The 1967 Pontiac Tempest is a classic A-body with generally robust powertrains but typical GM two-speed automatic headaches and age-related cooling/oil leakage issues. Most survivors have had at least one major drivetrain refresh by now.
Two-Speed Powerglide/Super Turbine 300 Automatic Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi original, or anytime after 50+ years of sitting
Symptoms: Slipping between first and second gear under load, No engagement in reverse or delayed engagement when cold, Burnt transmission fluid smell, dark red or brown fluid, Clunking or harsh shifts, especially into drive
Fix: Full rebuild required in most cases—clutch packs are worn, seals are hard, and modulators fail. Expect 8-12 hours labor for removal, rebuild, and reinstall. Many shops source rebuilt units on exchange.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Rear Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse to drive, Excessive drivetrain movement visible under hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle that changes when shifting into gear
Fix: Rubber mount separates from metal bracket or cracks completely after decades. Replacement is straightforward: support transmission, unbolt old mount, install new. 1-1.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $120-250
Inline-Six (215ci/230ci) Rear Main Seal and Oil Pan Gasket Leaks
Common · low severityTypical onset: any—age and heat cycling are the enemies
Symptoms: Oil pooling under bellhousing area or dripping from oil pan seam, Oily residue coating underside of engine and transmission, Low oil level between changes if leak is significant
Fix: Rope-style rear main seal leaks are endemic on the I6. Proper fix requires transmission removal (5-6 hours). Oil pan gasket is easier, 2-3 hours with cork gasket and RTV. Many owners live with minor seepage.
Estimated cost: $400-900 rear main; $200-400 oil pan
V8 (326/389) Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks and Warping
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi or after overheating episodes
Symptoms: Coolant seepage at intake valley or front/rear of manifold, Rough idle or vacuum leak symptoms—high idle, lean condition, Coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick) in severe cases, White smoke from exhaust on startup if coolant enters cylinders
Fix: Cast-iron intake can warp from thermal stress. Gasket set plus machining/straightening if needed. 4-6 hours labor—drain coolant, remove carburetor/linkage, pull manifold, resurface if warped, reassemble with proper torque sequence.
Estimated cost: $500-1,200
Fuel Pump Pushrod Wear and Pump Failure
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Hard starting or stalling after engine warms up, Loss of fuel pressure—engine dies under load or at highway speed, Raw fuel smell if diaphragm ruptures and fuel leaks externally, Ticking or rattling from fuel pump area if pushrod is worn
Fix: Mechanical pump driven by eccentric on camshaft via pushrod. Diaphragm hardens or pushrod wears out of spec. Replace pump and inspect pushrod; 1-2 hours labor. Check cam lobe for wear if pushrod is badly worn.
Estimated cost: $150-350
Carburetor (Rochester 2GC/Quadrajet) Rebuild Needed
Common · low severitySymptoms: Rough idle, stalling, or hesitation on acceleration, Black smoke from exhaust—overly rich condition, Fuel leaks from carb base or accelerator pump area, Hard starting, especially when hot—percolation from heat soak
Fix: Ethanol fuel degrades old gaskets, needles, and seats. Full rebuild kit with floats, needles, gaskets, and accelerator pump. 2-4 hours depending on carburetor type and condition. Clean all passages, reset float levels.
Estimated cost: $300-650
Generator/Alternator (Early Models) Failure and Wiring Issues
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Dim headlights at idle, brightening with RPM (generator models), Battery not charging—warning light stays on or voltmeter shows discharge, Burnt wiring smell from ammeter or bulkhead connector, Intermittent electrical issues—gauges flicker, accessories cut out
Fix: Early '67s may still have generators; most have alternators. Brushes wear, voltage regulators fail, and ammeter circuits overheat. Upgrade to modern alternator recommended. Repair or replace: 2-3 hours including testing and wiring inspection.
Estimated cost: $250-600
Buy one if it's rust-free and you're handy—mechanicals are fixable, but body/frame rot will drain your wallet faster than any rebuild.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.