CadiKing Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Hi everyone! Well I have found a '92 STS for $2500 obo with 107,k on the ticker... loaded. supposed to be in great shape... Although I would rather have a North*, I guess I could live with a 4.9... Any pitfalls to watch for on the '92 STS? thanks in advance.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Hank Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Yea,....the 4.9L... Actually, it's not a pitfall, but I think from a performance standpoint you would be much happier with the 4.6L. if you take the time, you can probably find a '93-'95 for about the same money. In general, the 4.6L is easy to service,...can't comment on the 4.9L.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Yea,....the 4.9L... Actually, it's not a pitfall, but I think from a performance standpoint you would be much happier with the 4.6L. if you take the time, you can probably find a '93-'95 for about the same money. In general, the 4.6L is easy to service,...can't comment on the 4.9L.... I believe 4.9 is MUCH easier to service than a Northstar (perhpas, except the plugs). Besides head gasket failures are very rare on 4.9. I cannot say the same about Northstar, unfortunately. The weakest part of 4.9 powertrain is the tranny, the engine itself is very reliable. A lot of Caddies with 4.9 were scrapped because of the tranny. Northstar's transmission seems to be very reliable and tough. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 The 4.9 puts out 200 HP, but it will surprise you as to how powerful it really is. Is the NS more powerful, yep 300 HP. ME? I wouldn't want a 93 through 95 NS that has had a diet of green coolant its whole life with 120K on it, UNLESS you have a full maintenance record on it by a single owner that was a fanatic. No flaming, opinions vary..and many on this board have had no problem, but for me? I wouldn't want it and would always be concerned about the head gasket. That said, if the price was right, I would buy one for my son or I would buy it as a project car if it was in good shape.. Back to the 4.9, the 4.9's can have a #1 main bearing knock. I have heard more than one complaint about the SPRAG in the tranny making a slamming noise with high RPM in neutral. My 91 tranny lasted to about 115,000 miles and the fluid and filter was changed regularly, the sprag exploded and I had it rebuilt. The engine is a work horse. There are side tanks on the radiator that are plastic and can crack. I do not believe you will be able to get electronic struts if your struts are shot but that is not too critical. My neighbor has a 92 Eldorado and he scared the hell out of me with how fast and powerful it was! It seemed a lot faster than my 91..but the 91 had single exhaust. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regis Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 A 92 STS in "great shape" for $2,500 or less is an excellent bargain whether it has a 4.6 or 4.9 engine. It would make a heck of a 2nd or 3rd vehicle. It's not something I, personally, would have to think about much if I were in the market for one. And just remember that you have a wealth of 4.9 knowledge on this board to draw from if you should run into problems. Buy it!!! LOL BBFisher, you always seem to beat me to the Post......doh! "Burns" rubber " I've never considered myself to be all that conservative, but it seems the more liberal some people get the more conservative I become. " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Fenwick Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Aloha, I had one and loved it. On mine though, the engine went out! (my luck?) The trans gave no problems. The front shocks were replaced by the dealer for $600. That was a real good price. The car was great and had plenty of power for me. I would take it (any Cadillac) to a radiator shop and ask them to check for exhaust gasses in; the coolant. That will tell you about the head gaskets. Anything else would be a minor fix. I think that you will enjoy the car. Good luck Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 I had one in my '92 Deville. It had 125K when I traded and never had a problem, but I always cursed it when I had to change oil. Damned filter was on top of the engine and tilted in such a way that you always spilled oil and it dripped down the side and off the trans pan lip........... for days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EldoGuy Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 I had one in my '92 Deville. It had 125K when I traded and never had a problem, but I always cursed it when I had to change oil. Damned filter was on top of the engine and tilted in such a way that you always spilled oil and it dripped down the side and off the trans pan lip........... for days. I use a little pan that fits underneath the oil filter and so far, I never had oil dripping from the side of the engine ... The 4.9 is one of the best and most reliable engines Cadillac ever made ... GO FOR IT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CadiKing Posted January 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Wow! What a response! Thanks for all your replies! I drove it last night. '92 STS, polo green, (again). I think it had all the options. Heated Seats, moon roof, lumbar adjustment on the console. Nice car, but not the perfect piece of Americana the seller talked about on the phone. Antifreeze collecting along the drvier side radiator bottom tray. Not much, but not dry, either. I see antifreeze at the connection of the top trans line. Has me a little worried. Leaking oil at front of engine, passenger side. Looks like the main bearing seal is leaking. Oil smut is collecting all the way around the bottom pulley. Did not hear the #1 bearing knock when car was started as the exhaust has a leak on the passenger side. Seller said there is no leak! I'm not deaf! He showed me where the front exhaust manifold was welded, as he could not find a replacement at the time it was repaired. I found a note on the work order from the front exhaust manifold repair stating the car needed a donut and the muffler replaced. Seller said he put the donut on it, but the muffler was fine..."by the way, they wanted $85 for that muffler..." Makes me think he may not have replaced it because of cost... How do you break the front exhaust manifold anyway??? Radio has been replaced. Single cd unit. Sounded like crap... Car seemed to run fine. Drove it about 7 miles. Fast & slow, up and down hills. Ran like a car with 200 horse, to me. The extra torque is nice though! It was sitting out in the snow/rain mix. Rear tail lights were really loaded with moisture! I was thinking about all the posts about rear tail light socket problems! With that said, I think I'll keep looking... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 The radiator probably needs the plastic end caps replaced, I replaced my entire radiator with an AC Delco, doing the work myself for about $160. The exhaust manifolds tend to crack on the 4.9 (I forgot to mention), if you do a search you will find evidence of that, its hard to find a replacement, you must match the casting numbers. I don't think cast iron can be welded.. Good Luck in your search, Mike Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CadiKing Posted January 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 The radiator probably needs the plastic end caps replaced, I replaced my entire radiator with an AC Delco, doing the work myself for about $160. The exhaust manifolds tend to crack on the 4.9 (I forgot to mention), if you do a search you will find evidence of that, its hard to find a replacement, you must match the casting numbers. I don't think cast iron can be welded.. Good Luck in your search, Mike Mike, Yes the radiator doesn't worry me too much, not as much as the exhaust system! The weld was not pretty. It appears to be holding for now. I have welded a cast iron exhaust manifold on my trencher. I was to the trick is, Heat to 450 deg f in oven, and work fast! I didn't take it off, I started the Wisconson engine and got it as hot as I could, shut it off, and welded it immediately! It has been holding for the last ten years! I digress... He said the manifold was planed on a mill to align the faces after the weld. The car looked pretty good averall, but I NEED to have stabilitrac! With all that needs attention, I think I will pass for now. I need to see more of what's out there! thanks Mike, jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 I hear you. That he had the manifold trued up was a good thing to avoid future cracks someone gave him good info. Good Luck finding one you like Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 CadyKing, All these are familiar 4.9 issues...radiator, oil line fittings, seals, Bose, exhaust manifold, oil leaks (check out the power windows). I personally fixed some of them and did not care much of the others (say, 1 pint oil leak between changes). But it's up to you. If you do not want to fix the "issues" or do not like the seller, just keep looking. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Adallak, while they might be familiar to you, they are fixable but they are not normal or acceptible. Oil leaks? Replace the oil line o-rings that dry rot and are not replaced when the lines are disturbed and replace any porous cooler lines, replace the oil filter adaptor o-rings. The oil pan comes down easily and the pan gasket can be changed. Matt dropped his oil pan on his 4.9 when he first got his car. Mine never leaked or used oil and when it did, I did some of the above. Radiator 'problem', no.... plastic side tank problem, two years ago my friend had one blow out on a 2002 Infinity, plastic... a 1991/92 is surely due for side tanks... The expansion and cooling of the plastic eventually causes cracks. The 4.9 is a great engine, that as with anything else, needs maintenance. None of these 'problems' need to be accepted or lived with. I loved the 4.9. PS, I have oil filter adaptor o-rings in my garage if you need them... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Adallak, while they might be familiar to you, they are fixable but they are not normal or acceptible. Oil leaks? Replace the oil line o-rings that dry rot and are not replaced when the lines are disturbed and replace any porous cooler lines, replace the oil filter adaptor o-rings. The oil pan comes down easily and the pan gasket can be changed. Matt dropped his oil pan on his 4.9 when he first got his car. Mine never leaked or used oil and when it did, I did some of the above. Radiator 'problem', no.... plastic side tank problem, two years ago my friend had one blow out on a 2002 Infinity, plastic... a 1991/92 is surely due for side tanks... The expansion and cooling of the plastic eventually causes cracks. The 4.9 is a great engine, that as with anything else, needs maintenance. None of these 'problems' need to be accepted or lived with. I loved the 4.9. PS, I have oil filter adaptor o-rings in my garage if you need them... Mike, My engine leaks rather from the front than from the oil filter adapter. It did leak from day one. Looks like the engine has been removed for some reason before I bought the car. Repairing that leak is not easy and actually not worth it since a pint of oil leak in 5000 miles is not really something I could not live with. Bose may be replaced with a new nice unit. I personally do not want to do that on my 15 years old car and prefer the ipod instead. I agree most of the mentioned problems are not specifically 4.9 problems, we just should remember all of 4.9 equiped cars are 10+ years old! The last one was Deville 1995 I believe. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 I think you are right about 95 being the last. The Bose amps are certainly annoying, and maybe better capacitors could have been used in them but as we know caps degrade with time and heat. Check this player out, this is what I want: http://www.creative.com/products/product.a...1&product=12985 Although Verizon Wireless sells this phone that plays MP3's the Samsung SCH-a950 a blue tooth phone with a memory card that has caught my eye... You can put any size memory into it that you want. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted January 26, 2006 Report Share Posted January 26, 2006 I think you are right about 95 being the last. The Bose amps are certainly annoying, and maybe better capacitors could have been used in them but as we know caps degrade with time and heat. Check this player out, this is what I want: http://www.creative.com/products/product.a...1&product=12985 Although Verizon Wireless sells this phone that plays MP3's the Samsung SCH-a950 a blue tooth phone with a memory card that has caught my eye... You can put any size memory into it that you want. Mike, thanks for the link. One just cannot keep up with all the new stuff! I have bookmarked it for the future reference (when I am in the market for a new player). The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddynut Posted January 26, 2006 Report Share Posted January 26, 2006 I own a 92 Seville and I love it. I have had it for 3 years and still love it. Mine has 150,000 miles (around 240,000 km.) and I have had NO problems with the tranny OR the engine. I did have to replace all of the struts, but Monroe makes passive struts and I bypassed the computer. I know one thing.....that 4.9 will smoke the tires and not quit. It has PLENTY of power. The N* has more, but I like the responsiveness better of the 4.9 off the line. Mine has had the "4.9 bearing thump", but it has never got louder....or quieter for that matter, but it shouldn't be a problem. GOOD LUCK!!! 2008 BMW 328xi 2007 Chrysler Aspen 2001 Cadillac Seville STS 2000 Ford Ranger XLT1998 Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible 1996 Saturn SC-11991 Ford F-1501979 Chevrolet Caprice1968 Ford LTD1965 VW Beetle "Herbie The Love Bug Replica** 1961 VW Beetle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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