1991 EAGLE SUMMIT

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant consumption without visible leaks, milky oil on dipstick or cap, overheating under load, rough idle when cold

Fix: Head gasket job on these requires head removal, resurfacing (warpage is typical), new head bolts, and timing belt replacement while you're in there. Budget 8-12 hours labor depending on engine size. The 1.5L is cramped but simpler; 1.8L and 2.4L add complexity. Always pressure-test the block and check for cracks.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid pooling under car, burnt ATF smell, slipping or delayed engagement after warm-up, pink fluid mixed with coolant in radiator

Fix: The factory cooler lines rust through at the fittings, and the internal radiator cooler can fail, cross-contaminating coolant and ATF (which kills the transmission). Replace lines, external cooler, flush both systems, and pray the transmission survived. If contaminated, rebuild or replace transmission. Lines and cooler alone: 2-3 hours. With transmission damage, add 10-15 hours for a rebuild.

Estimated cost: $300-800 for lines/cooler; $1,500-2,800 if transmission is damaged

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: severe vibration at idle or under acceleration, visible wobble of crank pulley, rubber ring separation from hub, serpentine belt shredding or coming off, rough running that feels engine-related

Fix: The rubber isolator in the harmonic balancer deteriorates and delaminates, causing damaging vibrations. Replacement requires crank bolt removal (impact required, often seized), and timing marks must be observed. 2-3 hours labor. Check for crank snout damage during removal—scoring means more work.

Estimated cost: $250-500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: clutch pedal sinks to floor and stays, spongy or inconsistent pedal feel, difficulty shifting into gear, fluid leak at firewall or bellhousing, grinding when attempting to shift

Fix: The hydraulic clutch system uses aging rubber seals that fail internally. Master cylinder is accessible (1.5 hours), but slave cylinder requires transmission removal on many models (add 4-6 hours). Replace both together to avoid doing the job twice. Bleed thoroughly—air pockets cause persistent problems.

Estimated cost: $400-900 depending on slave cylinder access

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi (or unknown history)

Symptoms: sudden no-start with cranking but no compression, ticking or slapping noise from timing cover before failure, coolant leak from water pump weep hole, engine overheating due to pump failure

Fix: These are interference engines—timing belt failure means bent valves and possible piston damage. If the belt hasn't been done or history is unknown, do it immediately with water pump, tensioner, and seals. 4-6 hours labor. If it already failed, add valve job or head work: 10-15 hours total.

Estimated cost: $400-700 preventive; $1,500-2,500 after failure

Symptoms: hard starting after sitting, loss of power under load, sputtering or hesitation at highway speeds, fuel smell near tank, check engine light with lean codes

Fix: Fuel tanks rust internally on neglected examples, and old fuel breaks down, clogging filters and injectors. In-tank pump screens clog first. Replace fuel filter (under car, 0.5 hours), inspect lines for rust perforation, drop tank if contamination is suspected (add 3-4 hours). Injector cleaning or replacement may be needed.

Estimated cost: $100-250 for filter/lines; $600-1,200 if tank/pump involved

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking when shifting from reverse to drive, excessive engine movement visible when revving in park, vibration through shifter or floor, rattling over bumps

Fix: Rubber transmission mounts age-harden and tear, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Front and rear mounts commonly fail together. Replacement is straightforward with a jack supporting the transmission. 1.5-2 hours labor for both.

Estimated cost: $200-400