New Here

[71_340]

Hello everybody,

I just joined this forum. Despite the fact that I am deployed in Iraq until December, I just bought a 94 Seville SLS on eBay; if anybody likes to take a look, the item number is 140020935415. I thought it was a pretty good deal judging by the pictures, description and the fact that it just passed NJ inspection. I emailed back and forth with the seller and he assured me that there are no leaks or any smoke whatsoever.

I bought it because I had three other Sevilles with the old style engines (4.5 and 4.9), they all had a whole lot more miles and were absolutely dependable. I never owned one with the Nortstar system though.

After buying it, I read a lot about these cars on another forum and it seemed as if there were a lot of problems with the engines, especially head gaskets. I like this forum better because it seems the members post answers without using profanity or rediculing somebodys different opinion.

I haven't seen to many complaints about the 4.6L engines here. Maybe some of you more seasoned members can give some input on the reliability of these engines. Yes, I know I already bought the car but I have bought cars before on eBay and there all were ok. I guess I just have to hope for the best. Anyway, I can't wait to get home and start driving it after going over it with a fine tooth comb and doing some maintenance and interior cleaning on it.

Well, I rambled on long enough for my first post; I am glad to have found this forum.

[Cadillac Jim]

The key to keeing the head gaskets is regular replacement of the coolant. This is true of any engine with aluminum heads. I would replace the green stuff every year and the red stuff every two to three years. Make sure that the coolant is 50/50 or a little better (not over 70% for sure). The simplest way is to get distilled water from WalMart for 50 cents a gallon and pre-mix 50/50 with anti-freeze and use that to refill.

If you don't have a record of service, the first thing to do with the car is to take it out to a 65 mph zone, let it run for a mile or two, then slow to about 45 mph and accelerate briskly to 65 mph, preferably up a grade if you can. Then, cruise for a mile or two while watching the temperature guage. If there is head leakage, the temperature will spike about a half mile after you do the acceleration. If it fails this test, don't accept the car.

Another, more definitive test, is to have a good radiator shop test the coolant for combustion products, and/or do a pressure test. This is a good idea if you can't drive the car on a freeway.

Also, I would change the oil, filter and coolant on the first day as part of the process of taking charge of the car's maintenance.

[kcd1184]

Welcome aboard!

I bought my 94 Eldo on E-bay over two years ago. This car has been fantastic.

Normal wear and tear stuff and a few things that are 93-94 N* motor maintenance only. This site's members are here for EVERYTHING you might need. They will answer every question and if necessary, will walk you through any process or project you ask. I'm sure you will love your new purchase.(and enjoy visiting here)

Stay safe.

Kent

[Ranger]

Welcome. As Jim said, cooling system maintanence is one of the most important items. As far as head gaskets go, remember that people come here when they have problems so it seems like an epidemic. The silent majority just go on happily motoring along.

P.S. Thanks for your service. Keep your head down, come home and enjoy the Caddy. You'll love the Northstar.

[Cadillac Jim]

Welcome to the forum. The main discussion topic is mainly question-and-answer and how-to threads but other discussions, too. We have other topics such as "19th hole," News topics, and such. We have a new subforum for "Buick Lesabre / Lucerne, Oldsmobile Aurora, Buick Lacrosse CXS, Pontiac Bonneville GXP 4.6L, and other cars that share a Cadillac platform or powertrain." I sometimes just read the forum because I found it interesting.

I started out here looking for advice on oil burning, and found out that my case was atypical, and likely due to short-cuts or bulk oil used in servicing. This isn't at all uncommon; use the search term "JiffyLube" on this forum and you will see that it's epidemic. After using the forum for information a few more times, I decided to bring in my factory shop manuals from the garage and give back some of the help I've received here -- and found that I enjoy it.

For a real hoot, look at the subforum on Cadillac Videos. My favorite is a 1970's Coupe DeVille or Eldorado at the drag strip; it pops a wheelie and gets half-way through the quarter mile before it gets enough traction to put the hammer all the way down -- and wins. It has the 500 cubic inch engine, bored to 511 cubic inches, in a stock body and mostly stock chassis, with working electric seats and windows.

[Bruce Nunnally]

Welcome to Caddyinfo.com; glad you found us.

Here is a link to the auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...em=140020935415

Nice price. Looks clean, but not professionally detailed, so it will look better after you get it.

I recommend you change the oil and coolant.

[Cadillac Jim]

It looks like it's Dark Cherry, a rare color that I have on my 1997 ETC.

My feeling is that for what you paid for it, you can't lose. Even if you have a major repair or two in the next couple of years, you will have a 270 hp Cadillac for less than the cost of a new Focus.

The fuel economy of these cars is a surprise for most people too. Typical for in-town is 18 mpg and highway 22 mpg. A light foot, rare for people who like the punch of a Northstar, will get you one or two more mpg. You're not going to do better for a car of this general type and quality (high-end sports sedan with excellent performance) no matter what you pay.

[90vtwin]

Hi, I just bought a '99 Deville a couple of weeks ago.

this forum is really helpfull, I will become a contributor shortly.

as it saves money and time.

After I bought it I changed

oil, trans fluid, power steering fluid (just by sucking out and refilling couple of times),

bled brakes, changed brake rotors and brake pads, coolant (using the procedures I read

on this forum).

So all the fluids plus the inexpensive portions of the brake hardware.

I have couple of more items to work on (specifically front wheel hubs).

Vlad

[epricedright]

Welcome! Looks like a great deal...nice car! Thank you for watching out for us! Be safe!

[BodybyFisher]

Don't worry about it, we will help you out when you get back, until then be safe, and thank you for what you are doing for us! You are going to love the NORTHSTAR!

I am impressed that you have noticed that the overall tone of the board is positive. That is what I love about this board. The administrator/owner is a gentleman and the board tends to follow his lead. We are proud of what we have here and try to help fellow Cadillac nuts as much as we can. The malcontents tend to fall off like dead limbs...

Be safe.

[growe3]

Welcome, I just viewed the car on EBay and it looks pretty nice. Very nice color, I haven't seen one that color around here (Sacramento, CA) before.

Under the hood could use a thorough cleaning. Afterwards it will be much easier to give it a good look-over to see what may need replacing, and what is still in good condition. I would expect to change the spark plugs and spark plug wires. At over 100k miles, they are due.

Despite many claims by aftermarket parts suppliers, it considered best by most, to use only AC Delco spark plugs and AC Delco spark plug wires when replacing them. I have tried several other spark plug types, and the performance either dropped a bit and/or the mileage suffered. When going back to the AC Delco spark plugs, with no other changes, the performance/mileage returned. Go figure, but they do the job best.

As mentioned by others, top of the list with these cars is to determine if the head gaskets are still sealing. While road testing can show up bad leaks, a radiator test for hydrocarbons is more reliable.

Assuming the cars checks out OK, My first tasks would be to: Change the oil (7.5 qt.) & filter. Then drain the coolant (do not flush), and then add two tubes of Bars Leak Gold powder to the top end, of the lower radiator hose. Do Not add the sealant to the surge tank, it will just sit there and likely plug the water pump vent line.

Refill with GREEN coolant pre-mixed to 50-50. Some prefer distilled water, I have no problem with our tap water; this may depend on the quality of your local water supply. This would also be a good time to replace the surge tank cap.

After refilling there is often air still trapped in the engine. Just let it idle up to temperature and keep the surge tank filled to within two inches of the top. Take it for a five-mile test ride, and after letting it cool down recheck the coolant level.

Under the hood is easily cleaned by spraying down a cool engine compartment and engine with Wesley’s Bleche-White Tire Cleaner. Try to keep it off of the exterior paint, doesn’t seem to hurt it, but it will remove any wax. Let sit a couple of minutes, do not let it dry, and then use a garden hose with a spray head to blast off everything that was sprayed. The engine will look nearly new. Works under the car for cleaning just as well. Some even use it to clean their tires.

Stay safe and good luck on your tour of duty, you and your fellow troops are appreciated here at home.

-George

[chazglenn3]

I would like to add my welcome, and thanks as well. As an Air Force veteran, I certainly appreciate everything you young men and women are doing for us. I too think this forum is a much nicer overall community than the other one. There is value in both, but there is a higher level of respect and maturity here.

Charles

[ted tcb]

Don't worry about it, we will help you out when you get back, until then be safe, and thank you for what you are doing for us! You are going to love the NORTHSTAR!

I am impressed that you have noticed that the overall tone of the board is positive. That is what I love about this board. The administrator/owner is a gentleman and the board tends to follow his lead. We are proud of what we have here and try to help fellow Cadillac nuts as much as we can. The malcontents tend to fall off like dead limbs...

Be safe.

Although my preference if for this board (very mature, concise posts), I very much appreciate Ranger's

efforts to moderate the other mb.

Congrats on the new aquisition.

I love the rare purple exterior, combined with polished chrome rims.

A light window tint, and you have one very sharp ride.

Check out Jason's review of his beautiful 97 SLS.

http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=721

The SLS is quite the sleeper. Tons of low end torque, yet really

amazing highway mpg.

Enjoy your ride.

[BodybyFisher]

Ted, since you quoted me, I want to clear my statement up. My post was not to contrast this board against any others, that is not my style. I was simply responding to our new member's statement regarding "another forum" relative to the tone of this board, with no regard to what forum that might be at all.. On the other hand, I have high regard for the chemistry here and its nice when someone notices it and that was the jist of my statement.

Since I don't really participate on any other Cadillac boards, it would be unfair for me to judge another board as it takes a LONG time to understand, how a board works, the cast of characters and its chemistry.. I already spend way too much time here than I should and could never branch out to another board...

[71_340]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I was really surprised to see that many replies. I keep watching the forum for new posts while I am over here, it is a good way to learn about these cars.

Once I get home and start driving my SLS, I probably have some questions to ask and will post them. I remember that on my older Sevilles I was able to get all kinds of information through the climate control display. I am not sure if I can do it on the 94 SLS since it should be OBD1. Maybe one of you guys know which buttons to push.

Also, on my 91 Seville with the 4.9 the coolant temperature used to go up to almost 230 degrees in the summer with the A/C on. I was kind of worried about that but the local Caddy dealer said that was normal; it never seemed to hurt anything. What is an acceptable temperature range on the Northstar?

[WarrenJ]

Welcome!

I'd also like to take a moment to add my thanks. It's extraordinary what you folks are doing for us here at home. Thanks again, and be safe.

You can still get all sorts of info from your climate control panel. Even more in fact (hold OFF and WARMER for five seconds or so). When you come back to us we'll give you all the details.

As for coolant temperature, your electric fans don't even ignite until the temperature hits 225 degrees! If your turn on the A/C the fans come on no matter what the coolant temperature. A 50/50 mix won't boil until 265 degrees (assuming the system is pressurized). Your engine will engage PROTECT MODE at around 258 degrees. I don't recall ever seeing over 230 degrees indicated on my display during normal driving.

Regards and thanks,

Warren

[The Fred]

Hey welcome to the forum there buddy,

Dig this mine looks just like yours

http://affordablecarats.com/newseville/

And I've also owned quite a few 4.5 and 4.9 automobiles

http://www.affordablecarats.com/gonebutnot.htm

As a matter of fact I'm driving a 4.5 right now

http://affordablecarats.com/cad.htm

[WarrenJ]

71_340,

Here's a site that might interest you:

http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/cadidiag.html

Lottsa valuable info on Cadillac diagnostics.

Regards,

Warren

P.S. Apologies if you're already familiar with that site.

[BodybyFisher]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I was really surprised to see that many replies. I keep watching the forum for new posts while I am over here, it is a good way to learn about these cars.

Once I get home and start driving my SLS, I probably have some questions to ask and will post them. I remember that on my older Sevilles I was able to get all kinds of information through the climate control display. I am not sure if I can do it on the 94 SLS since it should be OBD1. Maybe one of you guys know which buttons to push.

Also, on my 91 Seville with the 4.9 the coolant temperature used to go up to almost 230 degrees in the summer with the A/C on. I was kind of worried about that but the local Caddy dealer said that was normal; it never seemed to hurt anything. What is an acceptable temperature range on the Northstar?

You still have OBDI and you can still obtain computer codes through your DIC..

Here is the How To Section:

http://www.caddyinfo.com/howto.html

Here is detail on how to read the codes:

http://www.caddyinfo.com/readingcodes.html

Here is where you can look up the codes:

http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/dtcobd1.html

Here is where you can download a PDF copy of your owners manual. You can use Adobe Acrobat to search through it to find things quickly:

http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/resources-cad.html#om

I had a 91 Seville, I think it was an AMAZING car, it started Cadillac's come back if you ask me with that 4.9 engine. Yes 230 degrees in the summer is not really a problem. The Northstar will run in the range of 195 to 205 on the highway, and in traffic you will see it rise to 217 to 220 in the winter and it could go up to 230 to 235 in August in traffic, try not to worry about it. Believe it or not, the car runs cooler with the AC on, because the COOLING FANS are on HIGH 100% of the time while the AC is on..... If the AC is off you will see wider temp fluctations as the fans will turn on at 228 degrees, so you see wider temp fluctuations.

Helm, Inc, is selling Service Manuals for 50% off for 1990 to 2000 you might check their web site to see if you can get a Factory Service Manual (FSM) see their site here >> http://www.helminc.com/helm/search_service...0VS80B5R8EN2GSD

You can also buy FSM's on EBAY....

Mike

[Marika]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I was really surprised to see that many replies. I keep watching the forum for new posts while I am over here, it is a good way to learn about these cars.

Once I get home and start driving my SLS, I probably have some questions to ask and will post them. I remember that on my older Sevilles I was able to get all kinds of information through the climate control display. I am not sure if I can do it on the 94 SLS since it should be OBD1. Maybe one of you guys know which buttons to push.

Also, on my 91 Seville with the 4.9 the coolant temperature used to go up to almost 230 degrees in the summer with the A/C on. I was kind of worried about that but the local Caddy dealer said that was normal; it never seemed to hurt anything. What is an acceptable temperature range on the Northstar?

I have the 4.9 litre engine in my '92 Seville and in the summer with the AC on it would go to about 230. It's normal. These engines can seem to take a lot of abuse and keep on going.

[The Fred]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I was really surprised to see that many replies. I keep watching the forum for new posts while I am over here, it is a good way to learn about these cars.

Once I get home and start driving my SLS, I probably have some questions to ask and will post them. I remember that on my older Sevilles I was able to get all kinds of information through the climate control display. I am not sure if I can do it on the 94 SLS since it should be OBD1. Maybe one of you guys know which buttons to push.

Also, on my 91 Seville with the 4.9 the coolant temperature used to go up to almost 230 degrees in the summer with the A/C on. I was kind of worried about that but the local Caddy dealer said that was normal; it never seemed to hurt anything. What is an acceptable temperature range on the Northstar?

I have the 4.9 litre engine in my '92 Seville and in the summer with the AC on it would go to about 230. It's normal. These engines can seem to take a lot of abuse and keep on going.

Speaking of that when I killed my 1991 Eldorado (the transmission went out and I had to walk almost two miles in the snow) the motor was almost indestructable. I drained it of oil and coolant and revved the hell out of it and it just kept going and going and going it was way up in temp I don't know how high but smoke was everywhere I even threw cold water on it and it still kept going until finally I shut it off and it was seized well tight enough that the starter could not turn it

Those motors are tough sons of *****s (it was a 4.9)

But I sure killed that automobile

[BodybyFisher]

Having owned one, I don't think it was necessary to drain the oil and coolant and seize it, to know it was a great engine...

[JasonA]

A belated welcome to the forum!

You'll love your SLS; I love mine. I get 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with it. The low end torque of the 270/275 hp engines really kick it off the line, and the deep gearing of the transaxle allows them to just idle down the interstate (60 mph is about 1400 rpm).

The SLS has so much class, with the subtle chrome strip around the body of the car, the stand-up hood ornament. It's a true Cadillac. Going fast with class is what I say.

Enjoy your car and enjoy the board. I'm really glad you found both!

And as a civilian working at Fort Bragg, I wish you well in Iraq and pray for your safe return, as well as your comrades. This country doesn't thank you enough for what you all do. Don't listen to the Dixie Chicks -- they don't speak for all of us!

Edit: looking at the eBay site, those are later model wheels...only available on 97 models (and 96 also perhaps, but I'm not sure). I love those wheels; have 'em on my car also. One of the most beautiful wheels Cadillac has ever made in my opinion. Pulling up next to other vehicles at a stoplight, they shine and sparkle like diamonds in the sun.

[Ranger]

Don't listen to the Dixie Chicks

AKA Ditsy Twits

[JasonA]