1964 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

Typical onset: original units typically show symptoms regardless of mileage due to age

Symptoms: delayed engagement when hot, burnt transmission fluid smell, slipping between gears after highway driving, fluid leaking from cooler lines or radiator tank

Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush lines, and change fluid. Often requires radiator removal for proper access. Expect 4-6 hours labor. Upgraded aftermarket coolers are recommended over original integrated radiator units.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi on original engine, but many unknowns due to odometer rollover

Symptoms: heavy knocking on cold start that may quiet down when warm, blue smoke on deceleration, oil pressure drops below 10 psi at hot idle, metallic rattling from crankcase, excessive blowby from oil filler

Fix: Full teardown required: main bearings, rod bearings, piston rings minimum. Often becomes full rebuild once inside due to cylinder taper and ridge. Crankshaft may need grinding. Plan 24-35 hours labor for proper rebuild including machine work prep.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: can occur anytime after 60,000 mi or from previous overheating incidents

Symptoms: coolant loss with no visible external leaks, white smoke from exhaust, oil looks milky or has coolant contamination, overheating with bubbling in radiator, misfiring on specific cylinders

Fix: Replace both head gaskets, check head surface flatness (warping common if overheated). Includes new intake manifold gaskets. 12-16 hours labor. Smart to do valve job while heads are off given age.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: N/A - age and heat cycling cause failure

Symptoms: clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, excessive vibration at idle in gear, visible sagging of transmission tailshaft, grinding or rattling from transmission tunnel

Fix: Replace transmission mount and often the exhaust hangers while underneath. Rubber compound hardens and cracks over decades. 1.5-2.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: occurs after sitting for extended periods or with old fuel

Symptoms: hard starting especially when hot, stumbling and hesitation under acceleration, stalling at idle after warm-up, fuel starvation at highway speeds

Fix: Replace fuel filter, clean or rebuild carburetor, flush fuel tank and lines. Ethanol fuel accelerates varnish buildup in original systems. 3-5 hours labor depending on tank condition.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi or unknown history engines

Symptoms: oil consumption over 1 quart per 500 miles, compression test shows 20+ psi variation between cylinders, visible ridge at top of cylinder bore, blue smoke on startup and acceleration

Fix: Requires bore and hone or over-bore with oversized pistons as part of rebuild. Cannot be addressed without complete teardown. Factor this into any rebuild cost - adds 6-8 hours machine shop time plus parts.

Estimated cost: $1,500-2,500