1968 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid indicating coolant cross-contamination, Transmission fluid leaking from steel lines running to radiator, Harsh shifting or slipping after fluid contamination, Overheating transmission particularly in stop-and-go traffic

Fix: Replace deteriorated steel cooler lines and internal radiator cooler, flush transmission completely. If coolant mixed into trans, often requires full rebuild. Steel lines rust through after decades. 4-6 hours labor for lines and external cooler; add 12-18 hours if transmission rebuild needed due to contamination.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 for lines and cooler; $2,800-4,500 if transmission damaged

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Deep knocking sound from bottom of engine, especially when cold, Low oil pressure at idle (below 10 psi), Metallic debris in oil pan during changes, Rhythmic knock that increases with RPM

Fix: The 472ci V8's massive crankshaft runs in relatively soft bearings that wear with neglected oil changes. Requires complete engine removal, disassembly, crank polishing or replacement, and new main/rod bearings. Often combined with piston ring job since engine is apart. 25-35 hours labor for short block rebuild.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke from tailpipes on startup and acceleration, Excessive crankcase pressure, oil pushed out of breather, Oil consumption exceeding 1 quart per 500 miles, Wet, oily spark plugs

Fix: Ring wear is common on these high-mileage big-blocks, especially if original or improperly broken in during previous rebuilds. Requires engine removal, cylinder honing or boring if tapered, new rings on all 8 pistons. Valve job usually done at same time. 22-30 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $3,800-6,000

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration transmitted through floor at idle, Visible sagging of transmission tailshaft, Excessive driveline movement visible with throttle blips

Fix: Original rubber mounts harden and crack after 50+ years regardless of mileage. Simple replacement requiring transmission support and removal of old mounts. 2-3 hours labor. Improves refinement significantly.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Symptoms: Engine hesitation or stumbling under acceleration, Hard starting after sitting for days, Stalling at idle or during deceleration, Fuel smell from tank area indicating varnish buildup

Fix: Old fuel turns to varnish in tanks and lines on cars that sit. In-line filter clogs quickly; tank often needs removal, cleaning, and sealing. Fuel pump may need replacement. Original mechanical pumps often weak by now. Tank removal and cleaning 4-6 hours; add pump replacement 1.5 hours.

Estimated cost: $600-1,400

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Ticking or tapping from valve covers, particularly on startup, Noise that persists after warmup (not just cold lifter tick), Loss of power if pushrod bends or rocker arm fails, Single loud tick versus general tapping indicates individual lifter

Fix: Hydraulic lifters collapse or wear, pushrods can bend if lifter pumps up. Usually requires valve cover removal to identify failed lifter, then intake manifold removal for replacement (lifters come out from top). If caught early, just lifters; if neglected, bent pushrods or worn cam lobes add cost. 8-12 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200