1991 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SPUR

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, Slipping between gears especially when hot, Brown or burnt transmission fluid, Whining noise from transmission

Fix: The factory transmission oil cooler is undersized and frequently clogs. Cooler failure leads to overheated ATF which destroys clutch packs and seals. Proper fix requires cooler replacement (8-10 hours labor) plus often a rebuild or replacement transmission if caught late. Shift solenoids fail as collateral damage. Many techs add auxiliary coolers preventively.

Estimated cost: $3,500-7,500

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 500-800 miles), Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Loss of compression, Rough idle and power loss

Fix: The aluminum-silicon block liner wears unevenly, especially if oil changes were stretched. Piston rings lose tension and seat poorly. Only real fix is engine rebuild or short block replacement—machine work to re-establish bore tolerance, new pistons, rings, bearings. Figure 40-60 hours labor plus machine shop time. Some owners band-aid it with heavier oil until catastrophic failure.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: any mileage on aged fuel

Symptoms: Hard starting especially when hot, Stumbling or hesitation under load, Stalling at idle, Check engine codes for lean condition

Fix: Old fuel leaves varnish deposits throughout. The in-tank pump pre-filter clogs first, starving the engine. Main fuel filter should be changed every 15k but rarely is. Tank often needs dropping and cleaning (6-8 hours). Injectors may need ultrasonic cleaning. Replace fuel filter, pump sock, and consider injector service as a package.

Estimated cost: $800-2,200

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Brake pedal sinks slowly to floor when stopped, Loud hydraulic pump cycling constantly, Self-leveling suspension sagging overnight, Hard steering or brake effort

Fix: The central hydraulic system powers brakes, suspension, and steering assist. Accumulator spheres lose nitrogen charge (every 5-7 years regardless of miles). Pump runs continuously trying to compensate, burns out. Accumulator replacement is 3-4 hours, pump another 4-6. You'll chase leaky hoses and seals forever on these—budget for annual hydraulic work.

Estimated cost: $1,500-3,800

Typical onset: any mileage after overheat event

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust, Milky oil on dipstick, Overheating and rough running

Fix: Usually secondary to cooling system neglect—radiator clogs, water pump fails, thermostat sticks. Once it overheats, the soft head gaskets blow. Both heads off, resurface, new gaskets, coolant system overhaul. 20-28 hours labor. Check for warped heads adding machine shop time. Often discover cracked heads requiring replacement at $1,200+ each.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive drivetrain vibration at idle, Visible sagging of transmission tailshaft, Harsh engagement

Fix: Rubber mounts rot out from oil seepage and age. Transmission drops enough to stress cooler lines (see problem #1). Replacement is straightforward—2-3 hours to support transmission and swap mounts. Inspect crossmember for rust while you're under there. Cheap insurance to prevent bigger problems.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Typical onset: 120,000+ mi or severe neglect

Symptoms: Deep knocking noise from bottom end, Low oil pressure at idle, Metal shavings in oil, Catastrophic failure without warning

Fix: Usually the result of prolonged low oil pressure, contaminated oil, or running after initial damage. Requires complete teardown, crank removal for grinding or replacement, new bearings, full bottom-end rebuild. 50+ hours labor plus machine work. At this point most owners consider it totaled unless it's a museum piece.

Estimated cost: $12,000-20,000