1957 CADILLAC SEVILLE

Symptoms: Low oil pressure at idle when hot (under 10 psi), Knocking or rumbling from crankcase, Metal particles in oil or filter, Sudden catastrophic bearing failure if ignored

Fix: Main and rod bearings are often worn beyond spec after decades of use and oil degradation. Requires engine-out teardown, crank inspection/polishing, bearing replacement, oil pump check. 25-35 labor hours for full bearing job with crank work. Many owners opt for complete rebuild while it's apart.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500

Symptoms: Slipping in any gear, especially under load, Delayed or harsh engagement from Park, No movement in Drive or Reverse, Transmission fluid burnt or full of debris

Fix: The four-speed Hydra-Matic is durable but seals, clutches, and bands wear out over decades. Full rebuild includes disassembly, new seals/gaskets, clutch packs, bands, filter, and governor inspection. 18-24 labor hours. Core condition varies wildly—budget for hard parts.

Estimated cost: $3,200-5,800

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Consuming 1+ quart per 500 miles, Oily residue in tailpipes, Low compression readings across multiple cylinders

Fix: Rings lose tension and cylinders glaze over time, especially on engines that sat. Requires full teardown, honing or boring cylinders, new pistons or rings depending on taper, head work. 30-40 hours. Most opt for full rebuild since you're already there.

Estimated cost: $5,000-9,000

Symptoms: Lifter ticking or clatter that doesn't quiet down, Loss of power and poor idle quality, Compression loss in specific cylinders, Coolant in oil or vice versa (cracked head/intake)

Fix: Hydraulic lifters stick or fail, valves and seats wear, head gaskets leak. Complete valve job involves heads-off, valve grinding, seat reconditioning, new guides if needed, lifter replacement, gaskets. 20-28 hours depending on head condition.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000

Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from radiator area or hard lines, Overheating transmission under load or in traffic, Pink or milky fluid in cooling system (cooler rupture), Low transmission fluid with no obvious external leak

Fix: Cooler built into radiator or external lines corrode and leak. If cooler ruptures internally, transmission fluid mixes with coolant and destroys both systems. Replace cooler, flush both systems, check for transmission damage. 6-10 hours including radiator R&R if needed.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800

Symptoms: Fuel smell or visible leaks at tank or lines, Engine stalling or stumbling under acceleration, Hard starting or won't stay running, Rust or sediment clogging carburetor and filter repeatedly

Fix: Original fuel tanks rust internally, rubber lines dry-rot, mechanical pumps fail or leak. Tank needs removal, cleaning/sealing or replacement, all rubber lines replaced, pump rebuilt or new. 8-12 hours for comprehensive fuel system refresh.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500