Holden L77 engine: known problems

Used in 2 guides · 5967cc petrol · 5 known problems

Displacement

5967cc

Fuel

petrol

Known problems5

Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.

High

AFM lifter collapse

Same AFM lifter issue as L98 - 4-cyl mode lifters can collapse.

Fix: AFM delete remains the popular fix.

From 150-250k km · ~$3000-6000

Listed for: Holden Commodore VE / VE II

High

AFM lifter failure / collapsed lifter

The Active Fuel Management system deactivates cylinders; the AFM lifters can collapse or stick (debris in oil jamming the plunger), causing a tick/knock, misfire and potential cam-lobe damage.

Fix: Replace lifters (and cam if lobe is damaged); many owners delete AFM with a non-AFM cam/lifter set and tune. Use top-grade oil and change at 7,500km.

From 100k+ km · ~$2500-6000

Listed for: Holden Commodore VF

Medium

Oil consumption (AFM)

Same AFM oil consumption pattern as L98.

Fix: Catch can. AFM delete.

From 100k+ km · ~$0-200/oil

Listed for: Holden Commodore VE / VE II · Holden Commodore VF

Medium

E85 fuel system contamination (if rarely run)

If E85 capability is unused for years, water absorption in tank can corrode fuel system.

Fix: Drain tank, replace fuel filter, run fresh fuel.