1965 CADILLAC CALAIS

Symptoms: Fluid pooling under car, especially from front cooler lines, Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse, Slipping between 1-2 shift under acceleration, Burnt transmission fluid smell

Fix: Most common culprit is the transmission oil cooler lines rusted through where they connect to radiator—2 hours to replace lines. If internal seals are gone, expect full rebuild at 12-16 hours labor. Transmission mounts also collapse after decades, causing harsh shifts—2 hours to replace.

Estimated cost: $350-600 for cooler lines and mounts; $2,800-4,200 for full rebuild with torque converter

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant mysteriously disappearing with no visible leaks, Oil looking milky or chocolate-colored, Running hot in traffic or on highway

Fix: The 429 runs head gaskets between cast iron block and heads with original composite gaskets that fail. Both heads need to come off—18-24 hours labor. While you're in there, deck surfaces need checking and valve job is typical. Overheating accelerates this, so address cooling system first.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000 including machine work and valve job

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, fires right up cold, Gas smell in garage, wet spots on intake manifold, Rough idle that smooths out above 1,500 RPM, Stalling at stop signs after highway driving

Fix: Rochester 4-barrel carburetors on these cars have cork floats that absorb fuel and sink, causing flooding. Rebuild kit with modern floats is 4-6 hours. Fuel filter clogs quickly if tank has rust—replace filter every season. If car sat for years, expect full fuel system flush including tank removal.

Estimated cost: $450-800 for carb rebuild; add $600-1,200 if tank needs cleaning or replacement

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil pressure drops to 5-10 PSI at hot idle, Deep knocking from bottom end that speeds up with RPM, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Pressure gauge reads 40+ PSI cold, drops dramatically when warm

Fix: These 429s were built with generous bearing clearances that get worse over time. Once you hear the knock, you're into full engine-out rebuild—crankshaft needs turning or replacement, all bearings, cam bearings while it's apart. Figure 35-45 hours for complete short block rebuild.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500 depending on machine work needed; long block replacement runs similar

Typical onset: 90,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on deceleration or startup, Using a quart of oil every 300-500 miles, Poor compression across multiple cylinders, Loss of power climbing grades

Fix: Original cast pistons and moly rings wear out. If cylinders aren't scored, a re-ring job with heads off runs 25-30 hours. Most shops recommend full rebuild at this point since you're 80% of the way there. If cylinder walls are glazed but not damaged, hone and new rings may buy you time.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500 for re-ring and head work; $4,800-7,000 for proper rebuild

Symptoms: Brake pedal sinks slowly to floor when stopped, Fluid level constantly dropping in reservoir, Wet spots on inside of rear wheels, Pulling to one side when braking

Fix: Single-reservoir master cylinders leak internally after decades—3 hours to replace and bleed system. Rear drum wheel cylinders leak from old rubber cups—2 hours per axle to replace both sides and adjust brakes. These cars have no warning for master failure—pedal just goes to floor.

Estimated cost: $350-600 for master cylinder; $400-700 for all four wheel cylinders plus shoes if soaked