:thumbsup: IF you can steal the body, go for it. Search these threads and remember that different year N*'s have different PCM programs and possibly some differing sensors due to running production line changes, even within a model year. You'll save some real electronic headaches if you can rebuild the OEM or obtain a similar '99 engine. In any event, you'll be in for an interesting mechanical journey, as in stuffing 10# of s... into a 5# bag. You must buy a FSM...you'll be lost without it, and probably a GOOD code reader, too. So there's $550 already spent......
Looking at another STS- What do you guys think?
Guys, I went to check out a 99 Caddy sts last night, body is in really nice shape. However from what I understand is that the engine was overheated but was turned off before it seized. It blows white smoke at an idle for about 10-15 minutes, then starts to miss and get a bit warmer than it should be. Still pulls well before it heats up. Sounds to me like a blown headgasket, or possibly a cracked head or?? I also heard that the nothstar engines are not worth fixing as they have such tight tolerances that there is no room to do so- dont know if this is true or not, just what heard. The price is right and I dont mind pulling it apart, but if it needs a motor it may be too much work. Guys, let me know what you think.
-Dan
-Dan
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I have been researching around on here I think I can do the headgasket (assuming this is the problem) however (I have all of the tools and a hoist), i have heard that since the block is made of Aluminum, the bolt holes have to be time serted. IS this a must or?? Seems like this job is gonna add up really fast, kinda wondering if its worth it.
Timeserting... IS A MUST... NO EXCEPTIONS.
What does it cost for just the timeserting approxiamately? $1000?
If you have never cracked open a northstar before I would think twice about attempting to repair the headgaskets yourself. Many mechanics won't even touch the headgaskets on a N*. All 20 headbolts MUST be retapped and timeserted, its not all that fun, or cheap. You have to drop the entire front engine subframe out from the bottom of the car. I really believe you would save yourself alot of headaches by simply replacing the motor. You have no idea the condition of the heads (they maybe warped, especially since the motor has been run multiple times while its overheating), and the block could also be damaged. If you really want the car, offer them 2000 or 1500 for the body and then spend 3-4 thousand for an engine that has already been timeserted. Not too mention have an almost new car for 7 or 8 grand.
Dan, there's a fella over on Ebay that sells a timesert-like kit that is supposed to be superior, Norm is the guy's name:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tegory=33620&viewitem=&item=150123828378&rd=1
$350 is a little cheaper too than the timesert kit which (someone correct me if I'm wrong) goes for around $500, search the boards as some caddy techs here swear by them, I personally have timeserts in my 98 block w/20k miles after the job and they're holding fine but Norms kit is beefier...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tegory=33620&viewitem=&item=150123828378&rd=1
$350 is a little cheaper too than the timesert kit which (someone correct me if I'm wrong) goes for around $500, search the boards as some caddy techs here swear by them, I personally have timeserts in my 98 block w/20k miles after the job and they're holding fine but Norms kit is beefier...
Ya I may look into that, I am planning on doing it myself anyways. So these timecerts, how do you install them, drill the hole out and place the insert in place? Can I do it myself? I also priced a motor and they want 2000 for one. However I would like to fix the stock motor over replacing it to keep it proper. I guess the heads could be warped due to the overheating problem, but all I can do is hope for the best. Thanks for the tips guys, keep em coming.
you drill and retap all 20 main bolt holes and insert the steel timeserts or ns300l serts, you will need the kit that includes the tools, though i've heard the timesert kit has a drilling block that aligns using the other main holes so it is easier than the ns300l kit that you must clamp in place.
There are a few threads with full writeups on the procedure I would search for timesert or headgasket repair, especially in the N* and technical writeup sections...
There are a few threads with full writeups on the procedure I would search for timesert or headgasket repair, especially in the N* and technical writeup sections...
Okay cool I will look that up. Does the motor have to come out or can the job be done from above? If the motor does come out, why through the bottom and not up? Does the trans come with it or?
The last person who tried to do it with the engine in the car eventually gave up and dropped the engine. Its nearly impossible to timesert the block on the firewall side of the engine with it in the car. It comes out the bottom because its nearly impossible to get it out from the top. The entire engine/trans assembly drops out with the engine cradle and most of the front suspension.
I think there is a recent thread here (last 2-3 weeks) from someone who actually did the job in the car - didn't sound like fun. I don't believe there is enough room to pull the motor off the transaxle and then come up - hence the drop out the bottom method.
My mechanic pulled mine from the top, minus the transmission. I seen him do 2 more devilles this same way. I believe he removed my radiator support also to gain room. They had no trouble at all.I think there is a recent thread here (last 2-3 weeks) from someone who actually did the job in the car - didn't sound like fun. I don't believe there is enough room to pull the motor off the transaxle and then come up - hence the drop out the bottom method.
BTW on all Caddys built since the late 80s the code readers are built in... Save your money you don't need a code reader.You must buy a FSM...you'll be lost without it, and probably a GOOD code reader, too. So there's $550 already spent......
It's actually earlier than that. The 1980 gasoline powered Eldorado and Seville was the first year with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) where you can display trouble codes using the climate control panel. 1981 was the first year where all gasoline powered Cadillacs had OBD.BTW on all Caddys built since the late 80s the code readers are built in... Save your money you don't need a code reader.
This Is A Deal You Can Fix It So Go Ahead
thats what I think too I will give it a run and see what I can do
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