Total Reseal! PULL the Powertrain! 2006 Cadillac Northstar 4.8 4T80 Engine OIL LEAKS!

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”Intro Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio”
Thanks to Jesse for making the intro and graphic for us to enjoy!!!

[@jonathanlauber293]

I work graveyard shift and thought I had a bad night last night. Then I watched this video. Now my night doesn't look so bad.

[@danmaynard1383]

A friend told me not to buy a Cadillac I was considering, after watching this video, I’m glad I listened.

[@animalcorvair]

we have two i havea 93 el my boy has a 98 ...both engines have been great ,,an ray did it right,,,drop the engine like have to on my covairs if they go bad its made to drop out

[@wernerpd777]

My brother's wife owned one. It was a dog and the engine died.

[@Racingnut24]

Yeah an American "made" car you need a 2nd mortgage just to repair

[@animalcorvair]

@@Racingnut24 not as bad as some cars,,,ours are cheap to drive ,,but they are not new so anything can go wrong

[@animalcorvair]

@@wernerpd777 they are not a dog ,,but they have to run on all 8 lol

[@elrobo3568]

I am going out to my shop and just sit and look at my 56 T-Bird Y-8 engine with 6 things attached to it ad remember when I was a tech and how easy we had it. Thanks for the memories, this engine is a nightmare. You did well!

[@randybeard6040]

I am 76 years young but the Older Vehicles were MUCH EASIER to work on...

[@gregoryking9348]

I came to comment the same thing. Back in our knuckle busting days if we had all the parts staged and ready we could begin an engine pull and rebuild at 7am and have it done and bolted back in by that same evening. I get the need for emissions awareness and reduction, and fuel economy technology's, but federal regulations and techie minded whiz kid engineers have made it almost financially unfeasible to perform higher level repairs/refreshes. Modern power plants are damn near disposable because of insane labor costs.

[@richb.4374]

Agreed. I used to work on the old school engines and watching Ray suffer through these newer high tech disasters is painful. I miss the days when you could rebuild an engine with common hand tools in your garage.

[@roberttexas3618]

How long have you been working as a mechanic . You always amaze me on how much you know about so many different cars and their components. This talent with your diagnostic skills just blows me away. This is why I watch every video you produce!

[@notime4264]

I believe Ray’s background includes years at a dealer receiving some high level training from the OEM. I get the impression it was a GM dealer. In addition to his formal knowledge, Ray has a great amount of curiosity and creativity that takes his overall abilities up a notch.

[@osogrande2]

Ray started repairing flat tires and installing new tires. Moved up to doing oil changes. And if you look back far enough into his videos, you'll find him telling on himself about how he lost a job at oil change joint. Yes , he did have a dealer job (he has a video about it too) and then moved on to a independent garage that also sold tires. Then he graduated to his own shop. More shop owners and technicians should have the integrity that Ray has.

[@rager1969]

@@osogrande2 Definitely GM dealer, and I think a few weeks ago, he accidentally leaked the previous job's name. He drove by his old job and I saw the sign, which was a chain (probably franchisee).

[@osogrande2]

​ 0:03 @rager1969 If you go back about 2 years in his videos you can see him working at a GM dealer. In one of the videos he was called into the office at the dealer and told he was going to have to work 6 days a week. That didn't sit well with him and he soon packed his toolbox. That's when he went to the tire store / auto repair place where he was working and was held he was going to have to do something he didn't want to do and he packed his toolbox up again. If you're curious enough you can figure out where that was and the name of the place, it isn't that difficult.

[@roberttexas3618]

@@osogrande2 I’ve been watching his video for 2 years approximately never watched any of the dealership videos just curious how long he been at the auto repair job because he is very good at diagnostic that all

[@paulwindisch1423]

Ray, I know you are/were a GM guy, but if you have any questions about that Cadillac, feel free to ask me. 🙂 Also, the bottom chain ONLY drives the intermediate gear that drives the chains for the left and right bank. The oil pump is driven by a drive sleeve that gets pinched between the crank pulley and the timing gear. CRANK PULLEY BOLT TORQUE IS CRITICAL!!! You are so close! Pull the engine off the trans and completely reseal the bottom end. I can see it still has the factory crank case half seals in it, they are the orange rectangles visible from the timing cover gasket face, one on each side at the crankshaft center line. Do as I described in the comments of your previous video on this engine and it will be leak free for many many miles! You will have to pull off the oil pump to separate the case halves (three 13mm bolts). Also replace the oil manifold, which is sandwiched between the oil pan and the lower case half. If/when you replace the rear main seal, be sure to use some liquid teflon sealant on the flex plate bolts. They pass all the way through the crank into the oil side. It's not pressurized there, but it can leak through the bolt threads if sealant isn't used on the bolts.

[@scott.koopmann]

Yeah, what Paul said.👍 I worked as a gm tech during the Northstar era. Usually, the main oil leak on high mileage units (100k+ miles) were the block-half seals. And keep in mind these engines are MOST famous for head gasket failure. But as Paul said, if resealed properly, they can be very nice engines.

[@yohannwilkerson6058]

This man Northstars. Or more likely, USED to Northstar. Either way. Oh, and you'll have to torque the snot outta that front pulley to have oil pressure. The clamping force on from the pulley onto the oil pump is all that drives it.

[@ginog5037]

​@@scott.koopmannThat will happen in 3 months Paul. Endless money pit...

[@stevenwinfield9877]

I'd pay good money to have this mans patience. Also his expertise.

[@user-yx7ds7wy8g]

I know exactly what you're saying! Luckily, I have such a mechanic down here in Lee County (80 miles south of Ray). I've been going to my guy ever since 2008, when it became too difficult to do my own repairs. Skill sets like Rays are rare in techs as young as he is. It comes from a lifetime (including childhood) of an obsession with machinery, coupled with a natural yearning to "See how it works". Put the two together, and you have a professional for sure.

[@forgetfulme1719]

he makes thousands on this 'patient'.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Expertise can be learned, and patience can either be learned or faked. If you successfully fake patience in your life, only your dentist and cardiologist will know.

[@REDBIRD-95]

@ 38:49 one of the halves of the clamshell is backwards. Have a great weekend, Ray👍

[@57dent]

Ray, in your conversation with Dave regarding finding the part you've saved for 52 years you forgot to complete your sentence . . "If you need it bad enough you will find it. . .shortly after you take delivery of its replacement!

[@michaelpressman7203]

I'm a pack rat,but when I need to fix something around I find what I need in my garage

[@billmurray4895]

Thank you for fixing another rolling Exxon Valdez. Love the work ethic.

[@Bystander333]

Lol, a bit of an exaggeration but funny.

[@JPennDotCom]

That engine was so clean inside because it used the consta-flow oil change method. Bad oil squirts out, add fresh oil to replace. I had a buddy who had one of these. Every time he would pull into a gas station he would tell the attendant to fill it up with oil and check the gas.

[@michaelpressman7203]

Find a gas station where a guy will come out & look under the hood

[@lou-fcb5529]

Wow I'm old! Replacing a valve cover gasket on my 64 Impala was so simple back in my day! Ha Ha

[@garyv8104]

I had one of those too, but I became a water pump expert, had to replace it twice 😂

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Ahhhh, the good old days when cork gaskets kept the oil in for a couple years at a time. Thank goodness they were easy! ;)

[@michaelpressman7203]

I had a 67 2 door fastback.4 bolts you were done 😂

[@nonyabiz2777]

Right!! The days of being able to sit comfortably in the engine bay and work are gone. We used to remove the smog pump and all the rest of the garbage. Now a days you can barely change the oil without a scan tool.

[@samishiikihaku]

Good Lord... and here I was thinking i'd help out my step-mom by fixing some oil leaks on her cadilliac with a northstar... thanks ray! you saved me some bs!

[@FatdaddysGarage]

I’m all for replacing the rear main and the pan gasket. And fixing the broken bolt. I am one of those guys that would rather replace it while it is out of the car.

[@Just_Mike_A]

If you don't, it WILL be a comeback.

[@ginog5037]

Not to worry it will come back for head gaskets, endless money pit...

[@user-wt1dj4ev5x]

Look man, you invited us!! Complete strangers into your world. You take yo time and do your thang!! I’m happy that I have the privilege of learning from you and pulling for you!!! Kaplgh!!

[@IR-nq4qv]

Ray: We got a leak here, we got a leak there, there's another leak over here and two more leaks under there oh and a leak back there....essentially we're going to put gaskets in a basket. guy 1: man that sure leaks a lot of oil.. guy 2: yeah but it rides like a Cadillac, This is definitely the best neatest, cleanest course of action to approach these issues. Good job Dave and Ray, two thumbs up!

[@MrSloika]

You mean next to sending this thing to a junkyard? Where it belongs.

[@Ghauster]

@@MrSloika It's a Cadillac. They don't send them to the junk yard even after the Admiral decided it would drive threw a flooded road. Of course I watched it sit on a used car lot for the next 7 years.

[@barrymarshall1324]

a match would fix this damn thing.

[@golf25radioman]

I wondered why that Northstar engine was never modified or used in other applications, now I know. What a difficult engine to work on. I sure hope those starters are done well. I've seen other engine designs since I've been wandering around KZbin's various videos, and this one ranks right up there. VW & Audi also have some too. I hope your customer allows you to do that rear main/pan gasket (and broken bolt) during this. It would be a shame to find a leak from them after all this work. Thanks for another great video. I look forward to the following ones on this.

[@jimburgess9205]

You’ve got a great attitude working on these cars. I admire that.

[@clbcl5]

10:50....Ray has a Deja vu moment reverting back to a certain Chevy Pickup and a ..."Might as well" moment.

[@billquillin1952]

Well. Since we own a 2002 DeVille, I find this video highly informative! And terrifying!

[@ginog5037]

Get rid of it, endless money pit...

[@mjac8373]

I had the famous "O-ring replacement job done one a 1998 DeVille and I forget what year two-door Eldorado. Both performed very well after that. The DeVille had 300 hp and got consistent 30 mpg on trips. Great car for long distance travel and ran like a r---ped ape. : -) . Had no idea how complex the engine and repair was. OMG glad I was a carpenter and not a mechanic. Ray you are the G.O.A.T. far as I'm concerned. Thanks for posting this project.

[@donw3912]

Thanks Ray...yet another car never to buy...or work on if a friend should ever get one. What a royal PITA. That crossover bit is a helluva pisspoor design I think was done just to piss mechanics off. I totally admire your patience and efforts...the customer is super lucky to have you working on his rig given you do things right and don't leave things mickey moused. High fives to you guys!!

[@larrykittell726]

First, you show you know your way around PT Cruisers. Now you're working on a Cadillac Northstar. You sure do love working on orphan engines!

[@robertbelk2390]

This is why I like the old school engines. They're so easy to work on you can almost do it blindfolded.

[@jamesnichols4280]

Now I understand why labor costs are so high on repairs. These engineers make them so hard to get things apart. Good work Ray!

[@skismosis]

LOL i started shaking my head as soon as i saw this engine sitting on the floor, no way i would challenge this, i am from the old school days of the chevy v8 350 small block , they were a lot more simple to fix.

[@ken2tou]

Ray, I don’t mind the repairs being posted in sequence. I’d rather see the entire project, before moving onto another. It’s just the way my mind works after a career in engineering. Don’t get me wrong, I could multitask, working on as many a 30 projects at a time. But, however you chose to share your videos, is entirely up to you. I’ll keep watching, nonetheless. You picked a doozie with this NorthStar. Pandora’s box is an apt description! I had a ‘96 STS in ‘98. It is a fabulous running engine when working right. Burying the starter behind the water pump is just insane! This design is the poster child for planned obsolescence!

[@legionofanon]

Which is worse, starter behind the water pump or under the intake?

[@ken2tou]

Another very poor design. I long for the day when one could replace a starter roadside, with a wrench and a couple of simple tools. Did it more than once over the years. They’re a highly wearable item. I can hear the chuckles in the engineering lab when they made these decisions.

[@jostouw4366]

That's the thing with us engineers we do things in a series of steps, The hard part is deciding the order of those steps.

[@ginog5037]

Hence why Ken most of these turds are off the road. They will never be running classics...

[@philipershler420]

This video is proof positive that there was a competition at Cadillac to design the most difficult to repair engine in history. The need to pull the intake manifold off to replace the starter is certainly the crowning achievement. 😂

[@MrSloika]

Other brands have the same starter design as well water cooled alternators (like this pile of crap), etc. The diff is that other brands don't need to have those things changed for a couple hundred thousand miles and 4.6 needs constant replace, like it's a regular maintenance item.

[@philipershler420]

Well then, the engine should be designed with zippers. 😜

[@firstlast---]

No one says anything about Toyota who had the exact same design

[@ayryz1]

@@MrSloika My 2002 with 250,000 miles still has the original starter that works as well as the day it was new, same with the alternator.

[@ginog5037]

GM engineers play the dare game. I dare you to make cheapest part that will take forever to fix...

[@xXDarthBagginsXx]

I feel your pain, but enjoy watching someone else have to endure the strugglebus that is a Northstar repair.

[@markamcampbell5795]

just be glad those captured bolts didn't snap off.

[@jdub976]

Been noticing seems to be a trend lately remove engine re seal and repair keep driving. I work a good job work usually between 60-70 hours a week and there is no way I am buying anything 60-70k for a new car. And on that note if people keep paying prices like that what next is 100k for a new car? Sorry these prices are more than what I put down on my house. No car is worth those prices for the everyday user. Thank you for the video.

[@daveduncan9005]

So much for using the term 'Cadillac' to mean quality.

[@takeahikeforlife]

I always wonder if there are ever any automotive engineers watching these videos. At the very least, I think this should be required viewing for all automotive engineering students

[@Just_Mike_A]

Viewing? Make them DO it.

[@takeahikeforlife]

Engineers getting their hands dirty? Perish the thought!

[@InCountry6970]

(3:38) Wrong ! I don't care what you produce, I love your videos and narrative. Keep them coming.

[@evaman1000]

While you have the engine out might as well upgrade the head bolts to head studs because the head bolts are the weakest link on the Northstar V8's.

[@user-yo1db9yb5b]

The KZbin channel “The Car Wizard” has a video about replacing the head bolts with studs with a kit of all of the parts to make the change. He believes it makes the engine bulletproof.

[@MrSloika]

@@user-yo1db9yb5b Car Wizard is a moron.

[@ayryz1]

The early models used the dreaded fine thread head bolts that caused the notorious leaks. The newer version used coarse thread bolts and had very little issue with that. The stud conversion is indeed a valid fix and very effective.

[@theax40]

​@@user-yo1db9yb5bNorthstar Performance has the kit

[@frankl.5153]

I think Dave is an excellent addition to your business/shop. DAVE! 👍

[@craigcraigster4999]

You know Dave is a fantastic addition to Ray's family business just by the little things he does that easily go unnoticed, such as repositioning the drain pan when Ray loosened that front cover so that Ray wouldn't end up with a coolant foot bath. The other little thing Dave did was pull the engine. 😆

[@frankl.5153]

It's like we can read each others mind.@@craigcraigster4999

[@lucymc0191]

What can we say ray ....your knowledge is so advanced ...its a pleasure to watch a true professional at work .....thank you....give dave a mention too as he plays an important part of your process also ......

[@sherndon1234]

I remember those engines. Nobody wanted to work on them. Even at the dealership😅

[@garyalford9394]

Starter would have to be brand new, before going to all that trouble to replace it! And bench tested !

[@ginog5037]

That's pretty bad when the Stealerships declines repairs on their turds...

[@joshuageiger2994]

Nice anchor you got there Ray. Originally a Oldsmobile R&D unit. These things were getting pushed on boaters for marine use a while back. Come to find out they could double as an anchor. Don't even have to worry about draining the fluids. Chances are, they're are already gone. Keep up the good vids and good luck.

[@randybeard6040]

Lol....

[@forgetfulme1719]

that oil confused oil exploration result in ocean.

[@wenghiskhan3084]

Ray, we know the real reason you make these videos is so it's less weird when you talk to yourself in the shop. We all do it, you have an excuse. Love the channel.

[@jthonn]

Many folks will not put all that effort into an 18 year old vehicle. If it is in real good shape and with the price of new cars, it starts to make sense. Nice work Ray. Too bad it's not like the old ones, you could put a 350 kit in it and call it a day.

[@adotintheshark4848]

this has only 45k miles too, definitely worth refurbishing.

[@gilbertotrevisan6538]

Look for excessive blowby or clogged crankcase ventilation which can lead to oil being expelled through the seals and gaskets...

[@frankbiz]

I think the engineers were on LSD when they designed that engine. Ray, you have the patience of Job.

[@gregshook1472]

I saw the $$$ when it 1st came in. Customer must really love his Northstar, make him proud Ray.

[@briandeschene8424]

This Caddy fixed up is probably money better spent than what it costs to buy new to replace it considering what little value you get for your money with new cars today.

[@forgetfulme1719]

he knew customer's infatuation so he got his feet wet by making it run smooth first then customer would be willing to sink deeper.and made more $.

[@MrSloika]

Ray is probably doing this at a deep discount for the entertainment value. IRL no would would pay the full freight to repair one of these turds.

[@forgetfulme1719]

maybe the owner has sweet memories with spouse in that car?@@MrSloika

[@ginog5037]

​@MrSloika Agree what a waste of time, energy, and money? Ray will find out that 1 little part isn't available anymore and the kacking begins.

[@billgraff4809]

A friend was a top Goodwrench tech at a Cadillac/Buick/Chevy dealership back in the heyday of the Northstar V-8. He spent more time ranting about hatred for those engines than anything else. He quit to become an instructor at Wyotech in Blairsville, Pa then left there the run a Meinekei.

[@gcrauwels941]

The dreaded Northstar. They leak worse than the old Driptroit Diesels. Great starter placement too.

[@4literpowered]

Might as well replace the starter while the intake is off, because as soon as it gets back together, that starter will fail.

[@garyalford9394]

Only buy new of course and have it bench tested would never trust that parts store crap !!

[@Just_Mike_A]

I got out of this line of work in 1990.. this video makes me happy about that decision all over again.

[@crasher88]

to do a proper reseal of those Northstar engines is to do exactly as your doing. Pull the engine and put it on a stand. The only way to make sure that upper oil pan is seal properly and not leak is to have the engine upside down on a stand and let it sit over night before putting oil back in it.

[@user-wn8mg2jh1d]

What a nightmare of an Engine too work on. And then you get some Mechanics that do the bare minimum or as I call shoddy work. Ray keep doing you AWESOME Work ethics .

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

The one good thing about this engine is, they stopped producing it a dozen+ years ago

[@nonyabiz2777]

How nice it is to have video evidence of the work being done on our vehicles from the mechanic. Bravo sir nice work.

[@davelas8465]

Great engine Ray. Other than the many fluid leaks, the biggest problem is leaky head gaskets. That is caused by too small/incorrect pitched head bolts. There is a kit available to fix this flaw but it is quite extensive. Good luck fixing this engine. Thanks for the video

[@chesterdraws7144]

Dave is a great worker. I hope you are looking after him

[@mikenicholson2548]

Ray, sometime, could you explain to young people getting into your trade about the pros and cons as a starting mechanic about what they should start with for tools and your thoughts on their true wants and needs. For example, do they need all snap-on, for example, or is it just as good to start cheaper to get going. Would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

[@hotpuppy1]

If it doesn't have the head bolt upgrade, you should have it done to prevent head gasket problems. Once that is done, it should last a LONG time.

[@mikeh6876]

Fascinating video. I do have 2 observations................ 1. I do not know what this repair is going to cost. Owner must really like this Caddy as resale is between 2K and 12K 2. I am surprised that you did not move the engine outside, spray with Purple Power and then power wash. Seems it would have been a lot easier to work on. Love the way you explain to your viewers what you are doing. Anyone watching would learn a lot.

[@forgetfulme1719]

will be cited by Florida EPA for tens of thousands polluting the lake.

[@MrSloika]

$12K?? Oh, sweet summer child. I doubt Ray charged the owner full freight for this repair. It's probably a charity case done in exchange for making the video.

[@Thisoldhiker]

My guess is that labor will be at least 40 hours.

[@forgetfulme1719]

Ray can go on vacation for a month after this seal and reseal job.@@Thisoldhiker

[@wolfgangweber9924]

That's an unbelievable 3 D puzzle! - I like my 4 cylinder engine a whole lot better now.

[@Thisoldhiker]

If FWD V6s were a bad idea, FWD V8s were a worse one.

[@quadvloggs6876]

I know what vehicle ill never buy, for something that has such little miles on it and it having so many leaks already is crazy and the fact that it is just a ridiculous amount of work to take car of some leaks is unreal

[@MikeNocosia]

Yes repair our older cars. So much better than new cars 😊

[@J.JMcClure-wc9yh]

We know Norhstars are problematic. If the Customer is willing. I believe it’s worth a refreshing. I do know they make longer bolts and better gaskets for the heads. I applaud you Customer for keeping this survivor. Looks good!

[@MrRupus2020]

Transmission will fail next. Usually turbine shaft seals on the side cover will wear and cause converter slip codes

[@royanderson1429]

Yup turns four speed into a Three speed.

[@GeneralSulla]

Engineer: "Engine might be too complicated". Marketing: "Nah, they'll still buy it"! Bean Counter: "Ship it"!

[@forgetfulme1719]

Ray: gravy

[@ginog5037]

Customer: " It's shiny!"

[@carlmaruyama6863]

My brother was part owner in a Cadillac/GM auto repair shop. He said working Cadillacs was a PITA. Every new generation or engine changes needed in service training and the purchase of new tools that are only usable for that one part of the engine. Many times the shop had to refer the customer back to the dealer because the shop would loose money on the repair.

[@braveworld2707]

Around the 28 minute mark Dave saw the coolant flowing out and went and moved the tray underneath to catch it better. He's a smart proactive guy. Nice one Dave! 👍👍👍👍

[@user-gd8gb4le8q]

Ah Yes the famous GM engineering mess ! > We'll put this part here ,just because ! Won't be us wrenching on it 🤣🤣

[@MrSloika]

No. They are designed TO BE CHEAP TO MANUFACTURE. It only has to last long enough to get through the warranty period. After that they DON'T CARE.

[@ginog5037]

​@@MrSloikaHence why they have no value out of warranty...

[@LOOMIS1638]

Hey Jerry I’ll be out that way soon for my tools. Yes. We all watch this show at 6am

[@michaelrominger3032]

Do your self and the customer a favor and replace the oil distribution plate above the upper oil pan. If it’s not leaking now it will leak soon. Good luck

[@davidfarrish9000]

Great to see Dave getting involved. Great video as always Ray. I live close to you on 30th Ave w.

[@TimfromAlabama]

Perfect time to LS swap it. All those parts you took off and I would have no idea what went where 5 minutes later, 100% respect for you being able to pull it apart and put it back together without a whole box of extra parts and bolts...lol. Good luck. Cheers.

[@therealswarvey]

Yes, just what the world needs, *another* ls swap 🙄

[@garyalford9394]

They seem to be great motors !!@@therealswarvey

[@ayryz1]

@@pietmondrianstudent6984 It actually is possible, using all factory parts. The Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS from that era used the 5.3 with the 4T80. It has to be the front drive version though because many components were altered to fit under the hood with the transaxle.

[@davidhomen4528]

I still laugh when A-Rod says "HAHOOO look who that guy is."

[@turboturtle9083]

I thought that was Troy

[@joshuamerrill2422]

Thanks for the video on the reseal. I love videos like this

[@williamsquires3070]

(@22:54) - “Eat your heart out, I Do Cars!” ROTFL! Yeah, that guy has the WORST luck pulling the dipping sticks out! 😆

[@Torsee]

I thought NorthStar motors were considered junk at this point. The car itself isn’t worth the time and labor, if you went to trade it. This owner must LOVE this car. Change the starter while you’re there.

[@Mr.E419]

They hold their value. We have on 07 with 80k on our lot. Asking price is 12k. Believe it or not these vehicles have a following

[@Torsee]

@@Mr.E419 As I said you have to love that car design.

[@MrSloika]

@@Mr.E419 $12K? Sure. BTW, I've got a rainbow colored unicorn that craps cotton candy.

[@patrickreynolds801]

Better do the head bolt repair while your there and the upper pan reseal.

[@forgetfulme1719]

he knows that will be 2nd engine drop in the future.

[@jjeffrey6945]

Amazing all the special tools you have to preform your work. I thought I had a nice collection after 73 years but you smoked me. Nice work Ray👍👌

[@topgazza]

An engine designed with zero maintenance procedures in mind. Incredible But what a great video. One of favourites among so many favourites

[@mrgunn2726]

Wow, this looks like an EXPENSIVE repair, we are almost at the point of getting a brand new engine.

[@jamessmoth8683]

I wonder if there is an LS swap option, lol

[@forgetfulme1719]

customer at the end will let him lien the car.

[@ayryz1]

A reman engine is around $5000 not including labor, usually around 1500 or so depending on the shop. This job will likely be around 2500-3000 after all is said and done

[@jeffreyjohnson8212]

Those Northstar engines leak something fierce, including head gaskets and block halves in the earlier models…expensive to repair…as such, don’t see this era of Caddies on the road much. Looking forward to these videos!

[@forgetfulme1719]

head gasket will be the 3rd time customer pays.

[@hangman396]

You have my sympathy on dealing with that... I hated working on the North Star Cadillac platform...

[@innesm]

Thank you Ray for another great video. I am eagerly looking forward to the next part. I don’t care if your videos are one hour or two hours. They are very educational, interesting and great entertainment. I would rather watch one of your long videos than watch a twenty minute video. Keep up the amazing videos.

[@orsonwells7997]

One overheated on the road in front of my house. Saw the Northstar badges all over it as I walked up to it to offer help. The kid driving it had just bought it and thought he got a good deal. The smell of cooking oil and hot antifreeze was overwhelming. Kid said he didn't know what could be the problem and I pointed to the Northstar badge and said there's your problem.

[@MrSloika]

Kid learned a rough lesson. Caveat emptor. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

[@orsonwells7997]

Kinda felt sorry for him for a little while then he asked me for a ride to the dope store. Told him good luck with your new car.@@MrSloika

[@ayryz1]

Generally an easy fix on these- unclog the crossover coolant hose from the hollow bolt to the reservoir and they are usually good to go. A stuck thermostat and failed cooling fans/sensors can also be an issue

[@markujcich4245]

With such tight access and a big list of fixes, I'm surprised its not done more. The owner needs to love the car. The car nut drops engines quite a bit but... they are beloved Toyota's.

[@brianwintermute9551]

Every engineer that designs engines should always be required to do a complete tear down and rebuild of their design bc score it goes into full production.

[@Just_Mike_A]

IN car

[@TheRange7]

I had a new 2000 Sedan Deville with the Northstar. I think it was the best engine I ever had in a car. I had the car for 3 years and never had an issue. I leased it as opposed to buying it, thus why I only had it 3 years. The car was amazingly fast for a land yacht. Great riding vehicle as well. I am kind of jealous that the owner of this one is putting all this dough into it. I'd love to have mine back. It was the same color as this car and looked great. People who knock the Northstar never drove a car with one. They were monster engines and smooth as silk. Yeah, I know about the issues, but I got lucky. Not a single even minor issue.

[@jbell987]

Be easier to list what wasN’T leaking.

[@tonya3872]

Poor Car Will Never Be Same Again

[@Mrdugan5269]

The spark plugs didnt seem to be leaking

[@nemesismcc]

That would probably be list of 1x8 spark plugs lol

[@ponycar351w]

@@Mrdugan5269 Nice! However, Ray already replaced those. As he would probably say, they may have been leaking electrons. . .

[@Toddscamry-lk5wr]

@@tonya3872pos when new

[@npsit1]

Even though there appear to be some changes, my 1997 Northstar had all the same leaks. It still has a few, but I replaced all the gaskets a few years ago and it's okayish. There is still oil pushing through the oil pressure sending unit, but it's a huge pain in the butt to replace and I haven't wanted to tackle it yet.

[@dussreynolds2992]

Do you know why the hp dropped so much we have a 99 deville and a 06 DTS and the old girl deville will get up and leave the DTS in the dust. Its funny still have the window sticker the 99 and it was 41284 dollars we bought it new

[@FortWorthMobileMechanic]

Your braver than I am when I get a Northstar I tell the customer no not doing it lol

[@MrSloika]

This was done for clicks. No one in his right mind would actually spend money on one of these turds.

[@baanjones5910]

Once all the seals are replaced, the caddy will have more power. I’m still amazed with what you do Ray in each video. Wow!!

[@ginog5037]

It all comes down to money. Do you really think Ray is charging full price on this train wreck...

[@baanjones5910]

@@ginog5037 hope he is.

[@PSB-900]

Your skills are amazing Ray but I'm wondering how a small shop like yours can take on such a huge job like this and put aside smaller ones that are more profitable. Regular customers to an extent have a priority IMHO. Be well Ray!

[@randybeard6040]

Hours to do any job as per shop manuals, small or large equates to how much labor is paid...

[@fivefortyeye540i]

You tell the customer about the head bolts on these particular engines?

[@wexysexy6942]

That's what I'm wondering!

[@bluedog4286]

G'day from Aussieland, many years ago my friend and I used to race a Mini Cooper S which we had expanded to 1320 cc of four cylinder fury - massive fun. The first order of work before we did any work was remove the engine - good to see intelligent practices returning.......enjoy your work and humour immensely.

[@stans5270]

I never took apart a major project until I got all the parts in front of me. It was bad enough reverse engineering taking it apart, but when you come back to a major project after 4-6 days waiting for parts, only to find another part needs to be ordered for assembly, that's when mistakes are made.

[@wexysexy6942]

Aren't these motors prone to major head gasket issues due to the head bolt threads coming undone? I don't think pulling this motor to fix all of this is worth it unless you are going to dig down and do the head gaskets while you have the motor out. I mean you are 95% of the way there, might as well address the head gaskets/bolt issue while it's all apart.

[@roberttexas3618]

Wow what a nightmare of an engine 47k miles and all the failures in gaskets what an engineering disaster!

[@MrSloika]

These engines were some of the worst to come out of Detroit.

[@lightcapmath2777]

Such passion. Determination with confidence. Watching this video reminds me of when i changed the water pump on my 1998 chevy malilbu (150K mils). Engine in car, craftsmanship is what it take as well as knowledge and confidence. Best to your family Ray. DVD:)

[@fanofoldfans9238]

This just makes me realize how much I would hate working on a Northstar! Great follow along video.

[@clbcl5]

In the immortal words of Adam Savage.....WELL, THERE'S YOUR PROBLEM.

[@macgeek2112]

Northstar... drag it all to the dumpster!

[@joskd8491]

I love how Dave fits in this team. And this Caddilac is a horrorstory to work on

[@user-pf6sn8rd2l]

What an absolute nightmare! I always thought the Northstar Cadillacs were beautiful, and wondered why you could pick up a pristine example for less than two grand. Thanks, Ray, for explaining why I can't possibly afford one, at any price! You have much more patience than we mere mortals! Starter inside the engine....Sheesh!!!