked me what month is my car.. I asked them what?? and they said that 97 models have 2 different prices on months or something, 1 month is 160 one month 200.

Is it possible that they fixed the common problem in the later month?

Why 2 diff prices in 2 dif months, its not like its series 1 price and series 2 price its series 1 both prices

someone know?

[Blown355]

change over period, engines may have been different between the months. Happens in quite a lot of vehicles....