1962 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi or age-related regardless of miles

Symptoms: slipping between gears especially 2nd-3rd, delayed engagement when shifting to Drive, transmission fluid leaking from cooler lines or pan, harsh or no upshifts

Fix: Full rebuild required — expect 16-22 hours labor for R&R and rebuild. These Hydra-Matics have worn clutch packs, hardened seals, and degraded thrust washers. Transmission oil cooler lines typically need replacement simultaneously due to corrosion. Very few shops still specialize in these units.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi or unknown history

Symptoms: blue smoke on startup and acceleration, excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 500-800 miles), low compression on multiple cylinders, fouled spark plugs

Fix: Requires engine removal and complete teardown. Cylinders often need boring 0.030" over minimum, new pistons, rings, and typically main bearings while you're in there. Figure 35-45 hours for full rebuild including machine work. Many original 390s have never been opened and are living on borrowed time.

Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000

Typical onset: 120,000+ mi or poor maintenance history

Symptoms: heavy knocking sound from bottom end especially under load, excessive crankshaft end play (clunking when shifting), oil pressure dropping below 10 psi at idle when hot, metallic debris in oil pan

Fix: Engine must come out for crankshaft removal, measuring, and potential grinding. Thrust bearing (typically #3) wears first due to torque converter pressure. Crank grinding adds $350-600 to rebuild cost. Total job runs 38-48 hours including R&R and machine work if crank is salvageable.

Estimated cost: $6,000-10,000

Symptoms: hard starting when hot, rough idle and stalling, fuel smell from engine bay, poor throttle response and hesitation

Fix: The Rochester 4-barrel carb needs complete rebuild with modern ethanol-resistant components — 4-6 hours. Fuel pump (mechanical) typically fails due to diaphragm hardening. All rubber fuel lines from tank to carb should be replaced; originals are 60+ years old and leak. Don't forget the fuel filter and tank cleaning if it's been sitting.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800

Symptoms: transmission fluid puddles under front of car, low fluid level causing slipping, fluid spray on undercarriage, corroded steel lines visible along frame rails

Fix: Original steel lines rust through from road salt and age. Replacement requires fabrication or NOS parts — 3-5 hours labor. While you're there, replace the cooler itself if original; they develop internal leaks that contaminate the transmission. This is preventive work that saves transmissions.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 80,000+ mi

Symptoms: loud ticking or tapping from valve covers, noise increases with RPM, loss of power on affected cylinders, ticking doesn't go away after warm-up

Fix: Hydraulic lifters collapse from wear or sludge buildup. Adjustment isn't possible on hydraulic lifters — you replace them. While valve covers are off, inspect rocker arms and pushrods for wear. Job runs 6-9 hours including new lifters, gaskets, and adjustment. If camshaft lobes are worn, you're looking at engine-out work.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200