1962 CADILLAC SEDAN DE VILLE

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi original, or 60+ years of thermal cycling

Symptoms: Heavy oil consumption (1qt per 500-800 miles), Rod knock or main bearing rumble on cold starts, Low oil pressure at idle when hot (under 15 psi), Blue smoke on deceleration

Fix: Full engine rebuild required - main bearings, rod bearings, piston rings minimum. At this age, most need a complete teardown with crank grinding, cylinder honing, valve job, and timing set. Plan 40-50 labor hours for proper rebuild with machine work.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000

Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking at radiator connections, Burnt ATF smell, Delayed or harsh shifts when hot, Pink milkshake in radiator if cooler ruptures internally

Fix: Replace both steel cooler lines (they rust from inside out) and external cooler if equipped. If coolant contaminated ATF, flush transmission completely, replace filter, and refill. Lines alone: 3-4 hours. Full flush and lines: 6-8 hours.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi or after multiple overheat cycles

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leaks, White smoke from exhaust, Cross-cylinder compression loss (adjacent cylinders read low), Rough idle that smooths out when warm

Fix: Both head gaskets, resurface heads if warped, new head bolts, intake/exhaust gaskets while apart. The 390 heads are cast iron and can usually be saved. 18-22 labor hours including disassembly of accessories and AC compressor.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500

Typical onset: 90,000+ mi, especially with heavy towing history

Symptoms: Excessive crankshaft endplay (over 0.012 inches), Clunking when engaging drive or reverse, Clutch-like chatter on take-off (automatic transmission), Flywheel/flexplate contact marks

Fix: Requires engine removal or major disassembly from below. Replace thrust bearings (typically #3 main), check crank thrust surfaces for scoring, may need crank grinding if damaged. 30-35 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting, Rough idle, flooding, or hesitation, Fuel leaking from carburetor base, Stalling in traffic or when hot

Fix: Carter AFB 4-barrel needs complete rebuild with modern ethanol-resistant kit, fuel filter replacement, fuel pump check, and tank cleaning if car has sat. Add fuel line replacement if original rubber. 6-8 hours for thorough job.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting into gear, Vibration at highway speeds, Transmission sag visible from side, Driveline angle problems causing U-joint wear

Fix: Replace transmission mount and inspect crossmember for rust-through. The rubber mount deteriorates even on garaged cars. 2-3 hours including inspection.

Estimated cost: $300-600