1974 CADILLAC CALAIS

Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixing with coolant (strawberry milkshake in radiator), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after cooler contamination, Visible leaks at cooler line fittings or along steel lines (rust-through)

Fix: Replace steel cooler lines (often rusted through at fittings), flush radiator if contamination occurred, replace transmission fluid and filter. If internal cooler failed, may require radiator replacement or external cooler installation. 4-6 hours labor depending on contamination severity and whether transmission needs flushing or rebuild.

Estimated cost: $600-2,200

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, flooding, or hesitation on acceleration, Black smoke from exhaust, fuel smell, poor fuel economy (under 8 mpg), High idle or stalling, especially with A/C on, Leaking fuel from carburetor base or accelerator pump

Fix: Most need full carburetor rebuild with correct kit (watch for ethanol-damaged components), adjustments to choke and float levels. Clean or replace fuel filter (often neglected). Some owners opt for carburetor replacement or conversion. 3-5 hours for proper rebuild and tuning.

Estimated cost: $450-900

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy knocking on startup that may quiet down when warm, Low oil pressure at idle (under 10 psi), flickering oil light, Metallic rattling under load or acceleration, Metal shavings in oil or on magnetic drain plug

Fix: 472ci engines are durable but suffer from age and deferred oil changes. Requires engine removal, full disassembly, bearing replacement, and crankshaft inspection/polishing. Often find worn cam bearings and timing chain at same time. Plan on 20-30 hours for proper engine-out rebuild of short block with machine work.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 80,000+ mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive vibration through floor and shifter, Visible sagging of transmission tail or torn rubber mount, Driveline vibration at highway speed

Fix: Rubber transmission mount deteriorates from age and heat. Requires lifting transmission slightly to replace mount and inspect crossmember for rust. Often find exhaust system interference that needs adjustment. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Coolant leaking externally at front or rear of intake manifold, Coolant in oil (milky dipstick), or oil consumption without visible smoke, Rough idle, vacuum leaks, or poor performance, Overheating with no external coolant leaks visible

Fix: These engines use a valley pan gasket under the intake that fails from age. Requires removal of intake manifold, carburetor, and accessories. Good time to inspect distributor gear and lifters while in there. 8-12 hours labor, more if corrosion complicates bolt removal.

Estimated cost: $800-1,600

Symptoms: Soft or spongy brake pedal, pedal sinks to floor with steady pressure, Brake fluid leaking at master cylinder or into booster, Hard pedal with poor braking (booster failure), Hissing sound at brake pedal when engine running

Fix: Original single-reservoir master cylinders are dangerous; most have been converted to dual-reservoir. Boosters fail from diaphragm age. Replace both as a pair for safety. Includes bleeding entire system. 3-4 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $400-750