Parts for your 2016 Holden Commodore-Head gasket

2016 Holden Commodore head gasket — what it does and when to replace it

Technical sources including the Holden VF/VF II Service Manual (GM Global Service Information), GM LS3 6.2L V8 Service Manual, and GM High Feature V6 (Alloytec/SIDI) engine technical guides confirm that every 2016 Holden Commodore engine variant (3.0L/3.6L V6 and 6.2L LS3 V8) uses multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets. So a head gasket is absolutely relevant on the 2016 model year Commodore.

On a 2016 Commodore, the head gasket sits between the engine block and the cylinder head(s). Its job is to keep combustion pressure sealed in the cylinders while keeping engine oil and coolant in their separate passages. The factory uses MLS gaskets designed to cope with Aussie heat, high combustion pressures and modern long-life coolants. When healthy, the gasket helps the engine make power efficiently, stay cool, and keep fluids where they belong.

Head gaskets aren’t a scheduled service item, they’re replaced if there’s evidence of failure. Typical warning signs are overheating, a sweet smell or white vapour from the exhaust after warm-up, milky residue on the oil cap, rough cold starts, unexplained coolant loss, contaminated coolant, or bubbling in the expansion tank. A good workshop will confirm with a cooling system pressure test, a combustion leak (block) test, and a cylinder leak-down test before calling it.

If replacement is needed on a VF II Commodore, it’s a proper job under the bonnet. Best practice, as outlined in GM service procedures, is to use new torque‑to‑yield head bolts, fit OEM-quality MLS gaskets, check head and block decks for flatness, and follow the exact torque-and-angle sequence. On the V6 (DOHC) that means careful timing chain handling and cam timing alignment, on the LS3 V8 (OHV) it involves lifters/pushrods and intake removal. Many techs will recommend doing both banks on V6/V8 engines, renewing the thermostat, inspecting the water pump and radiator, and fully flushing the cooling system. It’s also smart to change the engine oil and filter immediately after the repair.

For longevity, keeping the cooling system in top nick is key. Stick with Holden/GM long‑life OAT coolant (Dex‑Cool type) at the correct concentration, bleed air properly after any cooling work, replace aged hoses and caps, and keep an eye on the temp gauge on hot summer runs. With clean coolant, proper warm‑ups, and a healthy tune, the 2016 Commodore’s MLS head gaskets usually give years of drama‑free service.

• Watch for early signs: temp spikes, coolant loss, creamy oil, misfires.
• Use correct coolant and bleeding procedure after any cooling work.
• Insist on new TTY head bolts and the factory torque sequence if heads come off.

Popular questions

Do all 2016 Holden Commodore engines have head gaskets?
Yes. Technical documentation for the VF II range confirms the 3.0L/3.6L Alloytec SIDI V6 and the LS3 6.2L V8 all use multi‑layer steel head gaskets. Each engine has two cylinder heads and therefore two head gaskets.

What are the most common signs of a blown head gasket on a VF II Commodore?
Owners typically report unexplained coolant loss, overheating, white exhaust vapour after warm-up, rough running on cold start, milky residue under the oil cap, or bubbles in the expansion tank. A workshop can verify with a block test and pressure/leak‑down tests.

Should both head gaskets be replaced at once?
While not mandatory, many workshops recommend doing both banks on V6 and V8 Commodores during a head-off repair to keep compression, sealing and service intervals even. It also saves labour overlap if the other side fails soon after.