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New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems

32K views 255 replies 23 participants last post by  stoveguyy 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey, everyone. First off, I'm glad this forum exists, and I'm very salty I didn't think to check here 3 days ago prior to buying an Eldorado.....off of craigslist.. Anyway!

I am absolutely new to cars, I don't really know much about how to fix them, or where to look for problems, or what situations to not get into after a quick look over, which all leaded me to finding a 95 Eldorado on Craigslist, it all seemed to run well on the parking lot test drive (first mistake), and so I got it instantly, not really checking out other cars first (second mistake).

After 20 minutes on the freeway, and noticing I passed my exit, I decided to cruise for a little bit, I pulled off and hit a backstreet to see what kind of MPG I am dealing with. I was pretty satisfied... Up until my nephew started freaking out and stated, "Uhm. There is something leaking into the car..." and almost as if on queue to those words, the car started steaming out of the vent, almost seemed like it had to be smoke as well.

I pulled off into a gas station, and tried calling the person for some information, but lets just say-- this individual is completely useless and is not wanting to talk so I can't really ask him for a refund, I guess I'm too easy going.

SO after 30 minutes of trying to figure out what I am going to do, because I am asking everyone at this gas station for help because I don't know what I am doing, I decide to take it to the nearest "mechanic", which was told to me that it is just down the road, so I head off in that direction and find an entire line of... Auto Body Repair Shops...

One guy finally takes a look at it, and tells me what the heating (core? cord?) was broken and that was the issue as to why it was spewing coolant into the car on the passenger side. I asked him what I can do about that and he said it would be $300 and 8 Hours of work, to which my jaw dropped. I asked if there was an alternative and he said they could "bypass" it. I asked what that would solve and he said it would stop spewing for sure, and I asked if it would stop overheating, he said definitely, they also replaced a clamp type item that connected the vacuum hose of the engine to another part of the engine, which previously had a hole in it. The car fired up and sounded great, I paid the man and took off down the road. That's when I am now experiencing low acceleration power, and I am like.... Huh ?

I end up going back to this guy about 5 times, he reassured me that after a good sit overnight the car would be absolutely fine and not to worry about anything, the overheating message, beeping and low acceleration are all because it hasn't sat long enough after the bypass. I tell him I feel like it might have been the plug he replaced, so he took it off and said it was ok to drive with it off. (third mistake? fourth?) At about the fifth time he told me my catalytic converter was bad, and I kept hearing it was "Cadillac Converter" "Catallic Converter", so none of what he was saying made sense, and I thought this would be the last thing I needed to make sure the car was good to go, so I asked him where I get that situated, and he directed me to a muffler shop. It was about 8 minutes away. I set up an appointment and got it replaced the next day.

(somewhere inbetween all this I picked up some oil and put more oil in the car, I randomly got power back but it kept dying out at random times)

After it got replaced, I thought all of my issues were going to be solved, so I took off down the road, happy as can be. I had power again! Now, I was happy with the v8 engine in this beast, I just roared it a couple 50-100 feet. Then the power dies out again, and I just get livid. I whip around to the shop and by this point, I'm not even mad I am just disappointed in my lack of car knowledge, and I tell him that it didn't work, we get another guy involved and discover that the car is indeed overheating. We let it all cool down, run some water in it and watch to see where it is going, and after about two minutes it just starts essentially throwing the water upwards. We let it cool down once more for about 30 minutes, the water was incredibly low afterwards, and he filled it up, told me to drive it to the house and not drive it anymore until I can figure out whats wrong with it.

At this point I had gotten in contact with the guy and he states he will bring his mechanic to the car to check it out, and replace whatever it is that is broken and get it back on the road. Just kidding. No show.

So the car is sitting here, and I realize that my neighbor has the same exact car, maybe a couple years newer, and very nice rims. I talk to him about what could be the issue, learned more about (after the mechanics and I had a long talk about why nobody likes to work on cadi engines - aluminum) how they warp when overheated and its all downhill from there.

So, I come to this forum looking for anyone who can just help me out here. I am willing to invest the time into fixing it. But I want to know what I should look for to see if it is too late to even want to try, what do you guys feel the issue might be?

I came to a realization last night that if maybe the heating (core? cord?) is replaced and the bypass was ... enabled again, that should clear up any issues, especially since the car hadn't overheated prior to the bypass. That and because the Catalytic Converter (which apparently you're supposed to be able to see all the way through, was meeeeeeesssed up) was replaced.

What do you guys think? I'm sure there are guides all over to find out how to do this, but I'd like to take it from some knowledgeable people on a realistic scale.

Thank you so much.
Rich
 
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#126 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

AutoZone has a block test kit through their loan a tool program. All you actually have to buy is the test liquid.

Easy to do yourself, preferably after an overheat. There are a couple if videos on youtube on how to do it, one good one by a member here.
Wow this test makes me really nervous.
 
#128 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

Ah man. What it is is my mix is way the **** off. Nooooooooooo doubt in my mind. I'm gonna have to start over.

According to: EETC orp, an Antifreeze Company

"Furthermore, more often than not the final engine coolant (antifreeze/water) mix is not within the recommended range, dramatically shortening engine and cooling system life."

I'm starting to think I should buy into this 50/50 Mix deal. Just get a couple jugs of that, drain the radiator out of the lower radiator pipe, this time if I can get the bottom one, that's where I'm aiming.

Is it possible to somehow safely drain out the car with that method while pushing some out via acceleration and I can go the 'high priced water' coolant mix level, at least then I'll know I won't be at a 20/80 or a 30/70.

Edit: By safely drain, I mean take it to empty empty empty.



The result.
 
#129 ·
The mix isn't THAT critical. Somewhere around 50/50 is fine.

You can't drain the entire system, at least not without removing the crossover manifold. There's no hose or drain low enough in the system to get all of the coolant out of the block. You need to add slightly more coolant than water, that's all.
 
#130 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:



Exactly, somewhere around 50/50 is what I'd get with pre mix. I just simply don't trust myself to do a mix. I might have to take it somewhere for sure and see if I can't find out how it's done. I'm a visual learner.
 
#136 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:



Correct, however I am so not aware of what mix is in there currently.

I've been running straight water (see first post), I drained it out yesterday, was pretty murky with coolant in there as well.
After draining it out yesterday, I tried to follow some instructions stating: "Put 1 1/2 Gallon of Antifreeze after draining, and top off with water."

I got 3/4 of the first thing of coolant before it became a bad idea, mostly because I'm dumb and did it with a warm engine. It filled to the top and didn't continue emptying into the system, so I drained it out again, ran water until it came out clear.
I then premixed a jug of coolant to a good 50/50, if anything 45(w)/55(c) and added it until the message went away.

That's when I took it out for a spin, floored it for a couple seconds, and then got massive overheating.

I checked the purge line this morning, nothing was coming out. Coolant level is low.
 
#137 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

Coolant/water ratio is irrelevant at this point. It will not cause the engine to overheat or use coolant. I am more concerned with your "suuuuuuuuper puffy and hard to squeeze" hose. Get that purge line to flow. Rod out the hollow bolt and blow through the rest of the line. If it's clogged, clear it. Then if you still overheat, do the block test.
 
#138 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

Coolant/water ratio is irrelevant at this point. It will not cause the engine to overheat or use coolant. I am more concerned with your "suuuuuuuuper puffy and hard to squeeze" hose. Get that purge line to flow. Rod out the hollow bolt and blow through the rest of the line. If it's clogged, clear it. Then if you still overheat, do the block test.
I took a wire hanger to it this morning. In as far and as much as I could go, nothin, even after started the engine with the tube off to see if it would flow. I put coolant in recently, felt the hose but it was probably the engine vibration I felt. I will check the hollow bolt again soon.

How far in can / should I go with a wire hanger in the hollow bolt?

Which 'line' and blow through it with what?


And thank you for reviving my hope for this car.
 
#142 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

What about you know, a bike pump?
I will just blow into it.. Haha

----------

Took the hose off, and blew it to try and please it to kicking into shape and working:

Cannot blow through it, clogged?
 
#146 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:



The hollowbolt that I poked through the first time, or the other end of the hose?

When I 'rodded' (which I am assuming means to push a wire hanger through) the hollowbolt the first time, daaaaays back. I got bubbling / falling into a stream.

When I did it this morning, nothing came out of the hollowbolt, and nothing came out of the hose (except initially some black liquid residue came out, not a lot). No bubbling, no stream, nothin. Even when I ran the car.
 
#149 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

:banghead: Why is this so hard? Hollow bolt is rodded out. The line is clogged. Clear it with compressed air or a long piece of 12 gauge wire. Put it back together and let the engine purge itself. This is not rocket science. It should not take 10 pages to accomplish this and be able to move on.
 
#150 ·
:banghead: Why is this so hard? Hollow bolt is rodded out. The line is clogged. Clear it with compressed air or a long piece of 12 gauge wire. Put it back together and let the engine purge itself. This is not rocket science. It should not take 10 pages to accomplish this and be able to move on.
Ditto
 
#155 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

I'm starting to agree with Stoveguy -

NOBODY can be THIS dense -

152 posts on a purge line and coolant change - must be a new record -
------------------------------

look - kid -
if you are NOT a troll -
ALL the information you could possibly need is here -
probably within the few posts -

go back and re-read what's been written -

if you still don't get it - take the car to a professional - and have it done -
---------------------
if you ARE a troll - I COMMEND YOU -
it's been quite a while since someone has sucked us all in this deep -

like I said - 152 posts MUST be a new - all-time record -

I'm done with it -
 
#156 · (Edited)
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

I'm starting to agree with Stoveguy -

NOBODY can be THIS dense -

152 posts on a purge line and coolant change - must be a new record -
------------------------------

look - kid -
if you are NOT a troll -
ALL the information you could possibly need is here -
probably within the few posts -

go back and re-read what's been written -

if you still don't get it - take the car to a professional - and have it done -
---------------------
if you ARE a troll - I COMMEND YOU -
it's been quite a while since someone has sucked us all in this deep -

like I said - 152 posts MUST be a new - all-time record -

I'm done with it -
I think the craziest thing is:

Nobody is forcing anyone to come into this thread. I have made it well aware I am incredibly new to dealing with cars. I understand it is completely frustrating, but again, I am not making you sit down at your computer and click this thread.

Although I do recall seeing your post count and cars, and asking for your advice in this thread, I did not force you to.
I reread the thread all the time and it is decreasing my level of intimidation as I continue learning with dealing with a Northstar.

Again, I'm open to destructive and constructive criticism, but let's not start pulling the troll card, and calling people kids because you are frustrated.

Go smoke a bowl, come back, and relax. Jeez, "gramps". Thank you for your previous input in this thread.

Anyway, it appears the only source of information is coming from Moistcabbage today, and I want to say thank you.
Now, back to the situation at hand.

Edit. I have pumped and pumped trying to get air to go through the line to the surge tank. It's not happening. I have taken a wire hanger as far in as I possibly could, as i pull it out its grimed with grey/green gunk. I tried running the car to see if I had any liquid coming out of the hollowbolt, and none. How long does the engine have to run before liquid comes through? If it's not coming through the hollowbolt, and I can't breath through to the surge tank, is there a different clogged area?
 
#157 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

If there is coolant in the engine, it should start to spit out the hollow bolt as soon as the engine is started. Try removing the purge line from the surge tank and see if you can insert a wire into the nipple. Maybe that's clogged.

I can't imagine how you are attaching a bicycle pump to the purge line. :hmm:
 
#158 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

If there is coolant in the engine, it should start to spit out the hollow bolt as soon as the engine is started. Try removing the purge line from the surge tank and see if you can insert a wire into the nipple. Maybe that's clogged.

I can't imagine how you are attaching a bicycle pump to the purge line. :hmm:
I have tried unclogging the hollowbolt and the surge tank line. Neither are having anything come out.

And it's just a quick handheld with a hole that fits right into the surge tank line. Was just incredibly lucky.
 
#159 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

I am just going to take it to somewhere that will push all the clogs out and refill the coolant. It seems to be the last thing the car needs.

I may just end up flipping cars, learning new makes and models as I go. Buy cheap, fix up, sell high. Once I get enough money from that I am going to reside with Cadillac's for sure. My family is moving down to where I am at, so I'll have 1-2 extra helping hands when it comes to this, instead of trying to race around and do it all myself without knowing wtf a radiator is. Ha.

Again:

Thanks: Basscat, Ranger, Moistcabbage and anyone else who has helped me throughout this frustrating (moreso for you guys I am assuming) adventure. It is kind of silly that it took me 11 pages to get to where I am at, but we all gotta start somewhere!

It's a community like this forum that makes me help everyone I come across as much as I can. Should be nearing the end of this thread.

PS:

No, I am not a troll. And yes I am very thankful for all of your guys' help! :)
Off to take the niece to the discovery museum, and then take my car to a shop to have them 'compress' the clogs in my system out.

(Funny story: I started making calls to get estimates,
first store: "uhh yea, we do cadi's a little bit, what's the issue? (insert story) -- "Yea we can do that for about 55."
second store: "allo? ahh, you bring, we do 350." /hangup)

Mechanics sure are fun to deal with.
 
#161 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

That's why I told him top blow from the hollow bolt into the tank. When he said he could not, I said to remove the purge line from the tank and use a wire to see if the nipple was clogged. Post #157
 
#163 ·
Re: New to Cars in General, have a 95 Eldorado, plethora of problems, help?! D:

Back from the museum.

I blew into the hollow bolt, same result as blowing into the other part. Minus one small thing:

The hollowbolt accepts very little air, but the buildup comes right back out when my mouth comes off. I think takign it in and having everything pressured out will do the trick.

Also, throwing a wire hanger in as far as I could didn't do the trick.
 
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