Parts for your 2017 Holden Commodore-Exhaust gasket

2017 Holden Commodore exhaust gasket — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, an exhaust gasket is used on the 2017 Holden Commodore. Technical documentation including GM Service Information (SI) for the VF Series II (MY17) lists exhaust manifold gaskets in the procedures for Exhaust Manifold Replacement on both the 3.6L V6 (LFX) and 6.2L V8 (LS3), and specifies new gaskets when refitting front pipes. The Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for VF also shows manifold and flange/donut gaskets across V6 and V8 variants. For late-2017 build ZB Commodore (MY18), GM/Opel technical data similarly shows gaskets at the turbo/manifold and turbo/downpipe joints. So the exhaust gasket is absolutely relevant to this model year.

On a 2017 Commodore, the exhaust gaskets seal the hot gas path where metal parts meet: the cylinder head to exhaust manifold, and the manifold/front pipe or catalytic converter flanges. They’re there to stop leaks that can cause ticking noises on cold start, exhaust fumes under the bonnet, soot marks near joints, and even dodgy fuel trims if fresh air sneaks past an upstream joint and upsets the O2 sensor readings. Most VF gaskets are multi-layer steel (MLS) at the manifold, with either a flat flange gasket or a crush “donut” ring on the front pipe. They’re designed to hold tight through big heat cycles, but once they’ve blown or been disturbed, replacement is the go.

They’re not a scheduled service item like oil or filters, but smart servicing includes a quick check for leaks, particularly if the car’s done high kilometres, tows, sees track days, or lives near the coast. Tell-tales include a sharp tick that softens as it warms, a whiff of exhaust in the cabin at idle, black sooty traces at a flange, or a Check Engine light with lean codes or fuel trim anomalies. If any of that pops up, it’s time for a closer look.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: cool the system fully, remove heat shields, crack fasteners in sequence, and inspect the manifold face for warping or cracks and the studs for corrosion. Fit new gaskets (don’t use sealant on MLS), follow the GM SI torque values and tightening sequence, and renew spring bolts or hardware where specified. After a heat cycle, a quick re-check for any weep or tick is worth it. For owners, the best maintenance is keeping an ear out, avoiding impacts to the exhaust, and having any underbody knocks inspected pronto.

Does a 2017 Holden Commodore have an exhaust gasket?

It does. GM Service Information for VF (MY17) covers manifold and front-pipe gaskets on the V6 and LS3 V8, and the Holden EPC lists the matching parts. The late-2017 ZB (MY18) also uses gaskets at turbo/manifold and turbo/downpipe joints.

How can someone tell if the exhaust gasket is leaking?

Common signs are a ticking sound on cold start that fades as it warms, a fume smell under the bonnet or near the firewall, light black soot around a flange, and sometimes a Check Engine light with lean or O2-related codes. A smoke test or listening with a hose can confirm it.

Is it safe to drive with a blown exhaust gasket?

It’s not ideal. Apart from fumes making their way into the cabin, a leak ahead of the O2 sensor can skew fuel trims and hurt performance and economy. A short trip to a workshop is usually fine, but it’s best sorted sooner rather than later.