[AT] OT Cadillac Northstar engine

[Dean VP]

I've owned two of this era Cadillac vehicles but never had the problems
being described here. I always traded them off at 100,000 miles.  But let me
assure you, there isn't room in that engine compartment to fart much less
get to anything. A huge V8 engine mounted transverse. I made the mistake one
time of trying to change spark plugs.  It takes special tools and Houdini
skills to get the back 4 plugs changed.   I never was aware of the problems
the Northstar engines had while I owned them.  I considered the two Sedan
Deville's we owned to be two of the best cars we ever owned.  Huge leg room
and great gas mileage, 27 MPG on the open road. And this particular era Cads
didn't look like big boats. Didn't like the looks of the later cads so
didn't buy any more.   My wife probably would not be here anymore had she
not been driving the Sedan Deville. She was in a head on accident wearing a
seat belt and all the air bags went off. She still got banged up pretty
good,. Those in the other car didn't survive so well.  A bunch of teenage
kids were speeding around a curve and lost control of their car. My wife was
heading for the ditch to try to avoid them but they nailed her head on.  Up
until I learned about the Northstar engine issues I would have bought
another one of this era if I could find a low mileage one in really good
condition.  We now own a Buick LaCross which has some similar traits. 

Dean VP
Snohomish, WA 98290

It's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. 

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of charlie hill
Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2016 12:38 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: Re: [AT] OT Cadillac Northstar engine

Cecil,  I figured that is where it had to be but that's still ridiculous.
It would be different if there wasn't room for it somewhere else but for
sure there is room under the hood of a Caddy for a starter.  If nothing else
it could be installed out the back of the bell housing like on boat engines
and some of our tractors.

Charlie

-----Original Message-----
From: Cecil Bearden
Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2016 10:59 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] OT Cadillac Northstar engine

Charlie:

Starter is under the intake manifold.   That Youtube is one of the best
things on the internet when you want to find out how something is done.

Is there a way I could install a Buick 3800 engine in the 98 Cadillac even
if I had to change the transmission.  Would it be a computer nightmare or is
it possible?

Cecil in OKla


On 10/1/2016 2:51 PM, charlie hill wrote:
> Starter inside the engine?  SAY WHAT?????????
>
> Does that engineer still have a job?
>
> Charlie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve W.
> Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 5:09 PM
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
> Subject: Re: [AT] OT Cadillac Northstar engine
>
> Cecil Bearden wrote:
>> Charlie:
>>
>> This 98 Caddy is what I would call Mint condition.   It must have been
>> kept in a temperature controlled garage.  A non-smoker, and no wear 
>> on the seats.  70K miles.  I am going to keep it, and find another 
>> one for parts to fix my MIL's car.  Thanks to Steve W. for his info.  
>> I had just about decided the Northstar Performance kit was the only way
to go.
>> The time factor is what is the big problem.   I just have to get the
>> shop cleaned out and go to work.  It is about #23 down the list to 
>> get repaired.
>>
>> Cecil in OKla
>>
> The engine is actually a great design just a couple areas of bad 
> execution. Capable of a LOT more power.
> Just that the thin block deck thickness combined with the small bolts 
> with fine threads and having the bottoms open to hot acidic coolant to 
> hold the heads down was a dumb idea.
>
> That and locating the starter inside the engine!!!
>

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