1978 OLDSMOBILE 88

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil looks milky or contaminated with coolant, Overheating, loss of power, hard starting when warm, Crackling sounds from block – precursor to complete failure

Fix: The 350 diesel was a gasoline block converted to diesel with inadequate head bolts and weak block castings. Head gasket jobs require upgraded bolts and often machine work; many blocks crack between cylinders and are unrepairable. Realistically, most need a complete engine replacement or diesel-to-gas conversion. 15-25 hours labor for head gasket with upgrades, but many aren't worth fixing. Complete diesel-to-Olds 350 gas swap: 20-30 hours.

Estimated cost: $2,500-6,000 for head gasket attempt; $4,000-8,000 for engine swap to gas

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise from front of engine on cold start that fades as oil pressure builds, Rough idle, backfiring through carburetor, poor performance, Check timing with light – retarded several degrees from spec indicates stretch, Metal shavings in oil, oil pressure fluctuation

Fix: Olds V8s are notorious for timing chain wear due to nylon-coated cam gears that deteriorate and soft original chains. Requires front cover removal, new timing set with steel gear, and often a new fuel pump eccentric. Replace oil pump and check cam for wear while you're in there. 6-8 hours labor with front accessories off.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Gas smell in engine bay, fuel stains on intake manifold, Hard starting when hot, flooding, black smoke, Hesitation on acceleration, high idle or stalling, Fuel dripping from base gasket or accelerator pump area

Fix: The Rochester Quadrajet is a good design but the '78 emissions versions have fragile plastic floats, cracked well plugs in the main body, and deteriorated rubber seals. Most need a complete rebuild kit with ethanol-resistant parts. Adjusting mixture screws requires removing EPA plugs. 3-5 hours to remove, rebuild, reinstall, and tune properly.

Estimated cost: $400-750

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping in 2nd or 3rd gear under load, flaring on upshifts, No reverse or weak reverse with burning smell, Delayed engagement into drive, harsh or soft shifts, Dark or burnt transmission fluid, metal particles on dipstick

Fix: Most '78 88s have THM 350 or THM 400 three-speed automatics. Forward clutch wear is common, reverse band adjustment rarely helps. Requires transmission removal and rebuild with new clutch packs, bands, seals, and often a torque converter. 8-12 hours labor for removal, rebuild, reinstall.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Symptoms: Visible rust through rocker panels and lower quarters, Clunking from rear suspension, sagging rear end on one side, Rust holes in trunk floor, especially around rear spring mounts, Frame rust at rear spring hangers – severe safety issue

Fix: B-body frames rust at rear spring perches where leaves attach; rockers trap moisture and rust from inside out. Frame damage is structural and can cause catastrophic failure. Proper repair requires frame section replacement or welding in new steel. Rockers need full replacement panels. 15-25 hours for frame repair, 10-15 hours per side for rockers with paintwork.

Estimated cost: $2,000-5,000 depending on extent

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Whining or groaning noise when turning, especially when cold, Power steering fluid puddles under front of car, Stiff steering at low speeds, loose or wandering at highway speed, Fluid seeping from pump, hoses, or gear box seals

Fix: Saginaw pumps leak from front shaft seal and reservoir O-rings. Gear boxes weep from input shaft seal and sector shaft. Pump rebuild or replacement: 2-3 hours. Gear box seal replacement: 3-4 hours if you don't pull the box. Many just add fluid and live with it.

Estimated cost: $300-700